Industry 4.0 for sustainable reverse waste collection: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Background: Despite ongoing efforts to improve resource recovery, waste continues to end up in landfills. Companies are increasingly pressured to address sustainability, particularly under the extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks.
Objectives: This article examines how Industry 4.0 technologies can enhance the sustainability of waste collection within reverse logistics systems. By exploring the link among waste management, reverse logistics and Industry 4.0, the study identifies opportunities to improve resource use, reduce environmental impact and boost operational efficiency.
Method: A systematic literature review was conducted using ScienceDirect and Web of Science database, two major databases, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-guided mapping study clearly, illustrated inclusion and exclusion steps. Keywords were structured using the PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcome) approach, resulting in 47 articles analysed and categorised into five themes.
Results: The review identifies five key thematic areas in the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies with reverse logistics: collection system design and optimisation, application of core Industry 4.0; stakeholder engagement and consumer participation, policy frameworks and governance and barriers to efficient collection. While Industry 4.0 tools improve routing, traceability and efficiency, their impact increases when aligned with supportive policies and user engagement. Decentralised models, EPR schemes and incentive-driven systems significantly enhance return rates and environmental outcomes.
Conclusion: The synergy between technological innovation, infrastructure planning and behavioural incentives is vital for effective reverse logistics. The review highlights limited empirical validation and calls for research on aligning technology adoption with local policy and informal sector realities.
Contribution: This review introduces a conceptual framework integrating five interdependent dimensions, offering a unified framework for sector-wide sustainable reverse logistics.