Innovative solid waste management strategies for smart cities in Tamil Nadu: challenges, technological solutions, and sustainable prospects

Abstract This study focuses on the challenges, technological solutions, and sustainability prospects of solid waste management practices in eleven smart cities in Tamil Nadu, India, through a case study. It was through a systematic review and stakeholder interviews that we assessed the current waste management infrastructure, collection, and processing capabilities in these cities. The analysis concluded that measures for waste segregation remain poor, with collection efficiencies ranging between 80 and 100% and segregation rates across the sampled cities from below 50% to 100% for varying cities. Constraints also include poor infrastructure, lack of public awareness, and financial problems. We develop an integrated waste management framework that advocates source segregation, localized processing, and waste-to-energy plans. The study has shown that the efficient use of smart technologies, the development of public–private alliances, and the principles of the circular economy would significantly enhance the effectiveness of waste management practices in the smart cities of Tamil Nadu. Policy makers and urban planners focused on ameliorating municipal solid waste management systems in fast-growing urban areas can benefit from these findings.