Digital Transformation of Solid Waste Management: Waste Collection Innovation, Business Intelligence, and Digital Technologies to Transition Waste Management Towards Circularity in Latin America and the Caribbean

If you are interested in technology and innovation, and have been wondering what are the new trends in technological and digital innovation in the solid waste sector in Latin America and the Caribbean, this publication is for you!

The transition to the circular economy, climate action, the fourth industrial revolution bring new challenges to operators in the sector. Key challenges highlighted include the need for robust data and the digitization of waste management systems to meet the objectives of the circular economy. The text details the efforts of organizations such as the IDB to develop data generation and analysis tools through digital innovations. It also explores the role of smart waste technologies (SWT), such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics, in transforming integrated solid waste management (ISWM), improving operational efficiency and supporting sustainable practices.

The publication delves into various technological tools used in ISMS, including business intelligence (BI), enterprise resource planning (ERP) and fleet management software. Case studies from countries such as Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador illustrate the successful application of these tools, highlighting their benefits in improving decision making, operational efficiency and overall service quality. The text concludes with recommendations for implementing smart waste technologies in the LAC region to foster digital transformation and support a circular economy model effectively.