Global population growth, industrialization, and urbanization have led to a dramatic increase in solid waste (SW) generation, which is considered a main environmental pollutant via greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and soil and groundwater contamination. This creates serious problems for the region and the world at large. Currently, about 2 billion tons of SW are generated globally every year, of which 67% is processed by various treatment technologies, while 33% is freely released into the environment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to significantly reduce GHG emissions from global SW production for the maximization of climate benefits and to halt the continued rise in temperature. Fortunately, this can be attained with the use of existing SW processing methods and improved performance. Through a comprehensive literature review, this research evaluates the effectiveness of various SW approaches, including source reduction, recycling, and energy recovery. Additionally, this study examines the potential of emerging technologies and their integration and innovative solutions to enhance solid waste management (SWM) systems and promote decarbonization. The findings highlight the significant environmental and economic benefits of implementing integrated SWM strategies that prioritize waste prevention, material recovery, and energy generation from waste. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement, policy interventions, and public awareness campaigns in fostering sustainable waste management practices. By adopting a holistic approach that considers the entire waste management lifecycle, this review provides valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, waste management authorities, and communities to achieve sustainable waste management and contribute to global decarbonization efforts.
