Urban waste management and challenges in emerging smart city systems governance and circular economy perspectives

Abstract

Urban waste management has emerged as a critical public health and environmental issue globally, driven by rapid urbanization, population growth, and increased tourism. This study focuses on the urban waste management (UWM) scenario in Guwahati, one of the fastest-growing smart cities in the eastern Indian Himalayan region, with the intention of assessing its current practices, challenges, and technological interventions. The research employed a mixed-method approach, combining extensive field observations and secondary data analysis to determine the municipal solid waste management system in Guwahati. Special emphasis was placed on identifying model wards that have adopted technology-based solutions for waste handling, transportation, and disposal. The study revealed that Guwahati generates approximately 550–600 metric tons of waste per day, with significant gaps in segregation, collection efficiency, and disposal mechanisms. Only a small percentage of waste is processed in scientific treatment facilities, while the rest is disposed of in open dumps, posing serious public health and environmental risks. Model wards demonstrate up to 40% higher waste collection rates, a more circular economy perspective, and increased efficiency due to technological upgrades and improved infrastructure. The study provides a comprehensive snapshot of the overall WM scenario and offers valuable insights into the circular economy. Furthermore, the study highlights the Guwahati smart city in Assam, India, and may not be representative of other Himalayan urban centers. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, urban planners, researchers, and environmental experts to improve waste management in the fastest-growing urban centers through targeted infrastructure and smart technology interventions. This study is one of the holistic analyses of urban WM in a Himalayan smart city context, linking technological modernization with improved waste handling, urban waste management challenges, and highlighting its public health implications. The study, conducted in Guwahati city, can serve as a model for other urban centers.