Smart Waste Management in Rapidly Urbanizing Emerging Economies: Technological Adaptation, Institutional Barriers, and Community-Led Innovations

Abstract:

Emerging economies are experiencing unprecedented urbanization, with 60% of the global urban population growth projected to occur in Africa and Asia by 2050. This growth has outpaced waste management infrastructure, leading to informal dumping, public health crises, and resource loss. Smart Waste Management (SWM) offers potential solutions, but its implementation in low- and middle-income contexts is hindered by technological mismatch, governance gaps, and limited community engagement. This study presents a comparative analysis of SWM initiatives in three rapidly urbanizing cities—Lagos (Nigeria), Santiago (Chile), and Mumbai (India)—spanning 2018–2023. Using mixed methods including longitudinal case studies, participatory action research, and life cycle costing, we evaluate: (1) the adaptation of SWM technologies to local resource constraints; (2) institutional barriers to scaling, including policy fragmentation and funding mechanisms; (3) the role of community-based organizations (CBOs) and informal waste workers in co-designing solutions; and (4) environmental and socio-economic impacts over a 5-year horizon. Findings reveal that contextually adapted SWM—combining low-cost sensors, mobile-based monitoring, and informal sector integration—reduces waste collection inefficiencies by 40–55% and greenhouse gas emissions by 22–38% compared to conventional systems. However, success depends on tailored policy frameworks, micro-financing models for small-scale operators, and digital literacy programs. The study proposes a "Modular SWM Framework" that balances technological innovation with local capacities, emphasizing incremental scaling and inclusive governance. These insights contribute to filling the knowledge gap in SWM implementation strategies for emerging economies, where urbanization rates outpace institutional development.