Abstract
Context. Waste generation is a grand challenge associated with population growth, irresponsible production and consumption, and other anthropocentric phenomena. Although there is an increasing interest in how urban waste management (UWM) impacts sustainability domains, further research is needed to understand better the interplay between UWM and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Objective. We analyze the interactions between elements of UWM and the SDGs to foster new propositions toward systemic and priority setting to support the 2030 Agenda.
Methods. This article presents a three-step methodology for understanding the relationship between UWM and the SDGs. The first step involved conducting an integrative review of UWM literature to identify concepts and elements that impact SDGs’ progress. The second step involved analyzing the interactions between UWM elements and the SDGs to identify potential synergies and trade-offs. The last step advanced further analysis of the interactions between the SDGs under the influence of the UWM elements. We applied a seven-point scale framework and network analysis to guide our decisions on the interactions’ nature and strengths.
Results. Our findings indicate that the UWM can facilitate and reinforce progress toward the goals of Agenda 2030, creating synergistic relationships that will compensate for any trade-offs. The greatest synergetic interaction with the UWM elements is seen with SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). The economic-oriented SDGs are expected to have the greatest positive effects on all other categories, which include the environmental, legal, health, and social-oriented SDGs.
Contributions. We have discussed technocentrism and ecocentrism regarding UWM and developed novel propositions that set systemic and contextual priorities for the interactions between UWM and the SDGs. We are confident that our work will open fruitful research avenues with theoretical and practical implications for policymaking related to Agenda 2030 and its grand challenges.