OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open-access peer-reviewed journal
https://doi.org/10.64211/oidaijsd190807
Enhancing Municipal Solid Waste Sustainable Management Through the Concept of Urban Symbiosis: A Literature Review
Galabada Gamage Navoda Chandani 1*, Amadoruge Sanduni Wathsala Karunarathna 2 , Chandana Kulasuriya 3
1,2 Department of Facilities management, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka.
3Department of Civil Engineering, The Open University, Sri Lanka.
* Corresponding author: navodachandani96@gmail.com
Volume 19, Issue 08, Pg. 107-130, 2026.
Abstract: This study investigates how the concept of urban symbiosis can enhance Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) reduction and promote more sustainable waste management practices in urban environments. With growing urbanization and resource inefficiency, urban symbiosis offers an integrated approach by encouraging collaboration, waste-to-resource conversion, and circularity among urban stakeholders. The aim of this study is to understand the evolution, application, and potential of urban symbiosis in addressing MSW challenges. Adopting a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology and guided by the PRISMA framework, this study examines 69 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2015 and 2025 across databases Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. The analysis combines thematic review and bibliometric mapping using VOSviewer to identify publication trends, geographical distribution, and key research clusters. Findings reveal a growing but still limited body of research, with dominant approaches including eco-industrial parks, community-based resource sharing, and infrastructure redesign. Despite the promise, the adoption of urban symbiosis faces barriers such as policy constraints, lack of awareness, and coordination challenges. The study also highlights the contribution of urban symbiosis to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas of responsible consumption and sustainable cities. By identifying research gaps and outlining practical strategies, this study emphasizes the importance of integrated planning and policy support to scale urban symbiosis practices. From a practical perspective, it offers valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental managers aiming to build more sustainable and circular cities.
Keywords: Urban Symbiosis; Municipal Solid Waste (MSW); Sustainable Waste Management; Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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