Comparative analysis of machine learning and conventional methods for waste generation forecasting

The escalating complexity of waste management systems, driven by rapid environmental and socio-economic shifts, necessitates the development of robust multi-parameter waste generation prediction models. Conventional forecasting methods such as system dynamics, time series, and linear regression have been widely utilized; however, they often fail to fully capture the nuanced dynamics of waste generation, which is influenced by various seasonal and demographic factors. Artificial intelligence (AI) models have emerged as alternative predictors that perform advanced computational techniques to generate accurate forecasts. Despite the extensive research conducted, few review articles have assessed the feasibility of utilizing multiple prediction methods for different waste streams. None has comprehensively assessed and compared the various prediction methods for different waste streams. This review summarizes and analyzes the prediction methodologies implemented for different waste types. This systematic literature review compiles 119 articles from 2000-2024. A thorough analysis of AI-based models and a summary of the most influential explanatory variables were provided. The review indicates a predominant focus on municipal waste, with considerable gaps in the forecasting of construction and medical waste streams. System dynamics models were found to excel in strategic waste management planning but can be complex to calibrate and validate. Time series and regression analyses, while useful for identifying trends and relationships, often failed to adapt to rapid or unpredictable changes. Alternatively, machine learning algorithms offer robust capabilities for modeling complex and nonlinear data, although they require substantial data quality and are prone to overfitting. It is concluded that a combined hybrid approach is recommended, leveraging the strengths of different methods to provide more accurate waste generation forecasts. The critical analyses presented can offer insights to decision-makers in the waste management sector by providing key aspects concerning the efficiency and limitations of these predictors. • 119 research articles, published between 2000 and 2024, were systematically reviewed • Four approaches for predicting waste generation were critically analyzed • AI models yielded more accurate results compared to traditional methods • ANN and SVM were the most widely used for forecasting waste generation • Socio-economic factors were the most correlated with waste generation