Global Waste Valorization and Circular Transitions: A Systematic Review and Critical Synthesis of Technologies, Scalability, and Implementation Gaps

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Article Type: Review Article
Issue: Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026)
Published: 27 May 2026
Pages: 56-78

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Sk, M. M. (2026). Global Waste Valorization and Circular Transitions: A Systematic Review and Critical Synthesis of Technologies, Scalability, and Implementation Gaps. Global Waste Valorization, 2(1), 56-78. https://doi.org/10.65773/gwv.2.1.159

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Authors

Md Mainul Sk *
Department of Geography, Rajendra University, Balangir, Odisha, India

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and escalating consumption have accelerated solid waste generation, precipitating severe landfill methane emissions, environmental contamination, and resource depletion, while empirical valorization research remains fragmented across disparate technological pathways and jurisdictions. Adhering to the PRISMA 2020 framework, this study conducted a systematic review and bibliometric mapping of the Scopus database (2018–2025), synthesizing 540 macro-landscape publications alongside 46 core empirical investigations appraised via Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) criteria and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) categorization. Scientific output expanded rapidly at a compound annual growth rate of 30.34%, led by Italy (n=84), China (n=62), and the United States (n=61). However, profound spatial inequalities persist: the Global North accounts for 70.93% of scientific output, leaving high-burden developing regions acutely under-researched. The thematic landscape centers on mixed municipal solid waste (21.3%) and organic fractions (17.4%), primarily processed via composting (17.8%), anaerobic digestion (15.6%), and thermochemical routes (14.6%). Although biological conversion and landfill gas capture achieve reported methane diversion rates of 50–85%, critical structural deficits emerge: 89.3% of the literature remains confined to bench-scale trials (TRL 1–5), only 4.8% incorporates rigorous Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA), and circularity assertions frequently lack verified mass-balance or virgin-resource substitution proofs. Scalable industrial deployment is hindered by seasonal feedstock variability, parasitic thermal loads, secondary market price volatility, and uncoordinated policy frameworks. Consequently, this review establishes an empirical baseline, formulates a closed-loop conceptual framework, and delineates an actionable, multi-horizon strategic research agenda to advance scalable, circular, and climate-neutral waste-to-resource systems globally.

Keywords:
circular bioeconomy, municipal solid waste, resource recovery, technology readiness level, life cycle assessment, techno-economic feasibility, methane mitigation, industrial symbiosis

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References

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