Data-Driven Insights into Greener Technologies for Waste Valorization: Advancing Circular Economy Practices

The advancement of circular economies requires efficient waste management, yet dozens of countries still face difficulties with landfills as well as sorting problems and inadequate resource extraction. A data-based analysis of municipal solid waste (MSW) management uses economic and demographic indicators as the main components of this study. The data processing was conducted utilizing Python in Google Colab, after which exploratory evaluation and construction of the regression model to find waste valorization inefficiencies ensued. A Sankey diagram provided evidence of patterns of waste movements along with prime locations of recycling and recovery process inefficiencies. The results demonstrate that recycling produces 60% of waste, landfill consumption consumes 20% of waste, and energy production receives support from 50% of recovered waste. Regression analysis established that the predictive power of both linear and polynomial models was unsatisfactory (R-squared: 0.102) because policy enforcement, along with technological integration and public participation, steered sorting efficiency. Geographical differences in waste output and sorting ability demand specific policies that need development across regions. This research endorses AI-driven waste sorting together with blockchain-based waste tracking and public-private collaborations as main strategies to boost waste valorization efforts. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) must be strengthened while waste-to-energy technology should receive financial support for improving sustainability through rates on landfill disposals. Effective waste valorization approaches are available from Germany, Japan and Sweden that can be adopted globally. The research offers a comprehensive waste optimization guide that brings together technological advancements with legislative needs and community engagement to foster Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhance the circular economy.