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literature review on waste management pdf

A Literature Review on Solid Waste Management and Disposal Behavior at the Base of the Pyramid

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Consumer behavior in disposing of products has substantial consequences for the environment that affect all of us. Waste management is a major challenge faced by many developing countries, underlining the relevance of this literature review. Even when academia tries to shed light on this field, it often fails to consider that waste management must be approached differently in less developed countries, which differ dramatically from advanced countries, especially with regard to consumers’ behavioral characteristics. Further, limited effort has been made to systematize the existing literature by highlighting areas of interest in the scholarly discussion. This literature review contributes to the field by illuminating focal points in scholarly research on the background of solid waste management and the disposal behavior of people living at the base of the pyramid. It explores how scholarly research results can guide scholars and practitioners who are contributing to a positive shift in waste management practices. Its novelty arises from annotating scholarly theories and managerial approaches that promise to advance the understanding of sustainable waste management in developing countries. Additionally, the utilization of VOSviewer’s network visualization involving cluster building and keyword occurrences, contributes to the methodological originality of the study. Selective keyword research in the Web of Science database identified 124 pertinent articles for review. This underscores the importance of this literature review, especially in light of the significant increase in publications in this research domain, with approximately 70% (87 of 124 articles) published since 2019. The results show that knowledge, participation, and the active involvement of the local communities are key components in achieving sustainable waste management. Shaping individuals’ attitudes and awareness is vital for promoting pro-environmental behaviors in developing countries. The results also show a prominent focus on recycling behavior and an extensive use of the theory of planned behavior.

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DOI: 10.1177/0734242X14535653
Corpus ID: 23658562

Assessment methods for solid waste management: A literature review

Astrid Allesch , P. Brunner
Published in Waste Management Research 1 June 2014
Environmental Science

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MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN VARIOUS CITIES: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Due to rapid increasing population, urbanization and industrialization waste generation rate also increases but, Municipal authorities are not able to collect all waste and they are not having advance technology for treating such waste it gives result in form of pollution. Improper Municipal solid waste management causes Air pollution, land pollution as well as water pollution. Due to uncontrolled dumping of waste on street side, open ground various types of diseases are spreading, it gives ugly look. Two of the major problems being faced are the insufficient collection system and improper disposal of MSW. To avoid this it is necessary to adopt proper MSWM systems. Study present a review of the available literature on SWM problem, impacts of pollutant on environment, characteristics, physical composition & disposal method adopted in various cities

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A systematic and critical review of waste management in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises: future directions for theory and practice

Review Article
Published: 22 December 2022
Volume 30 , pages 13920–13944, ( 2023 )

Cite this article

Neama Derhab ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-8901-4289 1 &
Zakaria Elkhwesky ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-1862-4730 2 , 3

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Waste management (WM) has received increasing attention in recent years in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). However, a comprehensive understanding of the WM research in MSMEs from different economic sectors is somehow absent in spite of its proliferation. The current review was conducted to indicate types of waste, hazards associated with waste, as well as strategies, antecedents (facilitators and barriers), and outcomes of WM in MSMEs from diverse economic sectors. The search was performed by using the Web of Science (WoS) database, which retrieves 420 articles. After excluding the papers that were not closely related to the topic, 84 articles were retained for an in-depth analysis, spanning a period of five years (from 2018 to June 2022). This review demonstrates that the types of waste generated from MSMEs include metals, plastics, chemicals, papers, wood, fabrics, stones, food, ceramics, glass, candles, and cooking oil, among others. It is also resulted that the hazards associated with waste include environmental pollution, CO 2 emissions, human diseases, health disasters, and marine life destruction. Examples of the WM strategies in MSMEs research are recycling, separating, sorting, reusing, and composting waste. The findings revealed that a lack of financial resources, knowledge, experience, education, and training are some barriers encountered by MSMEs in WM. Enhancing financial performance, economic growth, competitive advantage, and sustainable development are important outcomes of WM in MSMEs. There has been a paucity of research on MSMEs WM, necessitating a thorough investigation of several issues. This research discusses implications and recommendations and presents avenues for future research. The current paper is one of the first studies to conduct a systematic review of WM in MSMEs from different economic sectors.

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Introduction

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are significant for economic growth (Anzules-Falcones et al. 2021 ; Elkhwesky et al. 2022c ; Hussein et al. 2019 ; Sohal et al. 2022 ), employment (Higgs and Hill 2019 ), accomplishing sustainable development goals (de Sousa Jabbour et al. 2020 ; Šebestová and Sroka 2020 ), and protecting the environment (Woodard 2021 ). In developed and developing nations, Spence ( 2007 ) asserted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the most common type of businesses. Based on Martínez and Poveda ( 2022 ), SMEs represent 90% of businesses in the globe, maintain 50% of employment, and generate 40% of the national gross domestic product in emerging countries.

SMEs generate pollution and waste (de Sousa Jabbour et al. 2020 ; Higgs and Hill 2019 ). More than seventy percent of waste emissions are generated from SMEs (Fahad et al. 2022 ). According to Woodard ( 2021 ), SMEs produce 30.8 million tonnes of waste; however, waste from SMEs is often overlooked. In the European Union, Mitchell et al. ( 2020 ) stated that 99% of all businesses are SMEs. Therefore, they produce waste and cause pollution more than large businesses. In China, one of the main sources of industrial pollution and waste is SMEs (Wu et al. 2018 ).

Solid waste has a bad impact on public health and the environment (Birara & Kassahun 2018 ; Derhab et al. 2022 ; Elkhwesky 2022 ). The uncollected liquid and solid waste could cause infectious diseases and pollution of air, water, and soil (Bagire et al. 2021 ). One of the key indicators of sustainability is waste management (WM) (Agyeiwaah 2019 ; Derhab et al. 2022 ; Elkhwesky 2022 ). Bagire et al. ( 2021 ) stated that WM has become an important topic for academics in different business disciplines. Additionally, WM is to avoid the harmful impact of waste on human health and the environment through responsible management practices.

In all production areas, Florindo et al. ( 2022 ) stated that WM is a current and transversal problem. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised issues with WM practices (Hantoko et al. 2021 ). Chen et al. ( 2018 ) argued that enterprises could avoid environmental problems and enhance social value by recycling, reducing waste, and the reuse of waste that are the main components of WM (Bagire et al. 2021 ). Mura et al. ( 2020 ) concluded that WM is necessary to implement circular economy strategies. In this sense, circular economy could be enhanced through reuse and recycling practices (Dantas et al. 2022 ).

SMEs play an important role in enhancing “reduce-reuse-recycle” business model (Gautam et al. 2022 ). Similarly, SMEs have knowledge about green practices which are significant in reducing waste and enhancing recycling (Šebestová and Sroka 2020 ). On the contrary, Woodard ( 2020 ) indicated that it is not mandatory for SMEs in such countries as UK to recycle their waste. Therefore, only 35% of their waste is recycled.

Given that SMEs have an environmental footprint, Martínez and Poveda ( 2022 ) confirmed that green transformation for sustainable development is required. Managing waste and recycling in SMEs are a significant part of a sustainable supply chain (Wu et al. 2018 ). SMEs could improve environmental performance, achieve sustainable outcomes, manage waste, and achieve efficiency in production through lean and green thinking. Waste could be reduced by recycling, reusing, and remanufacturing strategies (Caldera et al. 2019 ).

WM and protecting the environment by enterprises could be motivated through governmental regulations. It is also advisable for governments to enhance better environmentally practices and prevent damaging actions through subsidies and taxes (Drake et al. 2004 ). On a similar vein, Martínez and Poveda ( 2022 ) demonstrated that financial support by policymakers is essential for micro and small enterprises to enhance sustainable economic growth and environmentally friendly actions such as WM.

In spite of the growing academic interest in WM and the importance of performing a systematic review of the WM literature in MSMEs from different economic sectors, there is a scarcity of information concerning how previous scholars have approached this issue and how it should be studied in the future. To date, there is no systematic and critical review for WM research in MSMEs from different economic sectors. Additionally, there is no central review indicating types of waste, hazards associated with waste, as well as strategies, antecedents (facilitators and barriers), and outcomes of WM in MSMEs from diverse economic sectors. There is also a significant need for a systematic review on WM discussing implications and recommendations for MSMEs and practitioners as well as governments and policymakers presenting avenues for future research.

Prior reviews on WM have addressed specified disciplines, such as the healthcare field (Gill et al. 2021 ), the construction sector (Lu and Yuan 2011 ), and the hospitality industry (Pirani and Arafat 2014 ). Previous studies have also reviewed a specific type of waste, such as electronic (Masud et al. 2019 ), solid (Das et al. 2021 ), and food waste (Munir 2022 ). Prior reviews on WM have also concentrated on specific countries and regions, such as Saudi Arabia (Anjum et al. 2016 ), India (Misra and Pandey 2005 ), China (Zhang et al. 2010 ), Europe (Pires et al. 2011 ), Asia (Pariatamby and Victor 2013 ), Australia (Kabirifar et al. 2021 ), and Iran (Kamarehie et al. 2020 ). All these previous reviews have not been conducted in MSMEs from different economic sectors.

Given the importance of MSMEs to the health of global economy (Sahoo and Yadav 2018 ) and their significant role in implementing circular economy principles that focus on waste and energy management, emissions reduction, remanufacturing, and recycling (Hussain et al. 2020 ; Salvioni et al. 2021 ), the current review was conducted in this pivotal sector. The current review was also initiated on the fact that MSMEs generate a large amount of waste (de Sousa Jabbour et al. 2020 ; Higgs and Hill 2019 ; Mitchell et al. 2020 ), are more brittle (de Sousa Jabbour et al. 2020 ), and face more huge obstacles and challenges related to sustainability issues than large enterprises (Martínez and Poveda 2022 ; Wu et al. 2018 ). Therefore, we provide insightful implications and recommendations on how MSMEs could properly manage waste as a critical part of sustainability issues.

Our review was also prompted by the suggestion of Howard et al. ( 2022 ) to perform a systematic review on the differences between MSMEs and large enterprises concerning strategies of implementing circular economy and sustainability including WM. Few studies so far have explored how MSMEs are incorporating circular economy principles such as WM (Mura et al. 2020 ). Thus, our systematic review is highly needed to explore WM as a part of circular economy in MSMEs. One of the important reasons to review WM in MSMEs from different sectors is that enhancing sustainable development is a fundamental role of enterprises from diverse economic sectors (de Guimarães et al. 2018 ). Furthermore, WM in MSMEs was neglected by prior scholars in comparison with large enterprises (Yacob et al. 2018 ).

The current review present types of waste generated from MSMEs. This could be helpful in choosing the suitable WM practices (Top et al. 2018 ). Highlighting facilitators and barriers for MSMEs to adopt circular economy principles such as WM is a hot topic that requires further investigation (Mura et al. 2020 ). In this vein, Sendawula et al. ( 2020 ) call for exploring factors affecting environmental sustainability practices such as WM in MSMEs. It is also advisable by Fahad et al. ( 2022 ) illustrating challenges for adopting green practices such as WM in MSMEs and how to solve this issue. Indicating antecedents of WM in MSMEs could be beneficial for practitioners and policymakers to improve WM. This viewpoint was derived from Romano and Molinos-Senante ( 2020 ). In this light, we indicate factors positively and negatively affect WM in MSMEs.

Showing the positive consequences of WM by the current systematic review could be a motivation for MSMEs to implement WM practices. Salvioni et al. ( 2021 ) asserted that understanding enterprises for the benefits of implementing circular economy practices such as WM is necessary for their adoption. Our review is also vital to affirm that WM is important for enterprises (Wu et al. 2021 ) through indicating its positive outcomes.

WM and recycling strategies are still in their infancy in many countries around the globe (Xiao et al. 2021 ). Showing WM strategies in MSMEs is a promising area for future research (Woodard 2020 ). In this regard, WM practices at the firm level should be explored (Agyabeng-Mensah et al. 2021 ; Zaman 2015 ). Our recent review was also initiated on the suggestion of Alfaro and Diaz ( 2021 ) exploring MSMEs’ green practices such as WM. Our review contributes in enhancing attention of MSMEs related to WM and exploring their performance. These issues are significant as affirmed by Peña-Montoya et al. ( 2020 ).

Given that competition is an emerging issue in the MSMEs context (de Morais Galvão et al. 2020 ), our systematic review is beneficial for MSMEs to know how to manage waste for competing against other enterprises. The current research is also helpful in solving the problem that MSMEs are not environmentally responsible (Higgs and Hill 2019 ) by providing important implications and recommendations on how to be responsible.

Previous scholars affirmed that MSMEs need more support and guidelines concerning how to address sustainability issues and implement sustainable WM strategies (Hamann et al. 2017 ; Singh et al. 2018 ; Mitchell et al. 2020 ; Villegas Pinuer et al. 2021 ). Therefore, the current critical review provides an inclusive overview on the significance and strategies of WM, in addition to presenting significant implications and recommendations toward proper WM to avoid scattered implementation of WM strategies without desired success.

Given that protecting the environment by MSMEs could be achieved via adopting afresh technological solutions (Bielski et al. 2021 ), it is important to assist these enterprises in digital transformation and technological adoption (González-Varona et al. 2020 ). Therefore, indicating the role of technology in managing waste as an important environmental issue is one of the current study’s objectives.

The current review assists MSMEs to understand how to manage waste in a proper manner with indicating facilitators and barriers as well as the role of technology in WM. As a result, MSMEs could achieve competition, efficiency, and innovativeness (Cantú et al. 2021 ). Our review was also initiated on the significant need for helping governments and policymakers in understanding which interventions should be used to improve WM in MSMEs (Woodard 2020 ).

Overall, the current systematic review indicates the research contexts (economic sectors and countries) in WM research, the types of waste generated from MSMEs, the hazards associated with waste in MSMEs research, the WM strategies in MSME research, the link between technology and WM in MSME research, the antecedents (facilitators and barriers) of WM, and the outcomes of WM in MSMEs. In addition, this review discusses practical implications and recommendations for MSMEs and practitioners as well as governments and policymakers. This study provides avenues for expanding future WM research. The literature analysis was performed based on six comprehensive questions as follows:

Which economic sectors and countries are investigated in WM research?

What are the types of waste and its hazards in MSMEs research?

What are the WM strategies in MSME research?

What is the association between technology and WM in MSME research?

What are the antecedents (facilitators and barriers) and outcomes of WM in MSME research?

In the MSME context, what is the future roadmap of WM research?

Concept of waste

According to Statistics Canada ( 2010 ), waste could be classified into residential and non-residential. Non-residential waste is generated from all sources excluding the residential waste stream (commercial materials, industrial materials, and institutional materials). Commercial waste is produced from “premises (including agriculture) used wholly or mainly for the purposes of a trade or business or the purposes of sport, recreation or entertainment excluding household waste or industrial waste (Woodard 2021 , p. 2), while industrial waste is resulted from any factory; any premises used for the purposes of, or in connection with, the provision to the public of transport services by land, water or air; any premises used for the purposes of, or in connection with, the supply to the public of gas, water or electricity or the provision of sewerage services; and any premises used for the purposes of, or in connection with, the provision to the public of postal or telecommunications services; or any mine or quarry” (Woodard 2021 , p. 2).

There are hazardous and non-hazardous wastes (Bagire et al. 2021 ). Globally, one of the most harmful types of waste is the textile waste because of the fast fashion (Farahani et al. 2022 ). According to Weishi et al. ( 2021 ), the production of pesticides generates a large amount of waste salts that are harmful for human health and enterprises. Mahat et al. ( 2019 ) indicated that E-waste is defined as “any refuse created by discarded electronic devices and components as well as substances involved in their manufacture or use.”

Other examples of waste include plastic items that are thrown out after a single use (e.g., grocery bags, disposable cutlery, straws, plastic wrap, and coffee cup lids) (Wu et al. 2021 ). Biomedical wastes, food disposals, and recyclable materials are common types of municipal solid wastes (Chen et al. 2018 ). Pomace and grape stalks are categories of waste generated from wine production (Florindo et al. 2022 ).

Even though food waste could be used to produce bioplastics (biodegradable plastics), its management remains a significant economic and sustainability problem (Scarpi et al. 2021 ). Countries that need to face poverty with keeping environmental sustainability and enhancing socio-economic well-being should concentrate on WM (Wu et al. 2021 ). As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a huge amount of waste (e.g., protective stuffs (e.g., facemasks, gloves), food, and plastic) has been generated from hospitals and health care facilities (Hantoko et al. 2021 ).

Methodology

The central purpose of our systematic literature review is to provide a critical, analytical account of the literature on WM in MSMEs from different economic sectors, showcase its main outcomes, and highlight research gaps for expanding future studies. Figure 1 demonstrates the flow chart of searching the literature, which was obtained from Chon and Zoltan ( 2019 ), Elkhwesky ( 2022 ), and Elkhwesky et al. ( 2022a ; 2022b ; 2022c ).

Literature search process was obtained from Chon and Zoltan ( 2019 ), Elkhwesky ( 2022 ), and Elkhwesky et al. ( 2022a ; 2022b ; 2022c )

The search was carried out on the WoS, one of the significant databases to conduct systematic and critical reviews (Elkhwesky 2022 ; Elkhwesky et al, 2022a ; 2022b ; 2022c ). To accomplish data saturation (Saunders et al. 2018 ) and comprehensiveness and acquire articles about WM in MSMEs from different economic sectors, the recent study used the search keywords “waste management or managing waste” and “SMEs or SME or MSMEs or MSME or micro firm or small firm or medium firm or micro enterprise or small enterprise or medium enterprise or micro business or small business or medium business or micro organization or small organization or medium organization.” The search was conducted in three areas including abstract, title, and keywords. The authors excluded research notes, internet columns, and book and conference reviews from the final analysis because of their limited contribution (Chiang 2020 ; Law et al. 2021 ; Mehraliyev et al. 2019 ).

First, 420 articles were found in the WoS database (publication year from 2018 to 11st of June 2022). This timeframe allowed to obtain the most current and proper articles related to WM in MSMEs. Given that the WoS implemented the duplication filter for the search results, it was not required to screen articles to remove duplicates (Elkhwesky et al. 2022c ). Second, the abstract of each article was accurately read to determine whether it would be included in the final analysis, based on its focus on WM in MSMEs, in addition to article must be written in English language and the accessibility to article through the researchers’ university email. In the case of the abstract was not clear, the article was downloaded to be carefully reviewed.

To achieve reliability before the final analysis, ineligible articles (#336) were carefully revised twice by the authors to ensure that they were inappropriate for the final analysis. Eventually, eighty-four articles published between 2018 and 2022 were kept for the subsequent analysis. The reference lists of the eighty-four articles were cross-checked to identify papers that might have been overlooked.

During reviewing the eighty-four articles, the researchers accurately examined each article independently by reviewing all sections: “the abstract, literature, methods, findings, discussion, implications, and conclusions.” The frequency counts for “economic sectors, research countries, and research years” were calculated by Microsoft Excel (Chiang 2020 ). By following Law et al. ( 2021 ) to achieve the reliability and consistency of the analyzed findings, one researcher accurately and carefully implemented the first round of analyzing data. Then, the initial review findings and the frequency analysis were validated with the assistance of the second author.

Review findings

To answer the research questions, the analysis has been arranged into seven main parts. Precisely, our study (1) exhibits research contexts (economic sectors and countries) in WM research, (2) indicates types of waste generated from MSMEs, (3) identifies hazards associated with waste in MSME research, (4) explains WM and its strategies in MSME research, (5) illustrates the link between technology and WM in MSME research, (6) highlights the antecedents (facilitators and barriers) of WM in MSME research, and (7) showcases the outcomes of WM in MSME research. Drawing on a review of the findings, our paper presents practical implications and recommendations for MSMEs and practitioners as well as governments and policymakers. Additionally, this review ends with explaining an agenda for extending future WM research.

Research context: waste management (WM) in MSMEs

Figure 2 classifies the papers based on the economic sector where MSME articles were conducted. The majority of the studies were performed in multi-sectors (26.2%) and the manufacturing/industrial sectors in general (26.2%), followed by the WM sector (9.5%), tourism and hospitality (T&H) (9.5%), and the construction sector (7%). Figure 3 indicates the areas of WM studies. Most of the articles were conducted in India (16.7%), followed by Brazil (10.7%), Ghana (5.9%), and Malaysia (4.8%). Since 2018 (see Fig. 4 ), research on WM in MSMEs has been published. Most papers were published during the year 2020 and 2021, with 20 and 26 publications, respectively.

Classification of articles based on economic sectors; M.S, manufacturing sector

Areas of WM studies

WM research publications per year ( n = 84)

Types of waste generated from MSMEs

Table 1 summarizes the types of waste generated from MSMEs with differentiation among various economic sectors.

Types of waste based on the manufacturing sectors research

According to Sohal et al. ( 2022 ), manufacturing SMEs generated two types of waste which include scrap that can be recycled (e.g., metals, plastics, and packaging material) and hazardous waste (e.g., chemicals and liquid/solid pollutants). Plastic bottles, polythene bags, papers, and metals are examples of waste generated from the manufacturing industry (Sendawula et al. 2020 ).

An example of waste generated from micro-sized enterprises that produce timber and furniture is wood waste (Top et al. 2018 ). Fabric waste is a type of waste produced by the apparel sector (Bizuneh and Tadesse 2022 ). Food waste is one of the common types of waste produced by agro-industrial MSMEs (Rodríguez et al. 2021 ).

Types of waste based on the agri-food, WM, and construction sector research

Food waste is also one of the perennial problems in developing countries within agri-food supply chains (Kusumowardani et al. 2022 ). In the WM sector context, food waste is an important category of waste that could be produced to energy (Hussain et al. 2020 ). Based on Białko and Hoła ( 2021 ), construction waste such as steel, concrete, wood, ceramic, and stone tiles could be produced by the construction sector.

Types of waste based on the multi-sector research

According to studies performed in MSMEs from multi-sectors, there are some categories of waste. For instance, types of waste generated from MSMEs include food waste, recyclable paper, plastic bags and film, glass bottles and jars, cans, aerosols, shredded paper, wet paper/tissue, plastic bottles, wood, hessian sacks, hair, candles, plastic items and packaging, and polystyrene (Woodard 2021 ). Other categories of waste from MSMEs are chemicals, hazardous waste, cardboard, card, foil, glass, and used cooking oil (Woodard 2020 ).

Hazards associated with waste in MSME research

Table 2 depicts the hazards associated with waste in MSME research with differentiation among different economic sectors.

Hazards associated with waste based on the manufacturing and WM sector research

One of the most global issues that have impacts on every place in the globe is waste generation or production (Akhtar et al. 2021 ; Villegas Pinuer et al. 2021 ). Waste could negatively affect marine life and human health and cause air pollution (Peña-Montoya et al. 2020 ). In this regard, industrial waste could lead to harmful impacts on environmental and public health (Singh et al. 2018 ).

According to Rumanti et al. ( 2020 ), the manufacturing industry generates waste that could cause environmental pollution. Therefore, recycling plastic waste is important to avoid destructive effects on the environment (Ahmed and Gideon 2021 ). Blockage of water sources and pollution could be the result of poor WM (Sendawula et al. 2020 ). In the WM sector context, employees could face harmful risks and diseases (Ramos et al. 2020 ). Additionally, poor WM could cause health disasters and seriously destroy the environment (Wu et al. 2021 ).

Hazards associated with waste based on the multi-sector research

Improper WM by MSMEs could cause severe effects on public health. For illustration, the study of Woodard ( 2021 ) found that 50 kg of raw chicken carcases and bones from a quick serve restaurant was deposited within the household stream. This could put public health at risk. Plastic products could produce CO 2 emissions; therefore, recycling plastic waste is necessary (Chaudhuri et al. 2022 ).

Waste management (WM) and its strategies in MSME research

Wm and its strategies based on the manufacturing sector research.

The concept of WM is still evolving (Bagire et al. 2021 ). WM is a major challenge for SMEs (Sahu et al. 2021 ). Therefore, WM requires more improvements in manufacturing and service enterprises (Rehman et al. 2018 ). In SMEs, Toke and Kalpande ( 2021 ) found that waste reduction has the least priority. Similarly, Kasseeah ( 2020 ) affirmed that not all small enterprises implemented strategies such as reusing empty bags, composting waste, and separating waste for recycling.

In this vein, Leite et al. ( 2019 ) reported that raw material wastes are not adequately handled in small enterprises. Besides, sustainability effectiveness related to reuse, electric energy, water, and waste recycling is not high in micro- and small-sized furniture enterprises (Feil et al. 2022 ). Surprisingly, Bizuneh and Tadesse ( 2022 ) affirmed that large-sized enterprises in the apparel industry have less waste selling experience than medium-sized enterprises.

Additionally, half of the enterprises had no waste minimization strategies. Nunes et al. ( 2019 ) exhibited that cleaner production that emerged as a “waste generation prevention” has a low application level in SMEs. Bezerra et al. ( 2019 ) showed that the eco-efficiency of small enterprises is absent. Therefore, it should be promoted through solid WM plan and energy efficiency.

Based on Sodhi et al. ( 2020b ), SMEs implemented WM techniques such as lean manufacturing, six sigma, 5S, and total productive management. In the manufacturing industry, Caldera et al. ( 2019 ) revealed that SMEs use the 5S tool to reduce waste and create a clean environment from spills and leaks through early detection. In addition, SMEs use value stream mapping which is a visualization exercise to identify bottle-necks, extra lead times, and non-value-added activities. This mapping is also used to identify, reuse, and recycle waste.

More, Sohal et al. ( 2022 ) found that WM strategies (a part of circular economy) of manufacturing SMEs include aluminum, copper, and PVC scrap are recycled and put back into the production value chain of various products, metals, and packaging materials scrap produced is recycled back into the production value chain. Other WM strategies include chemicals are disposed according to governmental directives and investment in water recycling with no hazardous water leaving premises. In addition, scrap plastics and electroplated plastics are sold to scrap-dealers who further sell it to recyclers (Sohal et al. 2022 ).

Examples of WM strategies in SMEs are sorting waste, recycling waste, and putting containers for waste disposal (Sendawula et al. 2020 ). According to Alfaro and Diaz ( 2021 ), SMEs implemented green practices which include responsible segregation and disposal of waste materials, providing trash bins for segregating waste, upcycling scrap materials, installing energy-saving equipment, proper management of raw materials, and recycling waste water. SMEs and large enterprises also implemented cleaner production strategies such as reuse of waste, emissions reduction, and the proper use of materials, inputs, and energy to reduce costs (Neto et al. 2020 ). In the context of micro-sized firms that produce timber and furniture, Top et al. ( 2018 ) revealed that engineered wood wastes are used as fuel.

WM and its strategies based on the WM and construction sector research

A medium-sized WM firm collects oil from restaurants and similar establishments to produce biodiesel (Ramos et al. 2020 ). MSMEs use the following strategies to reduce construction waste less than large enterprises: training employees on WM, storing materials properly, applying monitoring system, using proper transportation, using prefabricated elements, and reusing products on the construction site (Białko and Hoła 2021 ). Additionally, Omotayo et al. ( 2019 ) revealed that some SMEs in the construction sector do not have strategy on minimizing waste. Importantly, poor contacting between employees and managers is a barrier facing waste elimination (Omotayo et al. 2019 ).

WM and its strategies based on the tourism and hospitality (T&H) sector research

In the context of micro-accommodation enterprises, Agyeiwaah ( 2019 ) resulted that even though waste disposal was a common action, minimization waste from the source is little. In addition, WM is not important for owners. They put waste in a plastic bag to get rid of it. Recycling is also less implemented by owners and there are no sanctions or policies on WM (Agyeiwaah 2019 ). Agyeiwaah ( 2020 ) concluded that environmental effectiveness is less significant for owners/managers of small accommodation enterprises than the “economic affordability and socio-cultural acceptability” of solid WM. Additionally, awareness of these enterprises about solid WM is limited.

On the contrary, it was found that the majority of food and beverage enterprises have a high level of environmental awareness (effluent discharge, air pollution, and waste disposal) (Salim et al. 2018 ). Besides, small airports implemented environmental strategies such as WM and noise reduction (Harley et al. 2020 ). Drawing on Ispas et al. ( 2019 ), small accommodation enterprises sort waste, use room posters to reduce water and energy consumption, and use equipment in a proper way to minimize waste water and energy (e.g., washing machines are used only when full). Additionally, some of these enterprises do not use disposable dishes, but they use wooden or metal kitchen tableware.

WM and its strategies based on the multi-sector research

Based on the findings of the study of Woodard ( 2021 ) which was conducted in different sectors (e.g., retail, hospitality, and legal services), MSMEs used household services illegally for their waste and recycling. A number of MSMEs took waste home to be put out in household collections. Other MSMEs used household waste recycling sites or public bins. Some of them also took materials to business waste depot. Additionally, a number of these enterprises used household services to manage materials including plastic bottles, cardboard, and metals; however, they had service providers for collecting recycling. Many MSMEs had contracts for recycling (e.g., cooking oil).

As resulted by Demjanovičová and Varmus ( 2021 ), waste reduction is an important aspect in micro and small enterprises. However, many MSMEs ignore separating dry recyclable materials and bio-waste for collection. Additionally, many of them do not follow legislation to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste. This could cause wastage of resources (Woodard 2020 ). On the contrary, Martínez and Poveda ( 2022 ) resulted that micro-enterprises have systems to collect, store, sort, and recycle solid waste according to governmental regulations.

It was found that managers in SMEs understand the implications of managing waste and recycling them back. Management tools that could help SMEs to become more sustainable and adopt circular economy principles, such as managing waste, are value mapping, life cycle assessment, modeling and simulation, and capability maturity (Howard et al. 2022 ).

MSMEs implemented circular economy strategies such as recycling waste, collecting waste separately, redesigning production processes, and rethinking products and services (Salvioni et al. 2021 ). Chaudhuri et al. ( 2022 ) stated that recycling plastic waste is implemented in some SMEs to produce innovative products. More, Villegas et al. (2021) revealed that managers of SMEs reduce the use of plastic bags.

As found by Mura et al. ( 2020 ), WM as a practice of circular economy is highly implemented in SMEs. SMEs carried out such strategies as separated waste collection system, recovery/reuse of plastic, and derivative packaging, providing incentive policies for returning old/worn products to an enterprise, closed loop for water reuse, evaluation of the product life cycle, and reuse of wastewater and rainwater.

The link between technology and WM in MSME research

Integrating information technology in SMEs is necessary to improve their operational performance (Sahoo and Yadav 2018 ). A lack of technologies in enterprises could be a challenge to recycling and WM (D’Adamo et al. 2019 ; Oliveira et al. 2021 ). Reinforcing this statement, Wu et al. ( 2018 ) revealed that managing waste and improving product quality in SMEs could be achieved by computerization. Therefore, it is recommended for SMEs to invest in developing new technologies (hardware and software).

Based on Fahad et al. ( 2022 ), a lack of new technologies and research and development capacity could hinder green practices implementation such as WM in SMEs. In this regard, information technologies and frugal innovation are important to reduce waste and enhance environmental sustainability in SMEs (Yousaf et al. 2021 ). Similarly, reducing waste, enhancing production efficiency, and preventing harmful impacts on the environment could be achieved through clean technologies adoption (Neto et al. 2020 ). Governments should avoid pressure on SMEs and provide training and technological devices to assist in circular economy principle implementation (e.g., WM) (Sharma et al. 2021 ).

Based on Mura et al. ( 2020 ), innovative or digital technologies are significant for accomplishing more efficient production in SMEs. Additionally, technology could be used to create communication platforms for reusing, recycling, and disposal of waste or resources in the different value chains via identification of worthy production chains (e.g., glass, paper, plastic, and steel).

Micro-enterprises adopted technological changes to achieve safe environments, prevent occupational diseases and enhance sustainability performance (e.g., WM) (Martínez and Poveda 2022 ). MSMEs face many challenges in implementing industry 4.0 with sustainability including a lack of authorities’ support, poor upper management commitment, design challenges to reuse and recovery products, a lack of investment in research and development, a lack of technical expertise, and higher costs (Machado et al. 2021 ). According to Sohal et al. ( 2022 ), SMEs invested in advanced technologies to improve manufacturing processes, minimize costs of labor and raw materials, manage waste, increase energy efficiency, and improve accuracy, but they face a challenge related to financial constraints.

In the context of the commercial bakery, examples of sustainable technologies installed in SMEs are solid fuel burners, anaerobic digesters, and heat exchanger. Value stream mapping is also used by SMEs to identify chances to eliminate waste and capture value across the supply chain, then computer simulations to improve flows of material, energy, and water (Howard et al. 2022 ).

Digital technologies such as 3D printing could be adopted to produce sustainable garment buttons from marine nylon® plastic to avoid producing CO 2 emissions. In addition, blockchain technology could be deployed for traceability of innovative textiles made from post-consumer plastics. Blockchain system in an enterprise could also provide evidence that fabrics are made from plastic waste (Chaudhuri et al. 2022 ).

In a circular model, capturing value leakages could be accomplished through technological innovation in SMEs. Technologies are also significant in closing the value chain loop in waste to energy production process as well as assisting in reusing waste. Importantly, creating more circular product-service solutions could be achieved by biological and technical innovations (Hussain et al. 2020 ). In the apparel industry, Bizuneh and Tadesse ( 2022 ) indicated that technological innovation such as the computer-aided design system is important in reducing waste. MSMEs could adopt internet of things to be eco-efficient, avoid food loss and waste, and improve production (Gaspar et al. 2021 ).

Antecedents (facilitators and barriers) of WM in MSME research

Table 3 demonstrates the antecedents (facilitators and barriers) of WM in MSME research with differentiation among diverse economic sectors.

Facilitators for WM based on the manufacturing sector research

As resulted by Singh et al. ( 2018 ), small manufacturing enterprises’ readiness toward circular economy which is important in minimizing waste is positively and significantly influenced by attitude, social pressure, environmental commitment, and green economic incentives, while there is no significant effect of perceived behavioral control. It was also found that WM as an environmental sustainability practice is positively influenced by environmental commitment in SMEs (Sendawula et al. 2020 ).

Factors positively affecting environmental and social performance of SMEs include governmental policy and support, green information technologies, entrepreneurial orientation, lean green manufacturing systems, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, innovation, and social and market forces. Environmental performance is associated with minimizing solid waste, resource consumption, emissions, water waste, and environmental accidents (de Sousa et al. 2020 ).

Lean and six sigma strategy is vital for managing waste and improving quality of products in MSMEs (Gupta et al. 2022 ; Singh and Rathi 2021 ). In this vein, lean and six sigma model and total quality management strategies are important for SMEs to enhance sustainability, manage waste, enhance productivity, and improve quality of products (Lande et al. 2019 ; Sodhi et al. 2020a ; Toke and Kalpande 2021 ). The implementation of lean and six sigma strategy is positively influenced by effective leadership, reward and recognition system, the need for change, financial capabilities, and teamwork (Singh and Rathi 2021 ).

Further, Caldera et al. ( 2019 ) resulted that examples of factors that have a positive effect on SMEs to use lean and green strategies which are crucial in managing waste and achieving efficiency in production include introducing professional experts, society ethical and cultural expectations, collaborative networks, pressures from powerful positions, and supportive governmental policies. Kasseeah ( 2020 ) indicated that adoption of green practices by small enterprises such as reducing, reusing, and recycling waste could be influenced by size and financial performance of these enterprises. On the other hand, Ahinful and Tauringana ( 2019 ) found that there is no association between environmental management practices (waste, emissions, and biodiversity) and financial performance of SMEs.

The findings of Agyabeng-Mensah et al. ( 2021 ) showed that zero waste actions in SMEs are positively influenced by intra- and inter-organizational learning. Additionally, Rumanti et al. ( 2020 ) found that open innovation and financial capabilities of SMEs could positively affect cleaner production including WM. Reducing waste could also be enhanced through proper implementation of green manufacturing (Seth et al. 2018 ).

Barriers/hinders for WM based on the manufacturing sector research

Some of hinders to the adoption of WM techniques in SMEs are improper training, a lack of information on WM techniques, problems related to compatibility of techniques, a shortage of trained professionals, skill deficiency for WM technique, disruptions during implementation, a lack of co-operation and understanding, workers resistance to change, and a lack of efforts from individuals (Sodhi et al. 2020b ).

Based on the study of Mitchell et al. ( 2020 ), barriers contributing to the slow uptake of environmental practices such as WM in SMEs are as follows. SMEs do not have enough awareness about the effect of their actions on the environment and they do not have enough human and financial resources to adopt environmental initiatives. Other barriers include a shortage of knowledge related to environmental legislation, a lack of awareness related to the benefits of being sustainable, and ultimately there is no sufficient research in SMEs and the environment.

It was found that barriers encountered by SMEs in successfully carrying out sustainable business strategies such as managing waste include a shortage of financial resources, time, knowledge and education, risks related to implementing a new sustainable strategy, ineffective regulations, a lack of governmental support, and non-supportive organizational culture (Caldera et al. 2019 ).

Based on Sahoo and Yadav ( 2018 ), barriers facing SMEs in implementing lean practices such as waste reduction include a shortage of top management commitment, attitude of employees, a lack of experience and knowledge, and a shortage of resources (e.g., time, infrastructure, financial, and human resources). SMEs face some challenges for implementing responsible practices including WM, such as financial resources and a lack of skilled employees (Sohal et al. 2022 ). A lack of investment capacity is one of hinders for small enterprises to adopt proper environmental practices such as WM (Leite et al. 2019 ).

Some of the reasons for lower application of cleaner production that emerged as “a waste generation prevention” are a shortage of resources and a lack of leadership in SMEs (Nunes et al. 2019 ). Lean and six sigma strategy which is vital in managing waste in MSMEs is negatively influenced by a shortage of financial resources, a lack of clear vision and future plan, a lack of training and education, poor organizational capabilities, and weak infrastructure (Singh and Rathi 2021 ).

Facilitators and barriers/hinders for WM based on the WM and construction sectors research

Regarding facilitators for WM based on the WM sector research, one of the most important factors that could affect SMEs engagement in environmental responsibility including managing waste is the enforcement of environmental legislation (Higgs and Hill 2019 ). In addition, the success of entrepreneurs in waste recycling is the result of their experience, education, self-efficacy, and locus of control (Dorcas et al. 2021 ).

Concerning facilitators for WM based on the construction sector research, Badraddin et al. ( 2022 ) indicated that concrete recycling in construction projects is positively influenced by governmental policies to support concrete recycling, proper construction WM plans, good communication among employees, positive legislation toward concrete recycling, and availability of concrete recycling infrastructure. Regarding barriers/hinders for WM based on the construction sector research, Badraddin et al. ( 2021 ) showed that factors which hinder concrete recycling in construction projects include a shortage of national programs, a lack of regulations, and high financial costs.

Facilitators and barriers/hinders for WM based on the T&H sector research

In small airports, Harley et al. ( 2020 ) exhibited that implementing environmental practices such as WM and noise reduction is positively influenced by consumer pressure and regulatory intervention and is negatively influenced by complexity and human resource constraints. Further, examples of factors that could negatively affect micro T&H accommodation enterprises in managing waste and recycling are the need for more budget, knowledge, and time, in addition to clients are not interested in these practices (Agyeiwaah 2019 ).

Facilitators for WM based on the multi-sector research

As showed by Mura et al. ( 2020 ), providing SMEs with training on sustainability, involving them in dialog about circular economy with institutions and bodies, providing financial support, and setting supportive policies for sustainability (e.g., tax benefits, loans, and subsidies) are facilitators for SMEs to adopt circular economy principles such as WM. Similarly, sustainability performance (e.g., WM) could be enhanced in micro-enterprises by governments and policymakers through addressing bottlenecks in skills, offering financial incentives, setting supportive policies, minimizing taxes, providing training and education, and improving the technological capacity (Martínez and Poveda 2022 ).

Strict national regulations have a positive impact on managing waste in MSMEs (Salvioni et al. 2021 ). In this regard, governmental regulations have a positive pressure on minimizing waste in micro and small enterprises (Demjanovičová and Varmus 2021 ). Cleaner production including WM practices is positively influenced by entrepreneurial orientation, market orientation, and knowledge management orientation (de Guimarães et al. 2018 ).

Barriers/hinders for WM based on the multi-sector research

Barriers facing MSMEs to recycling and WM include costs, a shortage of suitable services, a lack of space, a lack of willing to recycle, spatial constraints, hard access to services, regulations and legislation, limited infrastructure, a lack of knowledge and information, staff time, insufficient recyclables, a shortage of staff, and a lack of management commitment (Woodard 2020 ; 2021 ). A lack of knowledge related to legislation could prevent MSMEs from managing solid waste properly (Pozo et al. 2019 ).

It was also showed by Cantú et al. ( 2021 ) and Salvioni et al. ( 2021 ) that hinders encountered circular economy principles implementation such as managing waste in MSMEs include a lack of knowledge and expertise, a shortage of financial resources, poor regulations, a lack of incentives, and excessive bureaucracy. In the same vein, SMEs face different challenges for circular economy principles adoption (e.g., WM) such as a lack of financial resources and awareness, poor management vision, and a shortage of experience and trained employees (Sharma et al. 2021 ). Further, Mura et al. ( 2020 ) found that higher costs, a lack of coordination of regulations in the field of sustainability, bureaucratic difficulty in applying the legislation on sustainability by enterprises, a lack of clear guidelines to define sustainability in SMEs, and perception of sustainability as a cost are barriers for SMEs to adopt circular economy principles such as WM.

Examples of barriers encountering green practices implementation such as WM in SMEs are a shortage of novel technologies, a lack of research and development capacity, insufficient budget, a lack of human resources, high costs of waste disposition, a shortage of trainings, and low involvement of governmental support (Fahad et al. 2022 ). It was resulted by Salma et al. ( 2021 ) that the adoption of lean manufacturing in SMEs is negatively influenced by a lack of leadership, a shortage of commitment from top management, a lack of financial resources, a lack of knowledge and training about lean tools, and a shortage of skills and expertise.

Outcomes of WM in MSME research

Table 4 depicts the outcomes of WM in MSMEs research with differentiation among diverse economic sectors.

Outcomes of WM based on the manufacturing sector research

WM and recycling in SMEs are crucial for enhancing environmental sustainability (Peña-Montoya et al. 2020 ; Yacob et al. 2018 ), reducing pollution (Peña-Montoya et al. 2020 ), protecting the environment, and improving overall performance of SMEs (Wu et al. 2018 ). On a similar vein, Sahoo and Yadav ( 2018 ) resulted that operational performance of SMEs is positively influenced by waste minimization practices.

Additionally, cost saving (Toke and Kalpande 2021 ) and financial performance improvement (Gupta et al. 2022 ) could be achieved by managing waste in SMEs. It was also showed by Alfaro and Diaz ( 2021 ) that SMEs implemented green practices such as responsible segregation and disposal of waste. These practices are significant in reducing costs and expenses and enhancing net income.

By the use of less energy, water, and materials needed for production and WM, efficiency could be increased and the environment could be improved (Nunes et al. 2019 ). More specifically, solid WM is important for promoting eco-efficiency of small enterprises (Bezerra et al. 2019 ). Agyabeng-Mensah et al. ( 2021 ) resulted that zero waste strategies positively affect circular economy target performance and organizational identity. These strategies could minimize solid waste, waste water, air emissions, and energy and materials consumption.

Outcomes of WM based on the WM and T&H sector research

Based on the WM sector research, WM is important for sustainable development, economic growth, and achieving profits (Higgs and Hill 2019 ). Besides, Hussain et al. ( 2020 ) stated that WM is crucial for accomplishing environmental benefits, producing clean energy, reducing climate change, and minimizing carbon emissions and pollution. Drawing on the T&H sectors research, green practices in SME restaurants such as WM, recycling, and the use of energy-saving devices are vital to achieve economic gains in the long run (Tosun et al. 2022 ).

Outcomes of WM based on the multi-sector research

It was found by Salvioni et al. ( 2021 ) that implementing circular economy principles such as managing waste in MSMEs is significant to enhance operating efficiency, reduce costs, improve the quality of the workplace, and increase access to public funds and tax relief. Proper WM is also critical in SMEs to save costs, increase sales from the use of waste (Velenturf et al. 2019 ), achieve sustainable competitive advantages (de Guimarães et al. 2018 ; Villegas Pinuer et al. 2021 ), and gain sustainable benefits (Villegas Pinuer et al. 2021 ).

Practical implications and recommendations

This section discusses practical implications and recommendations for MSMEs and practitioners as well as governments and policymakers.

Implications and recommendations based on the manufacturing sector research

Msmes and practitioners.

It is necessary for MSMEs to collaborate with public universities and governments to understand how to manage industrial waste (Singh et al. 2018 ). Our review recommends that MSMEs follow green practitioners to adopt the best green practices including WM. In addition, MSMEs need to deal with governments to know about green economic development initiatives that may be useful for the enterprise. MSMEs could also put up posters as a reminder to workers to assist in avoiding pollution and managing waste. This aligns with Alfaro and Diaz ( 2021 ).

It is essential for MSMEs to collaborate with stakeholders including suppliers and customers and enhance their learning capabilities to be able to implement circular economy principles such as zero waste practices, lean product development, and lean manufacturing actions that ultimately lead to improving circular economy target performance and organizational identity (Agyabeng-Mensah et al. 2021 ).

Waste could be managed in MSMEs not only through setting laws and regulations by governments but also through the practice that MSMEs reform their business philosophy and at the long run investing in sustainable development (Wu et al. 2018 ). Significantly, MSMEs could appoint an environmental manager to be responsible for green initiatives implementation and green technology adoption (Yacob et al. 2018 ). MSMEs could also use specific waste treatment facilities to manage waste (Rumanti et al. 2020 ).

MSMEs need to understand factors that positively and negatively affect them to adopt successful sustainable business strategies which are vital in managing waste and improving overall performance. It is also essential to implement lean and green strategies in their overall processes. These strategies concentrate on using fewer material and energy per product manufactured. To embed these strategies to MSMEs, it is advisable for MSMEs to improve their personnel attitudes and perceptions by enhancing awareness and education (Caldera et al. 2019 ). Involving employees in defining the root cause of the waste is crucial to achieve improvements. Their involvement could be by brainstorming sessions (Nunes et al. 2019 ).

It is advisable for the women’s leather dress footwear producers especially small enterprises to reduce their environmental harmful impacts by promoting proper maintenance and responsible consumption, implementing cleaner production, enhancing the reuse of the product, recycling materials, minimizing the consumption of energy, water and solid waste generated, efficiently managing waste, prioritization of recyclable materials, and modernizing or reprocessing footwear (Quintero-Angel and Peña-Montoya 2020 ). It is important that MSMEs create and enhance a culture of ongoing improvement to reduce waste that is beneficial in saving costs (Sahoo and Yadav 2018 ). Ultimately, WM should be adopted by MSMEs during and post the COVID-19 pandemic (Agarwal et al. 2021 ).

Governments and policymakers

As concluded by Sendawula et al. ( 2020 ) that governments and policymakers should encourage owners and managers of SMEs to conserve the natural environment by sustainability practices adoption such as WM. It is recommended for governments to provide green economic subsidies and soft loans to enhance MSMEs’ actions toward sustainable WM practices. Additionally, governments could provide carrots (e.g., minimized costs and tax reductions) with sticks (e.g., regulations and carbon taxes) to enhance MSMEs’ commitment (Singh et al. 2018 ).

According to de Sousa Jabbour et al. ( 2020 ), governments should provide SMEs with reduced taxes and enough incentives to enhance their management practices including socially and environmentally responsible actions (e.g., WM). Governments and policymakers could provide enterprises especially MSMEs with financial support, equipment, and subsidies to implement zero waste practices and lean management actions. Zero WM needs to be considered by policymakers as a national strategy that should be implemented by industries and societies to enhance circular economy (Agyabeng-Mensah et al. 2021 ). It is also advisable that society appreciates SMEs’ initiatives to protect the environment (Sendawula et al. 2020 ).

To encourage SMEs to dispose hazardous waste materials with responsible procedures, it is suggested that governments and policymakers reward SMEs with monetisable carbon credits for their responsible behaviors and actions. It would be also helpful to assist SMEs in how to adopt sustainable business models and circular economy thinking with providing enough funding, in addition to providing training related to the latest environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes and technologies is also essential for SMEs. SMEs could be motivated to deploy technologies in their operation and to implement responsible strategies, such as those related to WM by providing favorable tax breaks (Sohal et al. 2022 ).

According to Anzules-Falcones et al. ( 2021 ), collaboration between universities and research institutions is important to provide low-cost waste processing technologies. It is also advisable that governments support research and development in MSMEs concentrating on the circular model (Anzules-Falcones et al. 2021 ). SMEs should be supported by governments and policymakers to use lean and green strategies that are important for managing waste and achieving efficiency in production. This support could be financial by providing incentives, seed-funds, and low interest loans, and technical through creating a hub to connect SME industrial practitioners with technical experts to support lean and green implementation (Caldera et al. 2019 ; Sahoo and Yadav 2018 ).

Our review recommends overcoming the barriers related to the slow uptake of good environmental practices in MSMEs through providing environmental training programs and a formal intervention. This is significant for MSMEs’ owners-managers to know where to start with sustainability including WM and eco-innovation (Mitchell et al. 2020 ).

Implications and recommendations based on the WM sector research

The current review advises MSMEs and large enterprises to manage environmental responsibility in the supply chain. This is in line with Higgs and Hill ( 2019 ). Providing ongoing training and informing all risks for employees are critical procedures in improving safety and health in WM enterprises (Ramos et al. 2020 ). Based on Hussain et al. ( 2020 ), MSMEs should collaborate with other stakeholders to encounter challenges related to adopting circular economy principles and waste to energy strategy. This collaboration is also important for MSMEs to have knowledge about waste to energy technologies.

Implications and recommendations based on the construction sector research

Msmes, practitioners, governments, and policymakers.

To reduce waste by MSMEs and large enterprises in the construction sector, it is recommended to train employees on WM, store materials properly, apply monitoring system, use proper transportation, use prefabricated elements, and reuse products on the construction site (Białko and Hoła 2021 ). Entrepreneurs can use the waste from the built environment or from one enterprise for reuse in a dynamic circular economy, with local advantages enabling global progress on multiple UN SDGs (Awan and Sroufe 2022 ). Governments and policymakers must provide training and financial support to enterprises especially MSMEs to reduce construction wastes (Białko and Hoła 2021 ).

Implications and recommendations based on the T&H sector research

Small accommodation enterprises should donate their solid waste to accessible locations like the curb-side approach. In addition, governments and policymakers need to provide trainings to small accommodation enterprises on how to manage and sort solid wastes (Agyeiwaah 2020 ). Green practices such as green food production, green WM, biofoods, and recycling should be the focus in SME restaurants (Tosun et al. 2022 ).

Implications and recommendations based on the multi-sector research

MSMEs could use smarter systems for managing waste. Besides, waste should not only be categorized according to their origin but also the resources should be at the heart of waste policies through more holistic systems (Woodard 2020 ). It would be beneficial for MSMEs to regularly adopt information technologies to minimize waste and save energy (Yousaf et al. 2021 ).

It is critical for governments and policymakers to monitor MSMEs to make sure that they manage waste responsibly with registered contractors. Governments could visit MSMEs to make sure that they follow environmental and public health policies. It is also necessary to provide support and guidance with applying enforcement if there is no compliance (Woodard 2021 ).

Importantly, governmental regulations are important for MSMEs to manage waste (e.g., sorting and disposal) (Pozo et al. 2019 ). It is recommended that governments force MSMEs to separate dry recyclable materials and bio-waste. This could be useful to reduce waste and achieve benefits (Woodard 2020 ). Also, governments and policymakers should determine locations for MSMEs to dispose their waste (Pozo et al. 2019 ).

To enhance sustainability performance (e.g., WM) in MSMEs, governments and policymakers could address bottlenecks in skills, offer financial incentives, set supportive policies, reduce taxes, provide training and education, and improve the technological capacity (Martínez and Poveda 2022 ). In this regard, providing subsidies, tax relief, and support by governments and policymakers is crucial for enhancing the implementation of circular economy principles such as WM in MSMEs (Salvioni et al. 2021 ).

In order to improve the use and management of waste and sustainable raw materials, Villegas et al. ( 2021 ) stated that SMEs need for economic support such as tax cuts and technical assistance. Additionally, policymakers and authorities should not punish SMEs for deviations from environmental sustainability, but it is suggested providing educational campaigns and trainings to achieve a long-term environmental sustainability.

It is important for policymakers to understand that food waste is one of the critical problems that could be produced to energy. Governments should launch awareness campaigns for MSMEs to enhance their knowledge of hazards associated with waste which include environmental pollution, CO 2 emissions, human diseases, health disasters, and marine life destruction. Additionally, enhancing awareness about the WM strategies such as recycling, separating, sorting, reusing, and composting waste is essential. The findings revealed that a lack of financial resources, knowledge, experience, education, and training are some barriers encountered by MSMEs in WM. Therefore, governmental support for MSMEs by presenting financial or technical support is required.

Agenda and a call for future research

Based on the current systematic review findings discussed, this section provides detailed and several suggestions and avenues for future WM research (see Fig. 5 ). Several flaws in research contexts of WM research in MSMEs were identified. Some of the articles examined were performed in India, Brazil, Ghana, and Malaysia. There are few research on WM in MSMEs from other countries, such as UK, Portugal, Italy, China, Taiwan, the USA, Australia, Spain, and Turkey. Besides, most of the WM research in MSMEs has been conducted with merging more than one sector. Future scholars must concentrate on the manufacturing sectors separately, in addition to focusing on other economic sectors such as the WM, T&H, healthcare, mining, transportation, service, and construction sectors.

Suggestions for future WM research in MSMEs

Future directions based on the manufacturing sector research

A vital area for upcoming research is to investigate sustainable development in manufacturing SMEs. More specifically, it is required to examine sustainability performance (financial performance, social performance, and environmental performance) in SMEs. This suggestion aligns with de Sousa Jabbour et al. ( 2020 ). Our findings confirm that exploring zero WM practices in all sizes of enterprises especially MSMEs is a promising area for further research. This suggestion concurs with Agyabeng-Mensah et al. ( 2021 ). We also encourage future scholars to investigate SMEs performance related to solid WM (Peña-Montoya et al., 2020 ).

It will be interesting to examine the impact of financial performance on the implementation of enterprises especially MSMEs for green practices such as WM. In addition, exploring the effect of green performance on financial performance is also needed. This suggestion concurs with Kasseeah ( 2020 ). Investigating the association between environmental management practices (e.g., waste, emissions, and biodiversity) and financial performance of MSMEs in sectors such as service, construction, mining, and transportation is definitely an area of further research. Longitudinal studies are also recommended. This is in line with Ahinful and Tauringana ( 2019 ).

Future scholars should assess the link between environmental commitment and sustainability actions including “eco-friendly packaging, energy efficiency, WM, and water conservation” using a mixed methods approach in MSMEs. This is in agreement with Sendawula et al. ( 2020 ). It is advisable for upcoming researchers to investigate cleaner production that emerged as “a waste generation prevention” in SMEs. This suggestion is consistent with Nunes et al. ( 2019 ). Cleaner production practices implementation such as WM should be explored in MSMEs and large enterprises with concentrating on challenges, barriers, and advantages of their adoption. This is in line with Neto et al. ( 2020 ).

For upcoming research, we also advise exploring more strategies on how to encounter barriers and challenges of cleaner production practices implementation such as WM in MSMEs. This is in agreement with Leite et al. ( 2019 ). Our review motivates further research to explore enablers and barriers affecting sustainable business strategies adoption (e.g., WM) in MSMEs from different sectors. Lean and green strategies are worth more investigation. This suggestion is consistent with Caldera et al. ( 2019 ).

In diverse sectors of MSMEs, Alfaro and Diaz ( 2021 ) suggested exploring green practices such as WM. More research is needed to investigate the role of technologies in MSMEs to implement responsible practices including WM. This is in line with Sohal et al. ( 2022 ). Similarly, authors expect that future researchers study the role of technology in green manufacturing which is crucial for managing waste in both SMEs and large enterprises (Seth et al. 2018 ). It will be useful to examine the role of technologies in achieving corporate sustainability and managing waste in SMEs. This suggestion aligns with de Sousa Jabbour et al. ( 2020 ). Another significant area for future research in MSMEs is to explore the role of internet of things in WM and the challenges of its adoption (Elkhwesky and Elkhwesky 2022 , alkhwesky 2022 ; Gaspar et al. 2021 ).

Our review pushes upcoming scholars to compare between large enterprises and MSMEs in different countries regarding the impact of organizational learning, lean product development, lean manufacturing practices, and zero waste practices on circular economy target performance and organizational identity. This suggestion is also a call from Agyabeng-Mensah et al. ( 2021 ).

Future directions based on the WM sector research

Future research should conduct an in-depth investigation on the role of MSMEs in accomplishing circularity through converting waste into energy. This suggestion is based on Hussain et al. ( 2020 ). Our review also calls for more research on the implementation of integrated management systems in MSMEs including the WM sector. This aligns with Ramos et al. ( 2020 ).

Future directions based on the construction sector research

Implementing waste reduction through continuous improvement in the construction industry is still in its early stages with numerous challenges. This is definitely an area of further research (Omotayo et al. 2019 ). To improve productivity and economic growth, it is advisable that future research in the construction sector focus on the systems dynamics of physical and non-physical waste minimization (Omotayo et al. 2020 ).

Future directions based on the T&H sectors research

Exploring motivators and barriers for environmental management systems adoption (e.g., WM) in enterprises such as MSMEs is a research thread which needs to be extended further (Salim et al. 2018 ). We suggest studying the impact of COVID-19 on environmental practices such as WM in small airports (Harley et al. 2020 ). Future scholars should also explore new categories of waste generated form restaurants as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (Tosun et al. 2022 ).

Our review suggests that future researchers investigating owners’ sustainability practices in small businesses through qualitative and quantitative research in both developing and developed contexts. Also, it is advisable to explore attitudes, knowledge, and understanding of owners related to the concept of sustainability and its practices including WM. This promising suggestion aligns with Agyeiwaah ( 2019 ).

There are limited studies on environmental practices (e.g., WM) of small-sized accommodation businesses with their antecedents. This is a significant call for further research. Future scholars also need to concentrate on owner-managers’ opinions and behaviors concerning WM in small-sized accommodation enterprises (Ispas et al. 2019 ). Research on the role of small accommodation enterprises in solid WM is scarce. This fact calls for more investigation (Agyeiwaah 2020 ).

Future directions based on the multi-sector research

There is a robust need to study the association between WM norms and their implementation in MSMEs from different countries and sectors. A longitudinal study is also required. This is in agreement with Villegas et al. ( 2021 ). Our research suggests that upcoming scholars exploring systems implemented by MSMEs to manage waste. It is also recommended to explore practices used by authorities to enhance MSME awareness associated with managing waste. Managing waste from MSMEs is an avenue for further research nationally and internationally. This is consistent with Woodard ( 2021 ).

It will be interesting for future scholars to explore practices implemented globally by MSMEs to reduce and reuse waste which are the core of circular economy. We also call future research investigating the impact of legislation related to WM and recycling on MSMEs behaviors. This recommendation is in line with Woodard ( 2020 ). Besides, future studies need to explore the impacts of circular economy principles such as WM in SMEs on social dynamics (Mura et al. 2020 ).

It is advisable for future researchers to explore MSMEs’ actions related to circular economy such as WM through personal interviews and focus groups in diverse sectors (e.g., textile and clothing, food and beverage, electronics, hotels and restaurants, and transport). It is also required to investigate the impact of managers’ characteristics, public incentives, and firm size on these actions. This is in line with Salvioni et al. ( 2021 ). Our review encourages further research to explore challenges for achieving sustainability including WM in MSMEs. This is in line with Howard et al. ( 2022 ). The current review also suggests identifying barriers that face MSMEs when carrying out circular economy practices such as WM. This call concurs with Cantú et al. ( 2021 ).

There is a dire need to investigate the role of internet of things (Elkhwesky and Elkhwesky 2022 , alkhwesky 2022 ), artificial intelligence, and robots in managing waste and enhancing sustainability in MSMEs. This is in line with Yousaf et al. ( 2021 ). It will also help to investigate the role of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning in implementing circular economy principles such as WM. This is in agreement with Chaudhuri et al. ( 2022 ). We also suggest studying the association between industry 4.0 and sustainability in supply chains of MSMES and exploring facilitators and barriers for their integration in MSMEs. This suggestion aligns with Machado et al. ( 2021 ).

This systematic review was performed to illustrate types of waste, hazards associated with waste, as well as strategies, antecedents (facilitators and barriers), and outcomes of WM in MSMEs from different economic sectors. It also aimed to explain the relationship between technology and WM in MSME research. Based on the analysis of 84 articles (from 2018 to June 2022) related to WM in MSMEs, it has been found that the types of waste generated from MSMEs include metals, hair, polystyrene, chemicals, glass, plastics, papers, wood, fabrics, stones, food, ceramics, candles, and cooking oil, among others. There are several hazards associated with waste such as environmental pollution, CO 2 emissions, health problems, human diseases, and harmful impacts on marine life.

Separating, sorting, recycling, reusing, and composting waste are some WM strategies or practices in MSME research. Our results also demonstrated that the barriers faced by MSMEs in WM include a shortage of financial resources, technology, leadership, experience, knowledge, education, and training, necessitating governmental authorities’ intervention. We also found that improving financial performance, economic growth, competitive advantage, eco-efficiency, and sustainable development are significant outcomes of WM in MSMEs research. Our review affirmed that MSMEs should invest in adopting and developing novel technologies (hardware and software) for managing waste. There has been a paucity of research on MSMEs WM, necessitating a thorough investigation of several issues by future scholars.

Limitations of the study

Even though the WoS database is enough to perform systematic reviews (Elkhwesky et al. 2022a ), it is recommended that future scholars use Science Direct and Scopus. Upcoming research could also present statistical measures of prior results by implementing meta-analysis. Future researchers are recommended to conduct systematic reviews on WM in MSMEs by focusing on a specific economic sector or region. Despite these limitations, the current research is one of the first studies to systematically and critically review WM in MSMEs' studies from different economic sectors in the last five years (from 2018 to June 2022).

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Neama Derhab

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Zakaria Elkhwesky

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Derhab, N., Elkhwesky, Z. A systematic and critical review of waste management in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises: future directions for theory and practice. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30 , 13920–13944 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-24742-7

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