Optimization and Resource Utilization of Urban Solid Waste Classification and Recycling System under the Goal of Low Carbon Environmental Governance

Abstract

The classification and recycling of urban solid waste have become key channels to realizing a low-carbon environmental governance, enhance resource efficiency, and encourage a circular urban development. This review critically analyzes the existing status, optimization, governance and resource utilization strategies of urban solid waste classification and recycling systems. It emphasizes that the high performance of waste classification is based not just on the participation of residents, but also on coordination of source separation, classified collection, transportation, intelligent sorting, recycling technologies, market mechanisms and carbon accounting. Unstable classification behavior, fragmented management responsibilities, insufficient infrastructure, low-value recycling, weak life-cycle carbon assessment, and low level of demand of secondary resources are still challenges to the current systems. In order to overcome these barriers, this article offers an integrated optimization model comprising of digital monitoring, route optimization, sorting using artificial intelligence, life-cycle assessment, extended producer responsibility, economic incentives, participation of the populace, and green procurement. The review also highlights the fact that the utilization of the resources should focus on high-quality material recycling, organic waste recovery, industrial symbiosis, and verifiable reduction of carbon. In contrast to the traditional approaches to waste management, according to which the primary focus is on the disposal reduction or recycling rate, this article places the classification and recycling on the broader context of the low-carbon governance and urban material metabolism. The results offer both theoretical explanations and practical suggestions to implement effective, inclusive, and climate-oriented urban waste management systems.