Biowaste to bioenergy nexus: Fostering sustainability and circular economy.

Existing fossil-based commercial products present a significant threat to the depletion of global natural resources and the conservation of the natural environment. Also, the ongoing generation of waste is giving rise to challenges in waste management. Conventional practices for the management of waste, for instance, incineration and landfilling, emit gases that contribute to global warming. Additionally, the need for energy is escalating rapidly due to the growing populace and industrialization. To address this escalating desire in a sustainable manner, access to clean and renewable sources of energy is imperative for long-term development of mankind. These interrelated challenges can be effectively tackled through the scientific application of biowaste-to-bioenergy technologies. The current article states an overview of the strategies and current status of these technologies, including anaerobic digestion, transesterification, photobiological hydrogen production, and alcoholic fermentation which are utilized to convert diverse biowastes such as agricultural and forest residues, animal waste, and municipal waste into bioenergy forms like bioelectricity, biodiesel, bio alcohol, and biogas. The successful implementation of these technologies requires the collaborative efforts of government, stakeholders, researchers, and scientists to enhance their practicability and widespread adoption.

Monitoring landfill volatile organic compounds emissions by an uncrewed aerial vehicle platform with infrared and visible-light cameras, remote monitoring, and sampling systems.

An uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) platform equipped with dual imaging cameras, a gas sampling system, and a remote synchronous monitoring system was developed to sample and analyze volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from landfills. The remote synchronous monitoring system provided real-time video to administrators with specific permissions to assist in identifying sampling sites within extensive landfill areas. The sampling system included four kits capable of collecting samples from different locations during a single flight mission. Each kit comprised a 1 L Tedlar bag for measuring landfill VOC concentrations according to the TO-15 method prescribed by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The air sample was introduced into a Tedlar bag via pumping. A known volume of the sample was subsequently concentrated using a solid multisorbent concentrator. Following this, the sample underwent cold trap concentration and thermal desorption. The concentrated sample was then transferred to a chromatography-mass spectrometry system for separation and analysis. Since the anaerobic catabolism of organic waste is exothermic and emits VOCs, this study employed UAV thermal imaging to locate principal emission sources for sampling. Visible-light imaging helped identify newer or older landfill sections, aiding in the selection of appropriate sampling sites, particularly when surfaces were thermally disturbed by solar radiation. Field measurements were conducted under three meteorological conditions: sunny morning, cirrus morning, and thin cloud evening (2 h after sunset), identifying 119, 122, and 111 chemical species respectively. The sequence of total VOC concentrations measured correlated with the meteorological conditions as follows: cirrus morning > thin cloud evening > sunny morning. The results indicated that ambient temperature and global solar radiation significantly influenced daytime gas emissions from landfills. Evening thermal images, unaffected by solar heating, facilitated more accurate identification of major VOC emission points, resulting in higher VOC concentrations compared to those recorded in the sunny morning. VOCs from the landfill were categorized into nine organic groups: alkanes, alkenes, carbonyls, aromatics, alcohols, esters, ethers, organic oxides, and others. The classification was based on carbon-containing compounds (Cn, where the compound contains n carbon atoms). Alkanes were predominant in terms of Cn presence, followed by alcohols and carbonyls. Among the organic groups, organic oxides, particularly 2-heptyl-1,3-dioxolane, exhibited the highest concentrations, succeeded by alkenes. Sampling under cloudy conditions or in the evening is recommended to minimize the effects of surface temperature anomalies caused by solar radiation, which vary due to differences in land composition.

Identification of bacterial community in a rapid composting method using 16SrDNA genes sequencing.

Composting is a process of microbial degradation of organic waste and is commonly applied for waste management. This is a slow process and requires a lot of land and human resources. The present study investigated mechanical augmentation with required microbial culture for composting municipal solid waste (MSW). Thirty isolates were subjected to 16S rDNA PCR amplification and gene sequencing. The isolates' sequencing from the compost samples was processed on BLASTn. Fourteen strains were identified for further experiments. The results divulge that Empedobacter (04), Bacillus (02), Proteus (02), Lactiplantibacillus (01), Klebsiella (01), Citrobacter (01), Brevibacillus (01), E. coli (01) and one unidentified strain were growing during composting. Eleven combinations of bacterial consortium and respective additives were applied for the organic waste decomposition in the next stage, resulting in varied completion periods ranging from 3 to 14 days. Two combinations were completed within 3 days, which are considered ideal combinations for composting. The microbial consortium was significantly diverse, which is a reason for rapid biodegradation. The present study reveals that the technology will be highly feasible for municipal solid waste management in tropical/subtropical countries.

The importance of particularising the model to estimate landfill GHG emissions.

Methane generation in landfills can be estimated using mathematical models. One of the most widespread estimation models is that developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Despite its popularity, the simplicity that characterises this model markedly limits the possibility of representing operation alternatives, which can strongly impact surface emissions and hinder the introduction of local data that are sometimes available. In this study, the IPCC model was applied to a case study from which field data on gas emissions were available. To fit the model to the studied landfill conditions, a series of modifications were made, including changes in Degradable Organic Carbon (DOC) and methane generation rate constant (k) values, and degradation times for some waste fractions, and by considering leachate carbon and the inclusion of gas lateral migration phenomena or changes in the methane oxidation factor. The model's Final Version improved the fit of its Initial Version to the experimentally estimated values in the case study by more than 65%. Some modifications, such as considering the carbon dragged by leachate or the contour migration of gas, have a minor impact on the model's fit. However, changes in the degradation time of some fractions according to their particular pretreatment or the modification of parameter k in accordance with the moisture conditions in each landfill phase, strongly influence the model's results. This highlights the importance of particularising estimation models to achieve more accurate results, which allow better estimates of the efficiency of mitigation measures for landfill gas emissions in each facility.

Barriers to compulsory waste sorting for a circular economy in China.

Household waste source separation substantially reduces the amount of rubbish sent to landfills and incinerators. It enables value recovery from useful waste for transitioning to a more resource efficient and circular economy. Confronted by the severe waste management problems, China recently implemented its most strict compulsory waste sorting program in big cities to date. Despite the failures of waste sorting projects in China in the past, it is unclear what the implementation barriers are, how they interact, and how they can be overcome. This study addresses this knowledge gap through a systematic barrier study involving all the relevant stakeholders in Shanghai and Beijing. It uncovers the complex interrelationships between barriers using the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (Fuzzy DEMATEL) method. "Hasty and inappropriate planning" and "lack of policy support at the grassroots level", two new barriers that are not reported in the literature, are found to be the most influential barriers. Policy implications are discussed based on the study findings to inform the policy deliberations on the implementation of compulsory waste sorting.

Investigating municipal waste Kuznets curve for 22 OECD countries.

Treating waste as a resource can provide many social and economic benefits and develop policies accordingly. In this study, the relationship between municipal waste, income, human capital, material footprint, consumption and urban population is analyzed with panel data models within the framework of the Kuznets curve, using the data for the period of 1995 - 2018 for 22 OECD countries. Various economic, demographic and human variables that are thought to have an impact on municipal waste generation were added to the models created with cubic functional forms. The analysis results show that the relationship between municipal waste and income is inverted N-shaped. In line with expectations, the increase in human capital reduces the amount of waste per capita. The urbanization rate causes a higher increase in the amount of waste per capita compared to the population. Real consumption per capita and material footprint similarly have a positive effect on waste. The findings have calculated the first and second-order conditions for an inverted N-shaped relationship and verified that this relationship is mathematically valid.

Ecological and health risk assessment of heavy metals: a case study of residential waste sites in Umuahia, South-East Nigeria.

This study assessed the human health hazards and ecological risks of heavy metals from waste sites in residential vicinity. The heavy metals analyzed were Cr, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, and Zn. A total of 40 soil samples were collected from waste sites in two residential estates located in the urban and suburb areas of Umuahia, Abia state. Results revealed a trend in concentrations of the heavy metals for both sites in the following order: Cu > Ni > Zn > Cr > Cd > Pb. The concentrations of heavy metals were higher in rural soils than in urban soil. The contamination factor (CF) indices for Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn were less than 1 for both sites, signifying a low contamination scenario. The contamination factor for Cd (6 > CF) for both sites indicated a very high contamination status. The estimated degree of contamination (Cdeg) was less than the lower threshold of 8.0, denoting a low degree of contamination. Cd was the highest contributor to ecological risk with Er index value of 184.2 among measured heavy metals. The overall potential ecological risk index for urban and rural sites are 187.1 and 196.1 respectively, classifying the sites as moderate risk. The overall non-carcinogenic hazard index values (HI) for adults and children in urban and rural soils are 0.00248, 0.0198 and 0.0028, 0.0223 respectively, which are below the acceptable limit (HI < 1), indicating that the exposed residents are unlikely to experience any apparent adverse health hazards. However, children are more susceptible to non-carcinogenic hazards than adults in the study areas.

A case study of environmental pollution by pathogenic bacteria and metal(oid)s at Soran Landfill Site, Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

Environmental pollution is a serious issue all around the world, especially when it is caused by metal(oid)s and pathogenic microorganisms. This study reports here for the first time on the contamination of soil and water with metal(oid)s and pathogenic bacteria directly resulting from the Soran Landfill Site. Soran landfill is a level 2 solid waste disposal site that lacks leachate collection infrastructure. The site is potentially an environmental and public hazard caused by metal(oid)s content and significantly dangerous pathogenic microorganisms through leachate release into the soil and nearby river. This study reports on the levels of the metal(oid)s content of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Pb, Zn, and Ni obtained by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer in soil, leachate stream mud, and leachate samples. Five pollution indices are used to assess potential environmental risks. According to the indices, Cd and Pb contamination is significant, whereas As, Cu, Mn, Mo, and Zn pollution is moderate. A total of 32 isolates of bacteria were defined from soil, leachate stream mud, and liquid leachate samples: 18, 9, and 5, respectively. Moreover, 16 s rRNA analysis suggested that the isolates belong to three enteric bacterial phyla of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. The closest GenBank matches of 16S rDNA sequences indicated the presence of the genera: Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Lysinibacillus, Exiguobacterium, Trichococcus, Providencia, Enterococcus, Macrococcus, Serratia, Salinicoccus, Proteus, Rhodococcus, Brevibacterium, Shigella, Micrococcus, Morganella, Corynebacterium, Escherichia, and Acinetobacter. The identity percentage was mostly between 95%-100%. The results of this study show the levels of microbiological and geochemical contamination of soils, surface and potentially ground water with harmful microorganisms and toxic metal(oid)s originating specifically from Soran landfill leachate which subsequently incorporated into the surrounding environment, creating thus a considerable health and environmental risk.

An optimal model for municipal solid waste management using hybrid dual faster R-CNN.

Economic development, population growth, and rapid urbanization are the reasons for an increasing generation of waste all over the world. Recently, the statistics showed that 2.1 million of tons municipal solid waste (MSW) was produced in 2016, which is estimated to enhance by 3.4 million tons in 2050. In recent times, municipal solid waste generation is dramatically increasing due to factors such as rapid urbanization, altered living standard, and increased population. These factors make the municipal solid waste management system complex and break the pollution-controlling strategies. So it necessitates the system to accurately predict the waste composition. Based on the waste classification, a suitable decomposition technique is preferred. Therefore, this paper proposed CMSOA optimized dual faster R-CNN based waste management system to accurately classify the waste composition. The proposed system is formed by hybridizing dual faster RCNN along with complex-valued encoding multi-chain seeker optimization algorithm (CMSOA). Various evaluation measures, namely accuracy, precision, recall, F-measure, RMSE, MAE, and MAPE metrics, are computed, and the case study analysis is conducted on the major five cities of Maharashtra. The comparative analysis is carried out for various approaches, and from the analysis, the results revealed that the proposed method provides better classification results than other methods.

Government intervention in municipal waste collection with a sustainable approach: a robust bi-level problem.

Conservation of the environment has taken a prime position among areas of concern for managers and practitioners worldwide. This study aims to provide a bi-level mathematical model for municipal waste collection considering the sustainability approach. The mathematical model with conflicting objects was proposed at the upper level of the model of maximizing government revenue from waste recycling and at the lower level of minimizing waste collection and recycling costs, which had stochastic parameters and was scenario based. A case study was conducted in the Saveh processing site (Iran). Due to the complexity of the bi-level model, the KKT approach was adopted to unify the model. Finally, the relevant calculations were performed based on actual information. The results of the problem in the case study showed the efficiency of the proposed method. Several computational analyses randomly generated different waste recycling rates and obtained significant management results.

Use of a novel water separation process for the recovery of the mineral fraction from the stabilized organic fraction found in municipal waste.

Currently, the Stabilized Organic Fraction (SOF) 0-80 mm separated from the municipal waste stream is sent in its entirety to landfill in the mechanical-biological treatment plants operating in Poland. Such action does not align with the adopted EU strategy focused on waste management in the circular economy. This study aimed to assess the technical feasibility of the process of purification of mineral fractions with a grain size of 10-80 mm separated from SOF on a technological installation designed for glass recovery, built at the Marszów Plant. In terms of material, mineral fractions are a mixture of stones, rubble and glass, contaminated with various components, mainly organic. In 2020, the glass recovery installation was expanded with an innovative process of gravity separation to separate mineral fraction from SOF with the use of a jigging machine. A pulse jig used in the mining industry for coal enrichment processes was used for the first time in municipal waste management. The installation allows for the recovery of between 71.1 and 96.6% of mineral fractions contained in the input (84.8 ± 9.5% on average). The proportion of organics, plastics and other impurities in the waste is 4.1 ± 2.1% of the fraction mass. The process consumed water at an average rate of 0.34 ± 0.10 m3 tonnes-1 of treated waste and generated 0.26 ± 0.09 m3 tonnes-1 of wastewater. Electricity consumption averaged 1.20 kWh tonne-1 input.

Job-related stress associated with work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMDs) in municipal waste collectors: the moderation and mediation effect of job support.

BACKGROUND: Since the policy of "keeping trash off of the ground" in Taiwan, long-term exposure to repetitive motion in waste collection process results in high risk of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMDs). Thus, we assessed the moderation and mediation effects of job-related stress and job support on work-related UEMDs among municipal waste collectors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two cities located at northern Taiwan during 2018-2019. 626 municipal waste collectors voluntarily participated and anonymously filled out a structured questionnaire. The moderation and mediation effects of effort-reward imbalance (ERI) and social support on UEMDs were analyzed by Haye's Process Macro Model. RESULTS: Prevalence of UEMDs in municipal waste collectors were 43.4% for neck, 56.0% for shoulder, 24.1% for upper back, and 33.1% for hand/wrist. There was high prevalence of shoulder (72.2%), neck (48%), and upper back (30%) in female workers compared to male, most significantly in shoulders. In univariate and multivariate analysis, high ERI and low job support were significantly associated with ORs of 3.11 (95% CI:1.58-6.13) for elbow, 2.79 (95% CI:1.39-5.56) for shoulder, 3.39 (95% CI:1.64-7.00) for upper back and 3.83 (95% CI:1.98-7.41) for hand/wrist. Prevalent UEMDs were positively associated with high ERI in municipal waste collectors but negatively with job support. The moderation effects of ERI and job support on UEMDs, of which the measured synergy index exceeded one, were 18.24 for shoulder, 3.32 for elbow, and 2.45 for hand/wrist, but mediation effects were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study found municipal waste collectors with work-related upper extremity disorders were significantly associated with work-related psychological risk factors. Therefore, waste collection cannot only to be improved by semi-automatic and automatic processes but immediate intervention programs for the reduction of psychological risk factors is needed promptly.

Towards Sustainable Carbon Return from Waste to Industry via C2-Type Molecular Unit.

A general possibility of a sustainable cycle for carbon return to high-value-added products is discussed by turning wastes into acetylene. Pyrolyzed solid municipal wastes, pyrolyzed used cationic exchangers, and other waste carbon sources were studied in view of the design of a sustainable cycle for producing calcium carbide and acetylene. The yields of calcium carbide from carbon wastes were as high as those from industrial fossil raw materials (coke, charcoal, etc.). Conversion of carbon-containing wastes to calcium carbide provides an excellent opportunity to make acetylene, which is directly compatible with modern industry. Overall, the process returns carbon-containing wastes back to sustainable cycles to produce high-value-added products involving only C2-type molecules (calcium carbide and acetylene). Calcium carbide may be stored and transported, and on-demand acetylene generation is easy to realize. Upon incorporation into the waste processing route, calcium carbide may be an efficient carbon reservoir for quick industrial uptake.

Pure cultures for synthetic culture development: Next level municipal waste treatment for polyhydroxyalkanoates production.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), as bio-based plastics, promise a transition from petroleum products to green and sustainable alternatives. However, their commercial production is yet impeded by high production costs. In this study, we assessed synthetic culture in mono and co-culture modes for bacterial PHA production. It was demonstrated that volatile fatty acids (VFAs) derived from food waste and primary sludge are cheap carbon sources for maintaining high production yields in the synthetic cultures. The maximum obtained PHA was 77.54 ± 5.67% of cell dried weight (CDW) (1.723 g/L) from Cupriavidus necator and 54.9 ± 3.66% of CDW (1.088 g/L) from Burkholderia cepacia. The acquired results are comparable to those in literature using sugar substrates. Comparatively, lower PHA productions were obtained from the co-cultivations ranging between 36-45 CDW% (0.39-0.48 g/L). Meanwhile, the 3-hydroxyvalerate content in the biopolymers were increased up to 21%.

Multi-level stratification of territories for waste composition analysis.

The fundamental knowledge at all levels of decision-making related to waste management is the quantity and composition of waste. Many articles deal with methods for estimating the composition of municipal waste, but most details are given as to how many categories should be chosen and what technical procedure should be followed. In order to obtain a broader view and a reasonable evaluation of the results, it is necessary to select the areas where the analyzes will be performed effectively. Current approaches have insufficiently addressed this issue at the regional and national levels. This paper presents a method that uses multi-level stratification to divide municipalities into similar groups to reduce the number of observations needed to obtain an estimate of the composition of waste in a selected area (region or state level). The method combines expert knowledge with statistical considerations and makes use of cluster analysis. Socio-economic and waste-related parameters are used within the individual steps. Regarding the available financial resources and the required accuracy of the results, the municipalities in which the analyzes should take place are selected. These representative municipalities represent other municipalities in the created groups, and thanks to them, it is possible to estimate the composition of waste in any municipality, region, or larger territory. Waste analysis planning is an essential procedure for waste management, but the respective costs represent a crucial factor at the national level and even more for individual municipalities. Estimating waste composition impacts the transition to sustainable waste management and is thus a key element for further development in this sector. The presented method demonstrates the selection of 10 representative municipalities from the Czech Republic, but an arbitrary number can be set respecting the financial resources. Estimating the composition of the mixed municipal waste for the Czech Republic should cost around 72,000 euros for ten representatives with different distribution of dwelling types. The method is described in general and can be applied to any territory/country in the world, considering local conditions and possibilities.

Predictive modelling as a tool for effective municipal waste management policy at different territorial levels.

Nowadays, the European municipal waste management policy based on the circular economy paradigm demands the closing of material and financial loops at all territorial levels of public administration. The effective planning of treatment capacities (especially sorting plants, recycling, and energy recovery facilities) and municipal waste management policy requires an accurate prognosis of municipal waste generation, and therefore, the knowledge of behavioral, socio-economic, and demographic factors influencing the waste management (and recycling) behavior of households, and other municipal waste producers. To enable public bodies at different territorial levels to undertake an effective action resulting in circular economy we evaluated various factors influencing the generation of municipal waste fractions at regional, micro-regional and municipal level in the Czech Republic. Principal components were used as input for traditional models (multivariable linear regression, generalized linear model) as well as tree-based machine learning models (regression trees, random forest, gradient boosted regression trees). Study results suggest that the linear regression model usually offers a good trade-off between model accuracy and interpretability. When the most important goal of the prediction is supposed to be accuracy, the random forest is generally the best choice. The quality of developed models depends mostly on the chosen territorial level and municipal waste fraction. The performance of these models deteriorates significantly for lower territorial levels because of worse data quality and bigger variability. Only the age structure seems to be important across territorial levels and municipal waste fractions. Nevertheless, also other factors are of high significance in explaining the generation of municipal waste fractions at different territorial levels (e.g. number of economic subjects, expenditures, population density and the level of education). Therefore, there is not one single effective public policy dealing with circular economy strategy that fits all territorial levels. Public representatives should focus on policies effective at specific territorial level. However, performance of the models is poor for lower territorial levels (municipality and micro-regions). Thus, results for municipalities and micro-regions are weak and should be treated as such.

Identification of behaviour patterns in waste collection and disposal during the first wave of COVID-19 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.

The novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) has had significant impacts on almost every aspect of daily life. From 'stay-at-home' orders to the progressive lifting of restrictions, the COVID-19 pandemic has had unprecedented effects on consumer behaviours and waste disposal habits. The purpose of this short communication is to examine time series waste collection and disposal data in a mid-sized Canadian city to understand how behavioural changes have affected municipal waste management. The results suggest that private waste disposal increased during the pandemic. This may be due to people doing home renovations in order to accommodate working from home. Furthermore, it appears that changes in consumer habits destabilized the consistency of waste disposal tonnage when compared to the same time period in 2019. When considering curbside residential waste collection, there was also an increase in tonnage. This may be the result of more waste being generated at home due to changes in eating and cooking habits, and cleaning routine. Finally, the ratio of residential waste collection to total disposal is examined. More residential waste is being generated, which may have environmental and operational effects, especially related to collection and transportation. The results from this study are important from an operational perspective, and will help planners and policy makers to better prepare for changes in the waste stream due to pandemics or other emergencies.

Identification and Quantification of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Polyhydroxyalkanoates Produced from Mixed Microbial Cultures and Municipal Organic Wastes at Pilot Scale.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are well-known biodegradable plastics produced by various bacterial strains, whose major drawback is constituted by the high cost of their synthesis. Producing PHAs from mixed microbial cultures and employing organic wastes as a carbon source allows us to both reduce cost and valorize available renewable resources, such as food waste and sewage sludge. However, different types of pollutants, originally contained in organic matrices, could persist into the final product, thus compromising their safety. In this work, the exploitation of municipal wastes for PHA production is evaluated from the environmental and health safety aspect by determining the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in both commercial and waste-based PHA samples. Quantification of PAHs by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry on 24 PHA samples obtained in different conditions showed very low contamination levels, in the range of ppb to a few ppm. Moreover, the contaminant content seems to be dependent on the type of PHA stabilization and extraction, but independent from the type of feedstock. Commercial PHA derived from crops, selected for comparison, showed PAH content comparable to that detected in PHAs derived from organic fraction of municipal solid waste. Although there is no specific regulation on PAH maximum levels in PHAs, detected concentrations were consistently lower than threshold limit values set by regulation and guidelines for similar materials and/or applications. This suggests that the use of organic waste as substrate for PHA production is safe for both the human health and the environment.

Using advanced statistical tools to assess the impact of a small landfill site on the aquatic environment.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of a small municipal landfill on the aquatic environment over 9 years, using advanced statistical tools. The results of the study of surface, ground- and leachate waters from 2008 to 2016 were subjected to detailed statistical analysis based on 15 physicochemical indicators. Factor analysis accounted for the requirements of the WHO, the European Union and the nation of Poland using 8 statistical analytical methods. The analysis of leachate contamination from the landfill site with the use of advanced statistical tools revealed its interaction with groundwater. The assessment was based on increased and statistically significant values and correlations of temperature, Zn and N-NO3 between leachate and groundwater, factors demonstrating the negative impact of the landfill. In the case of Zn, there was also a correlation between the tested waters below the landfill. The increased PAH values in the examined surface and ground waters were not a consequence of waste disposal. However, the deterioration of the chemical state of groundwater in the vicinity of the landfill could result from a certain dysfunction of the facility's infrastructure after operating for more than 20 years.

A multidisciplinary perspective on the evolution of municipal waste management through text-mining: A mini-review.

The unprecedented urbanization that is occurring worldwide brings with it a vast amount of solid waste, leading to a rapid increase in study of municipal waste management (MWM) worldwide. This mini-review assessed this body of research both quantitatively and qualitatively. The data for the review were 9711 publications indexed by the Science Citation Index Expanded and the Social Sciences Citation Index for the period 2000-2019. The analysis showed that developed countries, the United States in particular, led trends in research during the first part of the period, and developing countries made substantial contributions to the literature more recently. For all years since 2009 except for 2014, China produced more research than the United States, becoming the most productive country in the study of MWM. Home to five of the ten most productive global research institutes on this subject, China is also a hub for collaboration among countries and institutes, as is the United States. Using content analysis and keyword visualization, this study characterized two decades of study of MWM. This study found that the keywords "sustainability," "waste-to-energy," "life-cycle assessment," and "China" exhibited an upward trend in research. This study seeks the pathway to successful scientific research, helping guide researchers as they innovate in and contribute to the field, and proposes pathways that governments can take to build sustainable MWM systems.