Digital technologies for sustainable plastic waste management: A systematic review with implications for India

Swift growth in urban areas has led to increased plastic waste, causing concerns in environmental sustainability and public health issues. Addressing these challenges in rapidly urbanising countries such as India requires more efficient and transparent plastic waste management (PWM) systems. This study aims to consolidate fragmented evidence to assess how digital technologies (DTs) shape sustainability outcomes across different stages of PWM. Methodologically, this study employs a two-phase, comprehensive systematic literature review. In phase 1, a wide range of studies were reviewed to examine the stage-wise adoption of DTs globally. The findings resulted in the selection of 75 peer-reviewed articles. Phase 2 focused on analysing keyword trends using VOSviewer. This analysis showed that the research has evolved into newer areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of things (IoT), Blockchain, and the circular economy. Some of the findings include AI-driven sorting and IoT-based collection systems, which have improved efficiency and material recovery. Geographic Information System-based routing has effectively lowered transportation costs and emissions, whereas blockchain-based traceability has enhanced transparency in recycling processes. This review also examines the current governance systems and interventions related to PWM in India. It provides perspectives on how DTs can support sustainable PWM in India, offering urban policymakers and practitioners a holistic DT-based PWM system.