Research Trends in Organic Waste Management in Municipal Marketplaces: A Bibliometric Analysis

Selection of the database

For the bibliometric analysis, Scopus was selected as the main database. This choice was based on the broad multidisciplinary coverage offered by Scopus, covering diverse areas such as physical sciences, health sciences, biological sciences, social sciences, and humanities.¹² The Scopus database is ideally suited for this study due to its extensive repository of citations and publications, providing a comprehensive view of scientific productivity in multiple domains of knowledge.¹³ In addition, Scopus facilitates the analysis of co-authorship networks, co-occurrence of key terms, and other bibliometric indicators essential for a comprehensive analysis.¹⁴

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

To ensure the relevance and quality of the articles included in this bibliometric analysis, specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were established. Original research articles, systematic reviews, book chapters and conference proceedings published between 2000 and 2023, written in English, Spanish or Portuguese, were included. Papers had to explicitly address organic waste management in the context of municipal markets or similar urban areas. Editorials, letters to the editor, brief notes, and articles that did not undergo peer review were excluded. In addition, studies that focused exclusively on industrial or agricultural waste were discarded, as well as those that dealt with waste management in general without a specific focus on organic waste from markets. Results were exported in.CSV format for further analysis, and included key data such as titles, authors, affiliations, keywords, abstracts, number of citations, countries of publication and journals.

Creation of the search equation

The design of the search algorithm followed the best practices in the construction of equations for bibliometric analysis.¹⁵ This algorithm was developed to capture relevant literature on organic waste management in urban and municipal settings, including key terms related to organic waste, urban markets, and management strategies. The search included international terms and covered both traditional and innovative technological solutions such as composting, bioconversion and circular economy. The search equation implemented in Scopus was as follows:

Bibliometric analysis and visualization

For the processing and analysis of bibliometric data, two main tools were used: Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. Bibliometrix, an open-source package for R,¹⁶ was used to perform quantitative analyses of the scientific literature, including annual production, analysis of most productive authors and countries, and identification of the most relevant journals. This tool allowed the generation of co-citation and keyword co-occurrence matrices, fundamental for network analysis. On the other hand, VOSviewer¹⁷ was used for the visualization of bibliometric networks. This tool was particularly useful for creating maps of co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence and cross-country collaboration, allowing a clear graphical representation of the relationships between different elements of the analysis. The combination of these two tools provided both quantitative and visual insights into trends and patterns in organic waste management research in municipal markets. The categories of analysis are described below.

Productivity analysis

Productivity by year: The number of publications per year was analyzed to identify temporal trends in research on organic waste management in municipal markets. This analysis allowed us to observe peaks in research activity and influences of global events or policies.

Productivity by author: The most prolific authors in the field were identified and ranked, evaluating their contribution in terms of number of publications. This metric allows us to measure the influence of key researchers in the development of waste management solutions.

Productivity by journal: The productivity of the main scientific journals that have published on organic waste management was analyzed, highlighting the most influential publications by number of articles and their impact on the scientific community.

Network analysis

Geographical distribution: This analysis evaluated the global distribution of scientific production, allowing the identification of the most active countries in research on organic waste management in municipal markets. The visualization of these data showed the main research centers and their growth over time.

Keywords: Keyword co-occurrence analysis was used to identify the most researched thematic areas and emerging trends in the field. The clusters identified reflect the main lines of research, such as composting, circular economy and environmental impact of waste.

Strategic diagram: The strategic diagram mapped the key concepts related to organic waste management according to their centrality and density. This analysis made it possible to identify core, driving, emerging or declining themes within the field.

Analysis of co-authorship patterns

Cross-country collaboration: International collaboration was evaluated, identifying the most active networks of interaction between countries. This analysis revealed the global research dynamics and how countries have collaborated to solve common problems related to organic waste.

Collaboration between authors: Co-authorship networks were analyzed to identify connections between key researchers. This analysis showed collaboration clusters, highlighting networks of researchers who have led significant advances in the field.

https://www.protocols.io/private/D0F881D8BCB411EFBA610A58A9FEAC02

Productivity analysis

Productivity per year

The sustained growth of annual scientific publications reflects an increased interest in organic waste management in municipal markets. Respect to the Figure 1 in fact, in the early years (between 2000 and 2015), the number of publications can be considered low, which could be interpreted as a first period of exploration of the topic in environmental sciences and waste management;¹⁸ gradually growing in step with a first focus linked to sustainability and proper management of resources in urban areas, particularly in municipal markets.¹⁹

Figure 1. Publications by year related to urban waste management.

From 2015 onwards, the number of existing publications is considerably higher, which could be associated with the already consolidated concern for the circular economy and the SDGs as global goals.¹⁸ In this period, everyone starts to become aware of the need to reuse, recycle and valorize waste as part of an urban sustainability agenda, especially in local and urban markets.²⁰ This boom may also be the result of stricter environmental policies and increased funding for innovative research.¹⁹

The remarkable peak in 2020, the production rate reached its maximum value, presumably because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted a readjustment of research priorities. As noted in explaining the break, the health crisis led to a shift in concerns and research focus to healthcare waste management, which indirectly affected the development of other lines of waste research, such as organics, and led to a lack of time and resources for research on medical waste and PIDs. Possibly this resulted in a change in the selection of research topics to be addressed, which put the focus on infection prevention and proper management of waste generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as shown by the works of Shmelev and Winker¹⁹ and Freitas Reis.¹⁸

The slight decrease from 2021 onwards could be explained by the reorientation of academic efforts and funding lines towards other fields of research or by the wake of the restrictive measures motivated by the pandemic. This phenomenon has been studied by¹⁹ who also note that the pandemic caused a temporary detour of research towards medical waste management, which affected other areas of research. However, this decline is slight and seems to indicate that organic waste management in markets is one of the long-term priorities, underpinned by an increasing focus on sustainability and the circular economy worldwide, as shown by the work of Freitas Reis.¹⁸

Productivity by author

Figure 2a highlights the scientific production of prominent researchers in organic waste management in municipal markets, revealing key trends in the evolution of this field. The analysis of their contributions provides a comprehensive view of the main lines of research, both predominant and emerging.

Figure 2. Scientific production related to urban waste management.

a. Annual production of the most relevant authors. b. Number of publications per journal.

Zurbügg has been a key player in the development of innovative solutions for sustainable waste management, focusing on technologies such as composting, bioconversion for biofuel generation, and the use of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) to valorize municipal organic waste. In addition, he has assessed the financial viability of these technologies and the impact of public policies on their adoption. Zurbügg has collaborated with numerous researchers on these issues, promoting the development of low-cost, high-impact technologies, especially adapted for developing countries.^21,22,23

Tilley has made significant contributions in the field of sanitation and resource recovery in both urban and rural contexts. His research has focused on the intersection between organic waste management and public health, highlighting the need for integrated approaches to waste management. His work has been instrumental in the development of conceptual frameworks for implementing sustainable sanitation systems.^24,25

Mpanang’ombe has played a crucial role in waste management research on the African continent. His work has highlighted the urgent need to develop more robust and tailored policies to effectively manage waste in rapidly growing urban areas. Mpanang’ombe’s research has been instrumental in understanding the unique challenges faced by African cities in terms of organic waste management.^26,27

Zhang Z has focused on sustainable composting as a technology for integrated municipal solid waste management, contributing significantly to the sustainability analysis of large-scale food waste composting. His research on the effects of black soldier fly larvae on food waste and sewage sludge composting provides insights into innovative and efficient waste valorization techniques that can be adapted to marketplace organic waste.^28,29,30

Wang L’s research centers on green refuse-derived fuel preparation and its combustion performance, advancing the concept of a zero-waste city. His contributions highlight the transformation of solid residues into energy-efficient resources, aligning with the goals of circular economy and sustainable urban waste management.³¹

The temporal analysis of the scientific production of these authors shows a significant increase recently, reflecting the growing relevance and urgency of addressing the issue of organic waste in municipal markets. This increase in research activity underlines not only an increased awareness of the need for sustainable solutions but also the complexity of urban challenges related to waste management.^4,32 The geographic and thematic diversity represented by these authors highlights the global and multifaceted nature of the challenge. Their contributions have been instrumental in advancing knowledge and practice in this field, providing a solid foundation for future research and policy, critical for urban sustainability and public health.

Productivity per journal

The bibliometric analysis in Figure 2b identifies the most influential journals contributing to research on organic waste management in municipal markets. This analysis highlights trends in research dissemination, focusing on the impact factors (IF) and quartile rankings of these journals to evaluate their significance and scope.

The Journal of Cleaner Production and Sustainability (Switzerland) lead the field, each with eleven articles. The Journal of Cleaner Production (Q1, IF 2023: 9.7) emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches to cleaner production and sustainability, integrating environmental, technological, and economic strategies to address global waste management challenges.³³ Its high impact factor reflects its authority in shaping waste management practices. Conversely, Sustainability (Switzerland) (Q2, IF 2023: 3.3) underscores the importance of integrated approaches to sustainability, addressing the socioeconomic dimensions of waste management and the growing prominence of holistic solutions.⁷

Biocycle, with nine articles, contributes significantly despite its Q4 ranking (IF 2023: 0.02). This journal provides practical insights into organic waste management, focusing on waste recycling, composting, and market-driven solutions. Its presence highlights the relevance of applied research in addressing real-world challenges in municipal waste systems.

Waste Management follows closely with eight articles and is positioned as a leader in solid waste management research (Q1, IF 2023: 7.1). The journal is central to advancing technological innovations and policy frameworks, offering a platform for practical and theoretical advances in the field.³⁴ Similarly, the Journal of Environmental Management (Q1, IF 2023: 8.0) supports interdisciplinary approaches, linking waste management with broader environmental policies and systems. It plays a pivotal role in examining urban sustainability challenges and addressing critical waste infrastructure needs.³⁵

Specialized journals like Acta Horticulturae (Q4, IF 2022: 0.335) and Waste Management and Research (Q1, IF 2023: 3.7) focus on niche areas, such as agricultural waste systems and empirical studies on waste management strategies. These journals complement higher-ranked outlets by addressing specific topics and practical challenges.

Resources, Conservation and Recycling (Q1, IF 2023: 11.2) demonstrates the highest impact factor among the analyzed journals, reflecting its focus on resource efficiency, conservation strategies, and circular economy frameworks. Its high ranking underscores the importance of resource-oriented waste management in achieving sustainability goals. Meanwhile, the Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management (Q2, IF 2023: 2.7) highlights advancements in waste valorization, recycling technologies, and their applications to circular economy principles, bridging technology with sustainable waste reduction strategies.

This bibliometric analysis underscores the diverse and interdisciplinary nature of organic waste management research. High-impact journals like the Journal of Cleaner Production, Waste Management, and Resources, Conservation and Recycling lead the field by offering robust platforms for innovation and theoretical development. At the same time, Q2 and Q4 journals like Sustainability (Switzerland) and Biocycle highlight the importance of integrating socioeconomic, environmental, and practical dimensions into waste management research.

The journal rankings and impact factors illustrate a clear hierarchy in research influence, with Q1 journals driving theoretical and technological innovations, while lower-quartile journals focus on applied studies and emerging research areas. This diversity of approaches highlights the collaborative and multidisciplinary efforts necessary for addressing the complexities of organic waste management and fostering evidence-based policies in municipal marketplaces.

Network analysis

Geographical distribution

Figure 3 illustrates the geographic distribution of research on organic waste management in municipal markets, revealing significant patterns of scientific production and international collaboration. This bibliometric analysis provides valuable insights into the global dynamics of research in this field. The United States, China, and India emerge as the leading contributors in terms of volume of publications, which is reflected in the intensity of the shades on the map. This prominence can be attributed to several factors such as U.S. leadership that may be related to its robust research infrastructure and emphasis on technological innovation³⁶ in addition to the emerging economies of China and India and their rapid growth, face significant challenges in urban waste management, which has spurred research in the field.³⁷

Figure 3. Geographical distribution of publications related to urban solid waste management.

European countries such as Italy and Spain show considerable research activity. This phenomenon can be explained by European Union policies that promote the circular economy and sustainable waste management⁸ and finally Brazil stands out as a significant contributor in the Latin American region this fact may be given by the growing interest in sustainable solutions for waste management in fast-growing urban markets.⁷ The map in Figure 4 further reveals significant connectivity between continents, particularly between Europe, North America, and Asia. This international collaboration may be due to joint efforts to address global challenges in waste management, as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.³⁸ The geographic diversity in scientific output underscores the global nature of the organic waste management challenge. However, it also reveals disparities in research capacity between regions, suggesting the need to strengthen North-South and South-South collaboration to address global challenges more equitably and effectively in waste management.⁹ This international collaboration and the increasing participation of developing countries are crucial to developing solutions tailored to diverse socioeconomic and cultural contexts. In addition, they facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technologies, essential for the effective implementation of sustainable organic waste management practices in municipal markets globally.

Figure 4. Co-occurrence map of common keywords related to urban organic waste management.

Collaborative networks have been instrumental in fostering interdisciplinary approaches to organic waste management research. This global interaction has also led to the emergence of new topic areas, as reflected in the analysis of the most used keywords in the field. The following analysis explores how these keywords have evolved, revealing major trends and emerging approaches in organic waste management.

Keywords

The co-occurrence map in Figure 4 illustrates the multidisciplinary and complex nature of the field of organic waste management in municipal markets. This structure reflects an evolution toward more integrated and sustainable approaches, combining technological, environmental, and socioeconomic considerations.

The red cluster highlights Waste Treatment for Sustainability and Circular Economy. This includes biological valorization methods such as anaerobic digestion and biogas production. Lohri and Zurbrügg²² have played pivotal roles in advancing low-cost, scalable waste valorization solutions. Zhang Z’s contributions to this cluster include sustainability analysis of food waste composting and the integration of black soldier fly larvae to enhance composting processes.³⁰ These methods are essential innovations for achieving circular economic goals through waste treatment technologies. Tilley²⁴ have also contributed significantly, emphasizing resource recovery and efficient value-oriented organic waste management.

The blue cluster focuses on Anaerobic Digestion, Waste-to-Energy, and Bioenergy Solutions. This cluster emphasizes the transformation of organic waste into energy resources such as biogas, biochar, and other bioenergy derivatives. Lohri and Zurbrügg²² have contributed significantly to the development of low-cost anaerobic digestion technologies and their scalability in diverse socioeconomic contexts. Wang L has furthered this approach through research on refuse-derived fuels and waste-to-energy applications, expanding the scope of bioenergy solutions in urban waste management.³¹ Mpanang’ombe has also explored biogas production in developing countries, underscoring its importance for sustainable energy recovery and circular economy models.²⁷ These approaches collectively highlight the potential of bioenergy solutions for waste valorization and urban sustainability.

The green cluster represents “Composting Technologies and Environmental Impacts”. This cluster emphasizes scalable and sustainable solutions for organic waste management while addressing environmental implications. Zhang Z’s work on large-scale composting optimization, including the use of black soldier fly larvae, demonstrates significant advancements in composting processes.^29,30 Mpanang’ombe²⁷ has also contributed important insights into mitigating the environmental impacts of organic waste mismanagement, particularly in developing countries. His work focuses on integrating sustainability and public health considerations into composting strategies, making them more adaptable across various socioeconomic contexts.

Strategic diagram

The strategic diagram in Figure 5 illustrates the thematic structure of research in organic waste management in municipal markets, categorizing concepts based on their centrality (relevance) and density (development). The emerging or declining themes quadrant (e.g., techno-economic analysis, waste-to-energy, biofuels) reflects areas with limited current relevance, as they are often integrated into broader frameworks like circular economy models.¹⁰ The niche themes quadrant (e.g., urban agriculture, integrated bio-systems, landscape function analysis) highlights well-developed but highly specialized areas, tailored to specific applications, with limited broad-field relevance. In contrast, basic themes (e.g., circular economy, municipal solid wastes, ecosystem services, composting) represent foundational topics critical for waste management strategies but require further innovation for widespread application. Finally, the motor themes quadrant (e.g., anaerobic digestion, biogas, bioenergy, hydrogen production) highlights cutting-edge, highly relevant, and well-developed areas driving research and innovation, particularly in sustainable energy recovery and circular economy integration.^22,32 This thematic distribution underscores a global shift toward more sustainable and energy-efficient waste management technologies, influenced by regional research priorities and policy frameworks.

Figure 5. Strategic diagram of the most relevant issues related to research in urban organic waste management.

Analysis of co-authorship patterns

Collaboration between countries

Figure 6a shows the network of international collaboration in research related to organic waste management and highlights important dynamics of global interaction. The central nodes, such as the United States, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, and India, stand out for their elevated level of connectivity, reflecting their leadership in the generation of scientific knowledge and their capacity to function as intermediaries in the transfer of technology and methodologies. This finding is consistent with recent research highlighting the importance of these countries in promoting the circular economy and in the development of advanced technologies for the valorization of organic waste, such as composting and biogas production.^2,39

Figure 6. Networks are associated with the study and collaborations for the management of urban organic waste distributed by countries and authors.

a. Co-authorships between countries grouped by clusters. b. Co-authorships grouped by clusters.

The group formed by Japan and the Netherlands presents a more focused collaboration pattern and less connected to the main network. This could be interpreted as a specialized focus on niche topics, such as technologies for chemical recycling of organic waste or innovations in biopolymers, an aspect highlighted in recent research on sustainable waste utilization systems.⁴⁰

On the other hand, the under-representation of countries from Africa and Latin America, except for Brazil, Ecuador, and Ghana, is of concern. This reflects the structural challenges in integrating these regions into global scientific networks, a barrier that literature points to as a significant obstacle to the implementation of sustainable solutions at the local level. Recent studies indicate that, although these countries have potential in infrastructure and natural resources, limitations in terms of funding, public policies and technical capacities restrict their participation in international research networks.⁴¹

The figure, by highlighting these inequalities, reinforces the need to strengthen scientific cooperation through multilateral initiatives that promote knowledge exchange and technology transfer to underrepresented regions. This approach would be crucial to ensure an equitable distribution of the benefits associated with the circular economy, particularly in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Collaboration between authors

The co-authorship map in Figure 6b highlights a fragmented landscape of research collaboration in organic waste management, characterized by small, disconnected clusters of researchers focusing on diverse aspects of the field. The blue cluster (Gavilanes-Terán, Mora, Paredes, López) emphasizes advancements in composting technologies for market and municipal organic waste, aiming for sustainable and low-cost solutions.^42,43 The green cluster (Ampt, Chapple, Emerson, Atwater, Wildman) stands for interdisciplinary approaches that integrate environmental management, resource recovery, and waste minimization, often addressing region-specific challenges. The yellow cluster (Zurbrügg, Lohri, Tilley, Mpanang’ombe, Rajabu) focuses on scalable, sustainable waste treatment techniques, including anaerobic digestion, biogas production, and composting, particularly for developing regions.^22,24,27 The red cluster (Zhang, Liu, Awasthi, Chen, Pandey) advances technological innovations such as waste-to-energy systems, biochar production, and circular economy solutions for energy recovery.^28,36 The smaller purple cluster (Furedy, Doelle, Naidu, Hoysala) examines the socio-environmental dimensions of waste management, including community-based systems and policy frameworks.⁴⁴ This fragmented structure, while fostering innovation, underscores the need for greater interdisciplinary and international collaboration to address global waste management challenges effectively. Barriers such as methodological differences, language, and resource disparities must be addressed to enhance integration and knowledge sharing.^32,45