APPLICATION OF OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES IN THE RECYCLING SECTOR: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Optimization techniques are vital for improving the operations of collection and recycling processes, reduction of waste and enhancement of recoverable resources. Recycling plays a significant role and optimization processes are essential for improving recycling efficiency. In this sense, these techniques assist in planning the best collection route, sorting method and resource distribution by applying mathematical models and algorithms. In recycling, optimization can help to choose the methods of processing materials, energy consumption and cost reduction. This study aims to identify the development, trends and research gaps related to the application of optimization techniques in the recycling sector. A bibliometric analysis was performed on 499 Scopus-indexed documents that have been published from 1978 to 2024. The key bibliometric methods used include citation analysis, co-authorship analysis, network analysis and performance analysis. The analysis shows that optimization in the recycling documents was generated from engineering and environmental science research. Journal of Cleaner Production is the source with the highest number of publications and citations. The countries contributing the most to this body of literature are China, followed by the United States. This paper contributes to an understanding of the research landscape, key influential works and collaboration networks in the application of optimization techniques in recycling.