sustainability
Article
Bibliometric Analysis of Studies on Sustainable
Waste Management †
Deniz Yalçıntaş 1, * , Suzan Oğuz 1 , Eda Yaşa Özeltürkay 2, *
Citation: Yalçıntaş, D.; Oğuz, S.;
Yaşa Özeltürkay, E.; Gülmez, M.
Bibliometric Analysis of Studies on
Sustainable Waste Management.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 1414. https://
doi.org/10.3390/su15021414
Academic Editors: Valentina
Niccolucci, Luca Coscieme and
Nicoletta Patrizi
Received: 28 November 2022
Revised: 4 January 2023
Accepted: 9 January 2023
Published: 11 January 2023
Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
Sustainability 2023, 15, 1414. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021414
and Murat Gülmez 2
1 Department of International Trade and Logistics, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences,
Çağ University, 33800 Mersin, Turkey
2 Department of International Business Management, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences,
Çağ University, 33800 Mersin, Turkey
* Correspondence: denizyalcintas@cag.edu.tr (D.Y.); edayasa@cag.edu.tr (E.Y.Ö.);
Tel.: +90-324-651-4800 (E.Y.Ö.)
† This manuscript has been previously presented in XI National Logistics and Supply Chain Congress at
12 May 2022 and published as abstract proceed in an electronic.
Abstract: Environmental issues have spread around the world as a result of rapidly evolving technol-
ogy, industrialization, urbanization, and population expansion. Alongside this, wastes are produced
as a result of rising manufacturing activities, the use of natural resources, and brisk consumption.
Thus, waste management poses a great danger to both our environment and future generations and
is one of the most important environmental problems of our age. Sustainable waste management
should be implemented effectively in order to protect rapidly depleted natural resources within the
scope of sustainable waste management, prevent the negative effects of waste on the environment
and human health, and to ensure their participation as an economic input. The aim of this study is to
examine the studies on sustainable waste management between the years 2010–2021 with the visual
mapping method. In this context, SSCI, SCI and ESCI indexes were selected in the Web of Science
database, and a search was conducted with the concept of “sustainable waste management”. There
were 599 publications found with the phrase “sustainable waste management” in the title. Later,
these publications were visualized and interpreted through the VOSviewer mapping method. The
most frequently used keyword in the findings was “sustainable waste management”. The author
with the most publications was “Yong Sik Ok”, while the most cited author was “Daniel C.W. Tsang”.
It was observed that the highest number of publications among the countries was in China. China
was also identified as the country with the highest number of citations. The findings of the study can
be graphically visualized to obtain the most relevant information to be applied in firms. Additionally,
because doing a literature review requires a lot of time, it is believed that the researchers will find
the findings of this study that compiles the literature useful. For policy makers can bring new
perspectives about incorporating strategies in wastes and waste management.
Keywords: sustainable waste management; bibliometric analysis; visual mapping
1. Introduction
Both future generations and other living things in the ecosystem are at risk because
of how quickly and carelessly humans use resources and live a consumption-oriented
lifestyle. A waste left by a living thing in nature has been reintroduced to nature by other
living things. However, it has often been difficult and time-consuming to reintroduce the
wastes that people leave to nature [1]. Recent years have seen a rise in the complexity
of waste management issues, which are necessarily brought on by human activity. It is
more challenging for waste management to accomplish its objectives of protecting people,
the environment, and resources the higher the material turnover and the more complex
and diverse the materials produced. On the other hand, a sustainable waste management
system must take into account the growing amount of waste, legislation that has been
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability
Sustainability 2023, 15, 1414 2 of 14

established in the area of waste management, administrative concerns, economic effects,

and social awareness [2].
The aim of sustainable development, which entered our lives with the report “Our
Common Future” published in 1987 [3], is “to meet the needs of today’s generation without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (p. 16). At the
Sustainable Development Conference held by the United Nations (UN) in 2015, 17 goals and
169 sub-targets were determined. These goals are aimed to be achieved by the member states
of the United Nations by the end of 2030. Waste management is one of the important sub-
targets among the goals and objectives. The achievement of 17 goals depends increasingly
on the development of a comprehensive and efficient waste management system. Regarding
the environment, the welfare of society, and the economy, it is crucial to address waste
management in the scope of sustainable development goals [4,5]. In addition, in 2017,
a new waste management philosophy called ‘Zero Waste’ was introduced in order to
leave a sustainable, clean and livable world to future generations [1]. Environmental
sustainability policies are also a critical issue for industrialization. After the production
process is completed, it is important that the waste is disposed of in such a way that it is
fed back into the production of natural resources [6]. With a focus on spatially combining
solid waste management, wastewater treatment, energy production, and food production
facilities, Wilson et al. [7] argued for a holistic and systems approach to “integrated and
sustainable solid waste management” addressing all three aspects of the triple bottom line
interpretation of sustainability (environmental, social, and economic).
Sustainable waste management emerged in the late 1930s. This interest continued
until 1945, but not many publications in this field were observed until the mid-1980s. The
popularity of this topic, which reached its peak in the 2000s, dropped abruptly as the 2010s
approached, and rose again in the late 2010s, despite some minor fluctuations [5]. In terms
of sustainability, wastes indicate the level of effective and efficient use of resources. In
addition, wastes should be disposed of in an environmentally and economically sensitive
manner [8]. Sustainable waste management aims to use the resources cyclically and to
reuse the post-consumer wastes in a beneficial way. In this context, a four-stage decision
process is required [9]:
• Avoiding waste generation as much as possible,
• Recycling of waste when waste generation is inevitable,
• Ensuring energy production from waste in cases where recycling cannot be realized
• After these stages, it is the development and implementation of the most suitable
environmental option for waste disposal.
Issues with waste management are connected to the idea of a circular economy and
taken into account in its framework [10]. Effective waste management and how waste
is treated as a possible future resource are key components of achieving environmental
sustainability and making the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy [11].
By extending and completing material cycles that take into account waste input-output to
generate economic flow inventories, waste management is the foundation of a circular econ-
omy to accomplish more efficient waste prevention and better resource management [12,13].
Poor waste management practices or non-implementation of waste management can nega-
tively affect human health, the environment and the economy in many ways [4]. With a
sustainable waste management system, some recyclable wastes can be collected separately
and recycled without mixing with household waste. Thus, the amount of stored waste
can be reduced. Some wastes can be re-evaluated and brought back into the economy as
raw materials [14]. In this context, the first step of transitioning to a sustainable waste
management model is for local governments to develop appropriate strategies for each
type of waste by applying the waste hierarchy according to the existing waste composi-
tion in cities [15]. The European Union waste management directives aim to promote the
prevention of waste and the implementation of a waste management hierarchy [16]. In
waste management, it is essential to prevent waste generation and to protect resources in
this context. Waste is not garbage that needs to be disposed of, but resources gained by
 Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW  3  of  14 
 

existing waste composition in cities [15]. The European Union waste management direc‐
Sustainability 2023, 15, 1414 tives aim  to promote the prevention of waste and the implementation of a  waste man‐3 of 14
agement hierarchy [16]. In waste management, it is essential to prevent waste generation 
and to protect resources in this context. Waste is not garbage that needs to be disposed of, 
but  resources  gained  by recycling [17].  The  hierarchy  of  waste  management  states  that 
recycling [17]. The hierarchy of waste management states that some waste should not be
some waste should not be produced, some waste should be reused, some waste should 
produced, some waste should be reused, some waste should be recycled or composted,
be recycled or composted, and some waste should be incinerated and buried. [18]. The 
and some waste should be incinerated and buried [18]. The circular economy aims to close
circular  economy  aims  to  close  the  supply  chain  loops  as  much  as  possible  in  order  to 
the supply chain loops as much as possible in order to create a sustainable and zero-waste
create  a  sustainable  and  zero‐waste  environment,  with  a  focus  on  the  waste  hierarchy 
environment, with a focus on the waste hierarchy from waste prevention at the top to
from waste prevention at the top to disposal at the bottom [11]. According to the hierar‐
disposal at the bottom [11]. According to the hierarchy in Figure 1, the source reduction
chy in Figure 1, the source reduction and reuse of wastes should be the most preferred, 
and reuse of wastes should be the most preferred, while the least and last preferred should
while the least and last preferred should be waste disposal [19] (p.5). 
be waste disposal [19] (p. 5).

 
Figure 1. Waste management hierarchy. 
Figure 1. Waste management hierarchy.

Waste management and the idea of sustainable development are closely intertwined 
Waste management and the idea of sustainable development are closely intertwined
because each has an impact on both the social and ecological aspects of life. Focusing on 
because each has an impact on both the social and ecological aspects of life. Focusing
waste management can positively impact both urban communities and the ecosystem, as 
on waste management can positively impact both urban communities and the ecosystem,
the number of city residents is constantly increasing and with them, consumption is in‐
as the number of city residents is constantly increasing and with them, consumption is
creasing [20]. For waste management to be sustainable, it must protect human health and 
increasing [20]. For waste management to be sustainable, it must protect human health and
the environment, be economically reasonable, and be socially acceptable [21]. There are 
the environment, be economically reasonable, and be socially acceptable [21]. There are
important factors
important factors such
such asas education,
education, technical
technical equipment,
equipment, active
active  participation 
participation ofof 
thethe 
public
public  and  financial  support  at  each  step  of  this  decision  process. 
and financial support at each step of this decision process. In addition, in this this 
In  addition,  in  process,
process, management,  the private sector, non‐governmental  organizations  and  individ‐
management, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and individuals in the
uals in the society have responsibilities [8]. 
society have responsibilities [8].
There are several bibliometric studies on waste management in the literature. On the 
There are several bibliometric studies on waste management in the literature. On
other hand, no bibliometric research on the topic of sustainable waste management has 
the other hand, no bibliometric research on the topic of sustainable waste management
been  discovered.  Thus,  this  study  aims  to  examine  the  studies  on  sustainable  waste 
has been discovered. Thus, this study aims to examine the studies on sustainable waste
management in the Web of Science (WoS) database between 2010–2021 within the scope 
management in the Web of Science (WoS) database between 2010–2021 within the scope of
of bibliometric analysis and to create visual maps. In this context, answers to the follow‐
bibliometric analysis and to create visual maps. In this context, answers to the following
ing questions were sought: 
questions were sought:
1. What  is  the  distribution  of  publications  on  sustainable  waste  management  in  the 
1. What is the distribution of publications on sustainable waste management in the WoS
WoS database between 2010–2021? 
2. database between 2010–2021?
What are the keywords frequently used in publications on sustainable waste man‐
2. What are the keywords frequently used in publications on sustainable waste manage-
agement in the WoS database? 
3. ment incountries 
Which  the WoShave 
database?
the  most  publications  on  sustainable  waste  management  in 
3. Which countries have the most publications on sustainable waste management in the
the WoS database? 
WoS database?
4. Who are the researchers with the most co-authorship on sustainable waste manage-
ment in the WoS database?
5. Researchers with the most publications on sustainable waste management in the
 
WoS database
6. Which countries and publications are most cited on sustainable waste management in
the WoS database?
Sustainability 2023, 15, 1414 4 of 14

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Data Collection and Processing
The Web of Science (WoS) database is one of the most frequently used databases in
terms of including journals in the field of social sciences [22]. For this reason, this database
was preferred to examine publications on sustainable waste management. The aim of this
study is to examine the studies on sustainable waste management between 2010–2021 with
visual mapping method. In this context, studies with sustainable waste management in
the title were searched from the WoS database on 10 February 2022. One of the most
comprehensive databases in the world, the WoS database contains many high-quality
publications that can represent research points and boundaries in the field [23] (p. 16).
890 publications were reached as a result of the first search. Since the number of publications
per year before 2010 was less than 10, this period was not included in the analysis. Then,
SSCI, SCI and ESCI indexes were selected and the bibliometric search in this study included
599 publications between 2010–2021. The distribution of these publications according to
document types and indices is as shown, respectively (Table 1).

Table 1. Distribution of publications types and indexes.

Documant Types
Article 461
Review Article 75
Editorial Material 40
Proceeding Paper 7
Early Access 5
Book Review 4
Correction 3
Meeting Abstract 3
Book Chapters 1
Web of Science Index
SCI—Expanded 371
SCI 123
ESCI 105

2.2. Analytical Method

Pritchard introduced the term “bibliometrics” in 1969, which is described as the “appli-
cation of mathematics and statistical methods to books and other media of communication”.
However, its use and practice date as far back as the 1890s. It had either no title at all or
the name “statistical bibliography” before to 1969 [24]. The data obtained within the scope
of the research were analyzed by the bibliometric analysis method. Bibliometric analysis
studies use secondary data and examine data from a quantitative and objective perspec-
tive [25]. Consequently, it can establish a methodical, transparent, and repeatable review
process, which then improves the review’s dependability and quality [26].The bibliometric
analysis uses statistical and mathematical techniques to examine the formal characteristics
of knowledge domains [27] (p. 4). The quantity of articles published in a journal and the
number of citations it receives are indicators of that publication’s influence in a specific
academic field [26] (p. 791). Thus, the most productive studies, researchers and countries
on the subject related to the bibliometric method are revealed, and thus these studies guide
future studies in the context of interactions between researchers and countries [28].

3. Results
In this section, the visual maps that emerged after the bibliometric analysis of 599 arti-
cle studies and their interpretations are given.

3.1. An Overview of the Publication Years

The bibliometric search in this study included 599 articles. Figure 1 shows the number
of articles published annually from 2010–2021.
 3. Results 
In  this section,  the  visual maps that emerged after the  bibliometric analysis of 599 
article studies and their interpretations are given. 

3.1. An Overview of the Publication Years 
Sustainability 2023, 15, 1414 5 of 14
The  bibliometric  search  in  this  study  included  599  articles.  Figure  1  shows  the 
number of articles published annually from 2010–2021. 
Figure 2 displays the total number of publications that include the concept of sus‐
Figure 2 displays the total number of publications that include the concept of sustain-
able wastewaste 
tainable  management 
management as wellas 
as well 
their as  their  distribution 
distribution by year. Aby  year. 
closer A  closer 
look look  at  the 
at the graph
graph reveals that 2021 was the year with the most publications being released. It is evi‐
reveals that 2021 was the year with the most publications being released. It is evident that
dent that there were fewer than 50 publications up to 2017, and that number increased in 
there were fewer than 50 publications up to 2017, and that number increased in the years
that
the followed. When
years  that  compared
followed.  to other
When  years, itto 
compared  can be noted
other  that
years,  it there is anoted 
can  be  notablethat 
growth
there  is  a 
innotable growth in 2020 and 2021. 
2020 and 2021.

139
Publication Numbers

105

67
52 53
41
33 28
26 21 22
12

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Years
 
Figure 2. Publication years. 
Figure 2. Publication years.

3.2. The Distribution of the Keywords

3.2. The Distribution of the Keywords 
The primary material of the study topics is represented by keywords [29]. A total of
The primary material of the study topics is represented by keywords [29]. A total of 
1410 keywords were used in the publications included in the analysis. The following figure
1410  keywords  were  used  in  the  publications  included  in  the  analysis.  The  following 
shows keywords and keyword clusters.
figure shows keywords and keyword clusters. 
In Figure 3, the distribution of the keywords included in the studies titled sustainable
waste In Figure 3, the distribution of the keywords included in the studies titled sustaina‐
management is shown. The size of the nodes in the image shows the frequency of
ble waste management is shown. The size of the nodes in the image shows the frequency 
the word in the publications. “Sustainable waste management” was the most frequently
of  the 
used word  in 
keyword, the  publications. 
appearing 112 times.“Sustainable  waste 
The second most management” 
often used keyword was isthe  most  fre‐
“waste
quently  used which
management”, keyword,  appearing 
is mentioned 112  times. 
86 times. The 
The term second 
“urban most 
solid often 
waste” used 
(also knownkeyword 
as is 
“waste management”, which is mentioned 86 times. The term “urban solid waste” (also 
municipal solid waste), which has been used 60 times, comes in third. The keywords are
divided
known intoas  clusters of 14solid 
municipal  different colors,
waste),  wherehas 
which  each colorused 
been  represents a cluster.
60  times,  Terms
comes  in  with
third.  The 
akeywords are divided into clusters of 14 different colors, where each color represents a 
strong relationship are in the same cluster and have the same color. The small distance
between the terms indicates that they are close to each other, meaning that words tend to
cluster. Terms with a strong relationship are in the same cluster and have the same color. 
be in the same article abstracts and titles. In addition, the terms in the center of the network
The small distance between the terms indicates that they are close to each other, meaning 
graph have a wider range of terms compared to those around the graph [30].
that words tend to be in the same article abstracts and titles. In addition, the terms in the 
center of the network graph have a wider range of terms compared to those around the 
3.3. Countries with the Most Publications
graph [30]. 
As a result of the bibliometric analysis, the countries with the most publications under
the title of sustainable waste management were revealed. A total of 92 countries were
included in the publications examined within the scope of the analysis and shown in
Figure 4.

 
  

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Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW  6 of 14
6  of  14 
 

 
Figure 3. Most Used Keywords. 

3.3. Countries with the Most Publications 
As  a  result  of  the  bibliometric  analysis,  the  countries  with  the  most  publications 
under the title of sustainable waste management were revealed. A total of 92 countries   
were included in the publications examined within the scope of the analysis and shown 
Figure 3. Most Used Keywords. 
Figure 3. Most Used Keywords.
in Figure 4. 
3.3. Countries with the Most Publications 
As  a  result  of  the  bibliometric  analysis,  the  countries  with  the  most  publications 
under the title of sustainable waste management were revealed. A total of 92 countries 
were included in the publications examined within the scope of the analysis and shown 
in Figure 4. 

 
Figure 4. Countries with the Most Publications. 
Figure 4. Countries with the Most Publications.

For the visual map to be interpreted better, it was stipulated that the number of publi-
  cations should be at least three. It has been observed that there are 56 countries with at least
three publications among 92 countries. Among these countries, it can be noted  that China
produces the majority of publications with the phrase “sustainable waste management”
Figure 4. Countries with the Most Publications. 
in the title (103 publications). China is followed by South Korea (65 publications), India
(64 publications), the UK (61 publications), and the USA (57 publications). It has been
  observed that the number of publications in Turkey is 17.

Sustainability 2023, 15, 1414
 
For  the  visual  map  to  be  interpreted  better,  it  was  stipulated  that  the  number  of 
publications should be at least three. It has been observed that there are 56 countries with 
at  least  three  publications  among  92  countries.  Among  these  countries,  it  can  be  noted 
that  China  produces  the  majority  of  publications  with  the  phrase  “sustainable  waste 
management” in the title (103 publications). China is followed by South Korea (65 pub‐7 of 14
lications),  India  (64  publications),  the  UK  (61  publications),  and  the  USA  (57  publica‐
tions). It has been observed that the number of publications in Turkey is 17. 
3.4. An Overview of the Co-Authorship Analysis
3.4. An Overview of the Co‐Authorship Analysis 
The literature’s interrelationships and scientific collaboration between authors are the
The  literature’s  interrelationships  and  scientific  collaboration  between  authors  are 
focus of co-authorship analysis [31]. Within the scope of the analysis, it was seen that there
the focus of co‐authorship analysis [31]. Within the scope of the analysis, it was seen that 
were 2265 researchers in total. When the condition that these researchers have at least three
there were 2265 researchers in total. When the condition that these  researchers have at 
publications and citations, 77 researchers were obtained. Figure 5 shows the researchers
least three publications and citations, 77 researchers were obtained. Figure 5 shows the 
with the most co-authorship on sustainable waste management.
researchers with the most co‐authorship on sustainable waste management. 
Figure 5. Researchers with the Most Co‐Authorization. 
Figure 5. Researchers with the Most Co-Authorization.
Figure 5’s density visualization illustrates how the hue of the field with the research‐
Figure 5’s density visualization illustrates how the hue of the field with the researchers’
ers’ names varies depending on the number of co‐authorships. 
names varies depending on the number of co-authorships. Names Names with intense blue 
with intense blue color
color  indicate  a  small  number  of  co‐authorships.  Authors  with  a 
indicate a small number of co-authorships. Authors with a dominant yellow dominant  yellow color
color have
have more co‐authorships. In this context, it is clear that Yong Sik Ok is the researcher with 
more co-authorships. In this context, it is clear that Yong Sik Ok is the researcher with the
the highest co‐authorship (52 publications). Daniel C.W. Tsang (33 publications) is in sec‐
highest co-authorship (52 publications). Daniel C.W. Tsang (33 publications) is in second
ond place and Pavani Dulanja Dissanayake (10 publications) is in third place. 
place and Pavani Dulanja Dissanayake (10 publications) is in third place.
3.5. An Overview of the Top Publishing Researchers 
3.5. An Overview of the Top Publishing Researchers
The researchers with the highest number of publications shown below. 15 research‐
The researchers with the highest number of publications shown below. 15 researchers
ers with at least five articles each were chosen from this group of researchers. The figure 
with at least five articles each were chosen from this group of researchers. The figure also
also shows the researcher groupings and the relationships among them. 
shows the researcher groupings and the relationships among them.
In Figure 6, while the researcher who made the most productive author Yong Sik Ok
(52 publications), and and it is followed by Daniel C.W. Tsang (33 publications). On the
other hand Daniel C.W. Tsang was cited more frequently than other authors (935 citations).
Venkata Raghava Mohan is also other authors who have made significant contributions
to the field. The number of publications and citations of other researchers is as presented
in Table 2.

Sustainability 2023, 15, 1414
 
In Figure 6, while the researcher who made the most productive author Yong Sik Ok 
(52 publications), and and it is followed by Daniel C.W. Tsang (33 publications). On the 
other  hand  Daniel  C.W.  Tsang  was  cited  more  frequently  than  other  authors  (935  cita‐
tions). Venkata Raghava Mohan is also other authors who have made significant contri‐8 of 14
butions to the field. The number of publications and citations of other researchers is as 
presented in Table 2. 
Figure 6. Top Publishing Researchers. 
Figure 6. Top Publishing Researchers.
Table 2. Authors and Number of Publications. 
Table 2. Authors and Number of Publications.
No  Author Name  Number of Publications  Number of Citations 
No Author Name Number of Publications Number of Citations
1  Yong Sik Ok  52  616 
1 Yong Sik Ok 52 616
2  Daniel C.W. Tsang  33  935 
3 2 Daniel C.W. Tsang
Venkata Raghava Mohan  18  33 650  935
4 3 Pavani Dulanja Dissanayake 
Venkata Raghava Mohan 10  18 132  650
5 4 Yuqing Sun 
Pavani Dulanja Dissanayake 10  10 386  132
6  Chi Hwa Wang  8  126 
5 Yuqing Sun 10 386
7  Deyi Hou  7  177 
6 Chi Hwa Wang 8 126
8  Jin Eric Shang  6  109 
9 7 Deyi Hou
Lei Wang  6  7 139  177
10 8 Xiangzhou Yuan 
Jin Eric Shang 6  6 24  109
11 9 Avanthi Deshani Igalavithana 
Lei Wang 5  6 113  139
12  Bong Ki Lee  5  111 
10 Xiangzhou Yuan 6 24
13  Binoy Sarkar  5  134 
11 Avanthi Deshani Igalavithana 5 113
14  Y.V. Swamy  5  207 
12
15  Bong Ki Lee
Terry L. Tudor  5  5 41  111
13 Binoy Sarkar 5 134
3.6. Most Cited Countries & Publications 
14 Y.V. Swamy 5 207
The  bibliometric  analysis’s  findings  indicate  that  45  countries,  out  of  a  total  of  92, 
15 Terry L. Tudor 5 41
have at least five publications and citations, making them the nations with the most cita‐
tions. 
3.6. Most Cited Countries & Publications
The bibliometric analysis’s findings indicate that 45 countries, out of a total of 92, have
at least five publications and citations, making them the nations with the most citations.
In Figure 7, it is seen that the most cited country is China (1998). China is followed
by England (1756 citations), USA (1537 citations), India (1481 citations), South Korea
(1394 citations) and Malaysia (1064 citations). There are also clusters and links between
countries. For example; It is seen that China, Finland, Sri Lanka and Singapore are in the
same cluster. This shows that China frequently broadcasts jointly with these countries.
  

In Figure 7, it is seen that the most cited country is China (1998). China is followed 
by  England  (1756  citations),  USA  (1537  citations),  India  (1481  citations),  South  Korea 
Sustainability 2023, 15, 1414
(1394 citations) and Malaysia (1064 citations). There are also clusters and links between  9 of 14
countries. For example; It is seen that China, Finland, Sri Lanka and Singapore are in the 
same cluster. This shows that China frequently broadcasts jointly with these countries. 

 
Figure 7. Most Cited Countries. 
Figure 7. Most Cited Countries.

Being referenced in other published material demonstrates influence in the topic of 
Being referenced in other published material demonstrates influence in the topic of
research. 
research. InIn Figure
Figure 8,8, 354
354 publications
publications with
with at
at least
least five
five citations
citations were
were reached
reached from
from aa total
total of 599 publications with the highest number of citations. The size of the nodes in‐
of 599 publications with the highest number of citations. The size of the nodes indicates the
dicates  the with
frequency frequency 
whichwith  which  the 
the author’s author’s 
name name  is  mentioned 
is mentioned in  publications. 
in publications. According Ac‐
to the
cording to the figure, the most cited publication belongs to Brunner (2015) with 236 cita‐
figure, the most cited publication belongs to Brunner (2015) with 236 citations. Brunner [32]
tions.  Brunner  [32]  contributed  to  sustainable  waste  management  by  examining  the 
contributed to sustainable waste management by examining the transformation of waste
transformation of waste into energy in this study. This publication is followed by Wilson 
into energy in this study. This publication is followed by Wilson (2012) with 215 citations).
(2012) with 215 citations). In Wilson’s [7] article, how cities in developing countries deal 
In Wilson’s [7] article, how cities in developing countries deal with solid waste problems
with solid waste problems are examined within the scope of sustainable waste manage‐
are examined within the scope of sustainable waste management. The line between the
ment.  The  line  between  the  authors  shows  the  relationship  of  these  authors  with  each 
authors shows the relationship of these authors with each other, that is, the thick line shows
other, that is, the thick line shows that those authors often work together. 
that those authors often work together.

3.7. Most Published Journals

The number of papers published in a journal and the number of citations it receives
are indicators of that publication’s influence in a particular research field [26,33,34]. With
bibliometric analysis, this determined the top 10 most important journals in sustainable
waste management research.
Table 3 shows the 10 journals with the most publications. With 54 publications of
the Journal of Cleaner Production, it became the journal with the highest number of
publications on sustainable waste management. It is followed by Waste Management with
  41 publications and Sustainability with 35 publications.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 1414 10 of 14
Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW  10  of  14 
 

 
Figure 8. Most Cited Publications. 
Figure 8. Most Cited Publications.
3.7. Most Published Journals 
Table 3. Most published journals.
The number of papers published in a journal and the number of citations it receives 
are indicators of that publication’s influence in a particular research field [26,33,34]. With 
Journal Name Number of Publications
bibliometric analysis, this determined the top 10 most important journals in sustainable 
Journal of Cleaner Production 54
waste management research. 
Waste Management 41
Table 3 shows the 10 journals with the most publications. With 54 publications of the 
Sustainability 35
Journal of Cleaner Production, it became the journal with the highest number of publica‐
tions  on  sustainable  waste 
Waste Management and Research management.  It  is  followed  by  Waste  Management 
30 with  41 
publications and Sustainability with 35 publications. 
Bioresource Technology 18
Resources Conservation and Recycling
Table 3. Most published journals. 
18
Advances
Journal Name  Number of Publications 
Science of the Total Environment 14
Journal of Cleaner Production  54 
Journal of Hazardous Materials
Waste Management  13 41 
Sustainability 
Journal of Material Cycles and Waste 35 
10
Management
Waste Management and Research  30 
Bioresource Technology 
Environmental Science and Pollution Research 10 18 
Resources Conservation and Recycling Advances  18 
Science of the Total Environment 
4. Conclusions and Implications 14 
Journal of Hazardous Materials  13 
Sustainable waste management has a great role in both the use of natural resources,
Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management  10  to the economy.
the protection of the environment and human health, and its contribution
Environmental Science and Pollution Research 
Most 10 and more livable
importantly, it is an important factor in providing a sustainable
environment for future generations. The sustainable management of waste, which has
4. Conclusions and Implications 
become a global problem, is on the agenda of the whole world. Parallel to this, the ideas
Sustainable waste management has a great role in both the use of natural resources, 
of sustainability and waste management are becoming more important, and research in
the protection of the environment and human health, and its contribution to the econo‐
this area are growing. In this study, 599 articles on sustainable waste management accessed
my. Most importantly, it is an important factor in providing a sustainable and more liv‐
from the WoS database between 2010–2021 were visualized and interpreted through the
able  environment 
VOSviewer mapping future  generations. 
for method. The study isThe  sustainable 
important management 
in terms of information
of giving waste,  which 
about
has become a global problem, is on the agenda of the whole world. Parallel to this, the 
the current status and development process of the international literature on sustainable
ideas management.
waste of  sustainability 
Theand  waste  obtained
findings management afterare 
thebecoming  more 
analysis are important,  below:
summarized and  re‐
It has been observed that most publications were made in 2021 with 139 articles by the
years considered. Since 2017, the number of publications on this subject has increased and
 
Sustainability 2023, 15, 1414 11 of 14

it has almost tripled today. The reason for this is that waste and waste management have
become a global issue. By 2050, the World Bank predicts that global waste would have
increased by 70%. Waste production rises when more people relocate from rural areas and
small cities to urban areas. In the next 30 years, it is anticipated that the 2.01 billion tons of
waste currently produced worldwide would rise to 3.4 billion. If not properly managed,
the 23% of plastic waste produced worldwide that comes from Asia could cause natural
disasters [35]. In addition, it can be considered that the Sustainable Development Goals
outlined in 2015 contributed to it. Developing an effective and efficient waste management
system is an important step toward 17 goals. While the most used keyword is “sustainable
waste management”, which is used 112 times, “waste management” is used 86 times in the
second place. It is seen that China is the country with the highest number of publications
on sustainable waste management with 103 publications. China is followed by South Korea
with 65 publications and India with 64 publications, respectively. Additionally, it is seen
that the most cited country is China with 1998 citations. China is followed by the UK and
the USA, respectively. In China, where production and consumption are intense, wastes
pose a great threat to both China and the world. Therefore, various studies are carried out,
especially within the scope of sustainable waste management, which is one of the most
important problems in the country. The majority of the body of research has shown how
industrial production and CO2 emissions, which are the main source of environmental
damage, have a positive relationship. The use of panel data by Alam, et al. [36] revealed,
for instance, that there is a considerable positive correlation between energy use and
pollution emissions. In parallel to this Fei et al. [37], a 1% rise in per capita consumption
in China alone would result in a 50% increase in energy consumption and a 43% increase
in CO2 emissions. According to Merli et al. [38] it has been revealed that studies on the
Circular Economy are concentrated in China and Europe. According to Zhang et al. [39],
a new managerial way of thinking is required to make the transition to a “zero-waste
circular economy.” Due to the specifics of the country’s economy, they point out that this
is particularly true for China. Yong Sik Ok was found to be the researcher with the most
publications and the most co-authorships with 52 publications. Arrow is also the most cited
researcher with 616 citations. It was seen that the most cited publication was Brunner with
236 citations. Finally, it has been observed that the Journal of Cleaner Production is the
journal with the most publications on sustainable waste management with 54 publications.
The closest previous research to this study is “Waste Management within Context of
Urban Sustainable Development: Bibliometric Analysis” by Veckalne and Tambovceva [5]
In their research Veckalne and Tambovceva searched the Scopus database between the
years 1995 and 2020 with the keywords “sustainable development”, “waste management”,
“waste management systems” and “sustainability factors” and came up with 168 related
studies in their bibliometric analysis. As a result of the analysis of the study, the most
frequently used keywords were sustainable development and waste management. While
the number of publications was quite high in 2014, it decreased by almost half in 2016.
Since 2016, the number of publications that have been increasing gradually has reached the
highest level in 2020. While the countries with the highest publication rate are Australia
and China, it has been seen that almost half of the studies on this subject are in the field of
environmental sciences. Although it is known that waste management has a significant
impact on the level of sustainability, it has been observed that this theme has not been
studied sufficiently. In addition, while many scientists consider waste management only
as an environmental issue, it has been shown that in practice it also affects social and
economic aspects.
One of the primary issues facing civilization is the generation and use of waste. One
way to address this problem is through achieving the objectives of the sustainable devel-
opment concept. Scientific data and indicators are crucial in resolving these problems
since sustainable waste management is impossible without measurements and without
evaluating adherence to economic, environmental, and social requirements. The theoretical
contribution of this study is to list the scientific literature on sustainable waste management
Sustainability 2023, 15, 1414 12 of 14

and offer preliminary criteria for developing a framework for sustainable waste manage-
ment as a long-term competitive advantage in waste management. Recognizing influential
articles, identifying the most prominent journals in this field, and highlighting potential
international collaborators are all useful for the managers, scientific community and journal
editors. With this study, the sustainable waste management literature has been reviewed
and summarized, and the trends in this field have been revealed. It is thought that the
results will form a basis for academicians and professionals for future research.
The results are anticipated to have a variety of advantageous consequences on scientific
and institutional activity. Researchers and managers can focus on reviewing the literature
with the database of bibliographic references of different sizes that comes up with the
VOSviewer tool. The findings of the study can be graphically visualized to obtain the most
relevant information to be applied in firms. Additionally, because doing a literature review
requires a lot of time, it is believed that the researchers will find the findings of this study
that compiles the literature useful. For policy makers can bring new perspectives about
incorporating strategies in wastes and waste management.
Due to the dearth of bibliometric studies on sustainable waste management in the
literature, this study is anticipated to advance knowledge and provide researchers with
direction. Authors who will research sustainable waste management can have an idea about
the relevant literature based on this study. However, this study also has some limitations.
The main limitation of this research is the examination of articles with SSCI, SCI and ESCI
indexes and accessed via the WoS database. It is recommended that future studies include
studies with other indices in addition to these indices. In addition, VOSviewer visual
mapping method can be applied to databases such as SCOPUS, JSTOR, EBSCO Host as well
as WoS database. In future studies, analyses and comparisons can be made with different
visual mapping programs such as Citespace, Pajek and Rstudio.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, D.Y. and S.O.; Methodology, D.Y. and S.O.; Formal analy-
sis, S.O.; Writing—review & editing, E.Y.Ö. and M.G.; Supervision, M.G. All authors have read and
agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: According to the data access policies, the data used to support the
findings of this study are available from the Web of Sciences database.
Acknowledgments: We would like to thank all the participants of the research.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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