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2025 School of Engineering and Applied Sciences EURASIAN EXPERIMENT JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING

Emerging Technologies in Waste Management

Tukamuhebwa Richard

The escalating volume and complexity of waste, driven by rapid urbanization and industrial growth, have underscored the urgent need for innovative waste management strategies. This paper examines the landscape of emerging technologies transforming waste management, including waste-to-energy (WtE) systems, smart waste collection networks, advanced recycling innovations, and sustainable materials management. It assesses the potential of techniques like pyrolysis, gasification, IoT-enabled bins, and AIdriven sorting systems to address pressing challenges in waste recovery, pollution mitigation, and resource circularity. Drawing on case studies and life cycle assessments, it evaluates the environmental, economic, and policy implications of these technologies. The paper concludes by highlighting pathways for integrating technical advances into municipal systems, promoting stakeholder collaboration, and supporting low-carbon development goals. These innovations present a critical opportunity to transition from traditional waste disposal to holistic, data-driven, and sustainable materials management systems globally.