Recycling Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste: Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends

José María Fernández-González, Carmen Díaz-López, Jaime Martín-Pascual and Montserrat Zamorano
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José María Fernández-González: PROMA, Proyectos de Ingeniería Ambiental, S.L. Gran Vía, 48, 1810 Granada, Spain
Carmen Díaz-López: Department of Civil Engineering, ETS Ingeniería de Caminos, Canales y Puertos, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Jaime Martín-Pascual: Department of Civil Engineering, ETS Ingeniería de Caminos, Canales y Puertos, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Montserrat Zamorano: Department of Civil Engineering, ETS Ingeniería de Caminos, Canales y Puertos, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 11, 1-14

Abstract: The organic fraction is usually the predominant fraction in municipal solid waste, so its recycling is a potential alternative to disposal in landfill sites, as well as helping to reach targets included in the European Circular Economy Package. The existing body of knowledge in this research field is very large, so a comprehensive review of the existing scientific literature has been considered of interest to provide researchers and professionals with a detailed understanding of the status quo and predict the dynamic directions of this field. A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis have been performed to provide objective criteria for evaluating the work carried out by researchers and a macroscopic overview of the existing body of knowledge in this field. The analysis of 452 scientific articles published from 1980 to 2019 has shown that the application of composting technologies is relevant, especially since 2014, when policies aimed at reducing emissions to the atmosphere were increased and focused on the use of this waste fraction to produce biogas. Nevertheless, the scientific field is still evolving to impose a model of a circular economy; in fact, emerging studies are being conducted on the production of biomethane, contributing to the decarbonised energy system.

Keywords: bibliometric analysis; analysis of science mapping; SciMAT; systematic literature review; municipal solid waste; organic fraction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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