Smart cities: low-cost technologies for plastic waste management

Abstract

The management of plastic waste represents one of the main contemporary urban challenges, especially in developing countries where limited resources hinder the implementation of high-cost technologies. This article analyzes low-cost technological solutions applicable to plastic waste management, focusing on their contribution to the development of smart cities in Brazil. Through a systematic literature review, three technologies with high applicability potential were identified and evaluated: mechanical recycling, the inclusion of waste pickers in the formal system, and smart collection using simple sensors. The analysis was conducted based on the thematic axes proposed by the Ranking Connected Smart Cities (Urban Systems, 2023), also considering implementation costs. The results show that these technologies, although simple, meet multiple urban sustainability criteria and can be adapted to local realities, promoting positive environmental, social, and economic impacts. It is concluded that smart cities can be built with accessible solutions that combine innovation, inclusion, and financial feasibility.