It is a hard truth that our world is facing a waste management crisis, resulting from unsystematic waste management, including poor wastewater treatment or improper waste sorting. In 2024, the Centre for SDG Research and Support (SDG Move) reported that Thailand’s waste increased by 28-29 million tons per year. If waste management on land is not done properly, a large amount of waste will leak into the ocean, especially plastic waste, which pollutes the ecosystem and causes microplastic contamination in the food chain that humanity consumes.

        Industrial waste is accused as one of the major causes of pollution. Therefore, many factories have paid attention to proper waste treatment to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impacts through the concept of Lean Manufacturing, in effect reducing unnecessary waste through recycling, proper treatment, and converting waste into energy. Nowadays, they have also been using digital technologies to track and control waste management, which is in line with the circular economy concept that is becoming a global practice.

        Green City Times has compiled and introduced 5 cutting-edge technologies that will become prevalent in the future for smart waste management as follows:

        In summary, it is evident that technological advancements have played a significant role in waste management. The adoption of these innovations will help reflect the industry’s commitment to social responsibility, promote waste management efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and benefit society as a whole.