Solid waste management through the application of AI and ICT: a systematic literature review

Solid waste management (SWM) poses a major global challenge with significant environmental implications. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and information and communication technology (ICT) has emerged as a promising solution to revolutionise waste management practices. This systematic literature review, which examines the application of AI and ICT in SWM over the past 5 years (2018–2023) and analyses 152 research papers, explores their integration at various stages. In the production phase, AI-driven predictive models have outperformed traditional methods, improving waste forecasting accuracy and facilitating recycling initiatives. In waste collection, AI and ICT enable real-time route optimisation, dynamic scheduling, and sensor-based monitoring, enhancing service delivery while reducing operational costs. Furthermore, AI-powered technologies have revolutionised waste sorting, precisely identifying and segregating recyclables from mixed waste streams, thereby increasing recycling rates and alleviating the burden on landfills. The article also identifies the constraints and challenges associated with these technologies and discusses potential strategies to address them. The main objective of this review is to provide guidance to SWM researchers interested in utilising these technologies within their field. In addition, it aims to enrich the ongoing conversation about sustainable waste management by offering insights into current practices and future trends.