Refuse to resource technologies for waste conversion into biofuel for greener future

Current energy needs, which mainly depend on irreversible and olfactory processes and depend on non-renewable fossil fuels, are accelerating ecological damage and climate change, making the shift to renewable energy sources more urgent. This systematic review provides insights into the feasibility of biofuels, production technologies, and their future potential as sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Our analysis reveals new links in cost-saving areas of biofuel technology that were previously isolated within individual academic disciplines, offering technological, economic, and environmental benefits to the biofuel community. A key focus is on reducing costs through advances in waste valorization for biofuel production and improving industrial-scale efficiency to meet rising energy demands. Among the technologies examined, biogas stands out as the most developed, scalable, and environmentally integrated biofuel, supported by favorable EROI values. Biogas potential is particularly high in agricultural settings for integration with growing systems, or as part of waste-to-energy initiatives. Our recommendations aim to assist policymakers, energy companies, and researchers in optimizing production technologies, leading to more cost-effective biofuels and aligning policies with economic realities to accelerate adoption. They also lay the groundwork for targeted investments and innovations that will make biofuels a cleaner, more sustainable energy source, provided that production pathways prioritize environmental protection, responsible land use, and low-carbon technologies. This review compiles existing technologies and analyzes the relationship between waste valorization efficiency, EROI, and environmental sustainability.