Bibliometric analysis of research trends on solid waste reuse and recycling during 1992-2016

A bibliometric analysis of solid waste reuse and recycling was performed to trace the research trends and hot spots based on the literature in Science Citation Index (SCI) database from 1992 to 2016. Research trends were explored in each 5-year period, and the social network analysis was conducted to analyze collaborations among authors and co-occurrence of keywords. Results showed a rapid increase in publication outputs with wide international collaboration. Developing countries contributed the significant growth during 2007-2016. Comprehensive journals, such as Waste Management and Resources, Conservation & Recycling, tend to be much influential. Based on analyses of dominant categories, high-cited papers and co-authorship network, hot issues and research trends could be summarized as follows: 1) e-waste and biodiesel production from waste oil began to get wide attention since 2002 and 2007. 2) A large gap was observed between developed and developing countries in C&D waste and organic fraction of municipal solid waste. 3) Sustainability, industrial ecology and informal recycling became attractive hotspots of solid waste management in developing countries since the period of 2002-2006. In summary, developing countries entered a rapid development period in the field of solid waste reuse and recycling. Perspectives of sustainability and industrial ecology, integration of informal recycling into formal system, and reinforcement of composting, anaerobic digestion and C&D recycling could be feasible options for integrated waste management system in developing countries.