Application of Digital Technology in Waste Management

Waste management is the first step in creating habitable and sustainable cities. For many developing countries and cities, however, it remains a difficulty and an unmitigated risk. Increasing the use of digital technologies is critical in the transition from trash management to more sustainable materials management. Such technologies increase recycling by allowing companies to employ recyclates more easily, allowing consumers to make better purchasing and sorting decisions, and boosting trash sourcing alternatives for recyclers. The majority of advanced digitalization in waste management and treatment is still in the early stages of development. New business models are emerging, including waste e-trading platforms, waste-specific software, and business analytics. Digital technologies can be found at every stage of the waste management process, and some are already in use. The waste management sector's digital transformation should be coordinated with efforts to make greater use of digital technology in the development of a circular economy.