Abstract
In China, environmental pollution due to municipal solid waste (MSW) over-generation is one of the country’s priority concerns. The increasing volume and complexity of the waste poses serious risks to the environment and public health. Currently, the annual growth of MSW generation is estimated to be approximately 8–10% and will increase to 323 million metric tons (Mt) by 2030. Based on the secondary data collected from a literature survey, this article critically evaluates the recent progress of MSW management (MSWM) in China and offers new insights into the waste sector in the era of Industry 4.0. This helps decision makers in China to plan a smooth transition nationwide to a circular economy (CE) in the waste sector. It is evident that digitalization is a driving force for China to move towards low-carbon development strategies within the framework of CE. Through digitalization, the waste sector has promoted prevention, reduction, reuse, and recycling (3Rs) of waste before waste disposal in landfills. A proper implementation of digitalization-based waste recycling has contributed to an efficient cooperation between the government and private sector, increased job opportunities, and promoted the conservation of resources. It is anticipated that this work not only contributes to the establishment of an integrated MSWM system in China, but also improves local MSWM through digitalization in the framework of a CE.
Highlights
Introduction iationsOver the past decades, China has undergone a rapid economic development due to urbanization
As municipal solid waste (MSW) generation increases annually, over 25% of cities have no suitable place for waste disposal, while over 60% of cities are confronted with the waste [10]
Relevant articles were retrieved from the body of knowledge on 01 January 2022 using certain keywords, such as “waste treatment”, “Industry 4.0”, “China”, and “digitalization”, and works were subsequently analyzed to understand the gradual transformation of waste management in China from the open door policy in the 1980s to today
Summary
Data were collected from a literature survey of published journal articles in the body of knowledge. Relevant articles were retrieved from the body of knowledge on 01 January 2022 using certain keywords, such as “waste treatment”, “Industry 4.0”, “China”, and “digitalization”, and works were subsequently analyzed to understand the gradual transformation of waste management in China from the open door policy in the 1980s to today
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