The Convergence of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and New Technologies in Agricultural Waste Valorization Systems

Background and Objectives: The shift towards circular economic models renders new technologies for waste valorization highly competitive as waste streams are turned into resources. In this mini review, we discuss the recent advances in technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI)-based waste management, advanced thermochemical conversion processes, biotechnological approaches, and integrated waste-to-resource platforms.

Results and Conclusions: Recent results in the application of AI for sorting technologies report classification accuracies greater than 95% for different mixed waste streams; thermochemical processes such as pyrolysis and gasification report conversion efficiencies of 70-85% for plastic and organic waste streams; biotechnological approaches such as engineered microorganisms and enzyme systems show promising advancements for converting different complex waste streams into high-value chemicals and fuels. The combination of these technologies into circular economy models provides numerous opportunities for achieving the 2030 sustainable development goals by turning waste streams, which could be treated as disposal costs, into economic value.