In the apparent stillness of a garbage dump hides a potential revolution. What many see as useless waste, others perceive as buried gold, a source of wealth capable of transforming our cities into models of sustainability and efficiency. In the era of smart cities, waste management is no longer a problem but an economic opportunity that can finance the development of more connected and responsible cities.
“There is no garbage, only poorly managed resources”
By: Gabriel E. Levy B.
The idea of taking advantage of waste is not new. From the earliest industrial societies, the reuse of materials such as paper and glass was explored. However, it was with the Industrial Revolution that cities faced their first environmental collapse due to the uncontrolled increase in waste.
According to historian Thomas H. Greer, “industrial growth brought with it an ambivalent relationship with resources: abundance for some, but waste for many.” This dichotomy underscored the need for systems that integrate recycling and the circular economy as part of a more sustainable urban model.
At the end of the twentieth century, authors such as Jeremy Rifkin began to speak of the “end of waste”. Rifkin argued that the key to technological progress lies in transforming the mentality about consumption and, therefore, about waste. His approach gave rise to research that is now integrated into Smart Cities policies.
The circular economy: a cog for smart cities
The concept of circular economy stands as the axis of smart cities. This model proposes a continuous use of materials through strategies such as recycling, repair, and product redesign. For smart cities, this not only implies efficient waste management, but also a source of funding for technology projects.
According to data from the World Economic Forum, smart waste management could generate savings of up to $2 trillion annually worldwide by 2050. Countries such as Sweden are leading this change.
There, less than 1% of household waste ends up in landfills, thanks to systems that convert garbage into energy. In addition, technologies such as IoT sensors and data analytics are making it possible to optimize collection, reduce emissions, and ultimately improve the quality of life of citizens.
The key lies in understanding that it is not just about recycling, but about turning waste into a source of wealth.
For example, the generation of biogas from organic waste or the reuse of electronic materials to manufacture new devices are advances that can finance the development of smart infrastructures such as sustainable transport networks or renewable energy systems.
The challenges of technological waste
However, this progress is not without its challenges. The increase in e-waste is one of the main issues in the transition to smart cities. According to a UN report, 53.6 million tons of e-waste were generated in 2021, and less than 20% was properly recycled. This not only represents an economic loss, but a significant environmental risk.
Economist Kate Raworth, author of Donut Economics, points out that the problem lies in the design of products: “We are trapped in a linear production model that prioritizes the single and rapid use of resources.” Changing this perspective requires a transformation in the technology industry, promoting eco-design and extended responsibility systems for manufacturers.
Cities like San Francisco have implemented “zero waste” programs that incentivize the reuse and recycling of technological materials. This approach not only reduces pollution, but also makes it possible to recover valuable materials such as gold, silver and copper, essential for the development of new devices.
Cases that illustrate transformation
Cities such as Singapore and Copenhagen are demonstrating how waste can be the economic engine of Smart Cities.
In Singapore, the Tuas South incineration plant converts tons of garbage into energy every year, enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes. This model has significantly reduced their dependence on fossil fuels.
For its part, Copenhagen is developing a more ambitious approach with the Amager Bakke plant, which combines waste conversion technology with recreational spaces. Not only does this center generate electricity for thousands of homes, but it also houses a ski slope on its roof, transforming the perception of waste management as functional and attractive.
In Latin America, Medellín leads with circular economy projects that include the collection of organic waste for the production of compost and biogas, as well as community education initiatives on waste separation. These practices not only improve urban sustainability, but also create jobs and promote social inclusion.
In conclusion
Garbage, seen with new eyes, becomes a strategic resource to finance the transformation of our cities. Taking advantage of waste not only reduces the environmental burden, but also generates wealth, jobs and opportunities. Smart cities have an ally in the circular economy to build a more sustainable and connected future, demonstrating that even in what we discard lies the potential to transform the world.