The social root of technical failure: A bibliometric analysis on research focus shift from RDF quality control to community social capacity in waste management

Abstract

Background: Urban waste generation has evolved significantly between 1999 and 2023, reflected in rising daily and per capita production. Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) operates within a multi-level governance system supported by environmental institutions and policy instruments such as landfill taxes and recycling regulations. Beyond technical solutions, social challenges increasingly influence waste management effectiveness. Methods: This study combines trend analysis of urban waste production (1999–2023) with bibliometric analysis of publications (2021–2025) using VOSviewer. It reviews governance structures, policy developments, and technological integration, including Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) and smart city tools such as IoT sensors and data analytics. Findings: Results show a policy and research shift from landfill reliance and purely technical approaches toward recycling, resource recovery, and social empowerment. Bibliometric mapping indicates growing emphasis on community engagement, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and societal resilience. While technological innovations improve efficiency, community readiness and social acceptance remain critical to sustainability. Conclusion: Sustainable waste management requires a socio-technical paradigm that integrates environmental protection, technological innovation, and community participation. Effective systems must balance technical efficiency with social empowerment to enhance long-term resilience and public welfare. Novelty/Originality of this Article: This study offers an integrated perspective by combining longitudinal waste trend analysis with bibliometric mapping to highlight the transition from technology-centered waste management toward a socio-technical framework. It advances the understanding of waste governance by emphasizing the convergence of smart technologies, policy reform, and community-based empowerment as essential components of sustainable urban waste systems.