This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of community involvement in waste management through participatory research. Its objective is to bridge the theoretical underpinnings of participatory research with its practical implementation, particularly within the realm of waste management. The review systematically analyzes global instances where community engagement has been incorporated into waste management initiatives. Its principal aim is to evaluate the efficacy of participatory strategies by scrutinizing methodologies and assessing outcomes. To achieve this, the study identified 74 studies that met rigorous criteria through meticulous search efforts, encompassing various geographical locations, cultural contexts, and waste management challenges. In examining the outcomes of participatory research in waste management, the study explores successful practices, shortcomings, and potential opportunities. Moving beyond theoretical discourse, it provides a detailed analysis of real-world applications across various settings. The evaluation not only highlights successful engagement strategies and indicators but also critically assesses challenges and opportunities. By conducting a comprehensive review of existing research, this study establishes a foundation for future studies, policy development, and the implementation of sustainable waste management practices through community engagement. The overarching goal is to derive meaningful insights that contribute to a more inclusive, effective, and globally sustainable approach to waste management. This study seeks to inform policymaking and guide future research initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in addressing the complexities of waste management on a global scale.

Abma, T., Banks, S., Cook, T., et al. (2019). Participatory Research for Health and Social Well-Being. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93191-3

Adam-Bradford, A. (2006). Container Composting in Peri-Urban Kumasi, Ghana. Cities Farming for the Future: Urban Agriculture for Green and Productive Cities, 234–237.

Adenrele, H. E. (2014). Refuse Disposal Behaviours of Residents in Rural and Slum Settings in Lagos Metropolis. Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies, 5(7), 28–32.

Basili, V. R., Caldiera G., Rombach, H. D. (1994). Goal Question Metric Paradigm—Encyclopedia of Software Engineering. 528–532.

Batista, M., Goyannes Gusmão Caiado, R., Gonçalves Quelhas, O. L., et al. (2021). A framework for sustainable and integrated municipal solid waste management: Barriers and critical factors to developing countries. Journal of Cleaner Production, 312, 127516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127516

Bayu, A., Purwanto, P., Fitriyani, Y., et al. (2022). Waste bank management assistance to improve the community economy. Khidmatan, 32–38. https://doi.org/10.61136/khid.v2i1.30

Becker, A., Suther, S., Harris, C., et al. (2019). Community-Based Participatory Research at Jacksonville Florida Superfund Ash Site: Toxicology Training to Improve the Knowledge of the Lay Community. Florida Public Health Review, 15(1–7), 61–74.

Bellamy, J. A., Walker, D. H., McDonald, G. T., et al. (2001). A systems approach to the evaluation of natural resource management initiatives. Journal of Environmental Management, 63(4), 407–423. https://doi.org/10.1006/jema.2001.0493

Bezerra, D. P., & Iared, V. G. (2019). Relations of various social actors with marine debris in the municipality of cananeia, sp. Ambiente & Sociedade, 22. https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-4422asoc0132r2vu19l4td

Blackstock, K. L., Kelly, G. J., & Horsey, B. L. (2007). Developing and applying a framework to evaluate participatory research for sustainability. Ecological Economics, 60(4), 726–742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2006.05.014

Bolay, J.-C., Hostettler, S., & Hazboun, E. (2014). Technologies for Sustainable Development. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-00639-0

Bukirwa, F. S., Ssenyondwa, D., Muteesasira, E., et al. (2022). Using Action Research to Address Poor Waste Management at Kijjabwemi C/U Primary School in Kijjabwemi Suburb, Masaka City. Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 3(3), 26.

Bureecam, C., Chaisomphob, T., Rattanapitikon, W. (2016). Social Capital in Municipal Solid Waste Management in Thai Municipality [PhD thesis]. Thammasat University.

Carenzo, & Good. (2016). Materiality and the Recovery of Discarded Materials in a Buenos Aires Cartonero Cooperative. Discourse, 38(1), 85. https://doi.org/10.13110/discourse.38.1.0085

Carreon, R. E., Flores N. R. C. (2023). Tugon-Pangkalikasan: Foundational Participatory Action Research towards Building a Framework for Ecological Action. De La Salle University.

Cruzes, D. S., Dyba, T. (2011). Recommended Steps for Thematic Synthesis in Software Engineering. 2011 International Symposium on Empirical Software Engineering and Measurement, Banff, AB, Canada, 2011, pp. 275–284, doi: 10.1109/ESEM.2011.36.

Davis, L. F., & Ramírez-Andreotta, M. D. (2021). Participatory Research for Environmental Justice: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis. Environmental Health Perspectives, 129(2). https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp6274

Dokmaingam, P., Manomaivibool, P. (2017). Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management for the Highland Rural Area: Case Study Patueng Sub-District in Chang Rai, Thailand. Journal of Current Science and Technology, 7(2), 173–180.

Duea, S. R., Zimmerman, E. B., Vaughn, L. M., et al. (2022). A Guide to Selecting Participatory Research Methods Based on Project and Partnership Goals. Journal of Participatory Research Methods, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.35844/001c.32605

Farrelly, T., & Tucker, C. (2014). Action research and residential waste minimisation in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 91, 11–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2014.07.003

Firmansyah, A., Dharmawan, L., Kriswatriyono, A., et al. (2022). Environmental Management System Toward Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Base on Community Empowerment in Peri-Urban. Available online: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/950/1/012067/meta (accessed on 23 March 2024).

Gutberlet, J. (2008). Empowering collective recycling initiatives: Video documentation and action research with a recycling co-op in Brazil. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 52(4), 659–670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2007.08.006

Gutberlet, J. (2015). Cooperative urban mining in Brazil: Collective practices in selective household waste collection and recycling. Waste Management, 45, 22–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2015.06.023

Gutberlet, J. (2016). Regenerating Cities with Community-Based Inclusive Waste Management Practices. WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment, 204, 57–63.

Gutberlet, J., Baeder, A., Pontuschka, N., et al. (2013). Participatory Research Revealing the Work and Occupational Health Hazards of Cooperative Recyclers in Brazil. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(10), 4607–4627. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph10104607

Gutberlet, J., Carenzo, S., Kain, J.-H., et al. (2017). Waste Picker Organizations and Their Contribution to the Circular Economy: Two Case Studies from a Global South Perspective. Resources, 6(4), 52. https://doi.org/10.3390/resources6040052

Gutberlet, J., Kain, J.-H., Nyakinya, B., et al. (2016). Bridging Weak Links of Solid Waste Management in Informal Settlements. The Journal of Environment & Development, 26(1), 106–131. https://doi.org/10.1177/1070496516672263

Gutberlet, J., Sorroche, S., Martins Baeder, A., et al. (2021). Waste Pickers and Their Practices of Insurgency and Environmental Stewardship. The Journal of Environment & Development, 30(4), 369–394. https://doi.org/10.1177/10704965211055328

Hadi, S. (2022). Zero Plastic Campus: Fostering Vision and ‎Mission of Prophetic Values into The Behavior ‎of Campus Community. TADRIS: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 17(1), 43–59. https://doi.org/10.19105/tjpi.v17i1.5840

Hamzah, A. H. P., Mulatsih, L. S., Zuhroh, S., et al. (2023). Community Assistance in Managing Kitchen Waste to Become Organic Fertilizer. Amalee: Indonesian Journal of Community Research and Engagement, 4(2), 351–362. https://doi.org/10.37680/amalee.v4i2.2798

Heikkilä, L., Reinikainen, A., Katajajuuri, J.-M., et al. (2016). Elements affecting food waste in the food service sector. Waste Management, 56, 446–453. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2016.06.019

Heydari, E., Solhi, M., Janani, L., et al. (2021). Determinants of Sustainability in Recycling of Municipal Solid Waste: Application of Community-Based Social Marketing (CBSM). Challenges in Sustainability, 9(1), 16–27. https://doi.org/10.12924/cis2021.09010016

Hornsby, C., Ripa, M., Vassillo, C., et al. (2017). A roadmap towards integrated assessment and participatory strategies in support of decision-making processes. The case of urban waste management. Journal of Cleaner Production, 142, 157–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.06.189

Inayah, N., Niha, A., and Maulida, A. (2018). The Use of Akad Wadiah in Management of Waste Banks in Pesantren Darussalam Blokagung Banyuwangi. University-Community Engagement, 3(1), 751–59.

Islami, P. Y. N., Prihantoro A. M. (2023). The Analyzing of Social Economic Impacted By Optimalization Of Recycling Waste As Supported For Circular Economy On Community-Based Tourism In Pasaran Island. Jurnal Ekonomi Syariah Indonesia, 13(1), 157–173. https://doi.org/10.21927/jesi.2023.13(1).157-173

Jiménez-Martínez, N. M., & García-Barrios, R. (2020). The Zero Waste University Program in Mexico: A Model for Grassroots Innovations in Sustainability. Sustainability, 12(22), 9444. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12229444

Johnson, H., Wilson, G. (2000a). Biting the Bullet: Civil Society, Social Learning and the Transformation of Local Governance. World Development, 28(11), 1891–1906. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-750X(00)00069-3

Johnson, H., Wilson, G. (2000b). Institutional Sustainability:’Community’and Waste Management in Zimbabwe. Futures, 32(3–4), 301–316. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-3287(99)00099-3

Kitchenham, B. A., Brereton, O. P., Budgen, D., et al. (2009). An Evaluation of Quality Checklist Proposals—A participant-observer case study. Electronic Workshops in Computing. https://doi.org/10.14236/ewic/ease2009.7

Kittitornkool, J., & Burt, P. (2006). Promoting learning processes for public participation in sustainable development: lessons and experiences from action research in Southern Thailand. International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 5(2), 199. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijesd.2006.009381

Krisnanda, V. D., Albab, S., Husna, A., et al. (2023). Increasing Adolescents’ Knowledge of Zero Waste Lifestyle in Pabuaran Village, Mt. Sindur. Global Education Journal, 1(2), 111–120.

Kristianto, A. H., & Widya, P. R. (2021). Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Implementation: Youth Ecopreneurship Intention in Waste Plastics Management into Valuable Products in Border Areas. EKONIKA Jurnal Ekonomi Universitas Kadiri, 6(1), 84. https://doi.org/10.30737/ekonika.v6i1.773

Kwakye, S. O., Amuah, E. E. Y., Ankoma, K. A., et al. (2024). Understanding the performance and challenges of solid waste management in an emerging megacity: Insights from the developing world. Environmental Challenges, 14, 100805. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2023.100805

Lambert-Pennington, K., Saija, L., Franchina, A. (2018). From Possibility to Action: An Interdisciplinary Action-Learning School Dealing with Waste. Cambio, 8(15), 73–87.

Lederer, J., Ongatai, A., Odeda, D., et al. (2015). The generation of stakeholder’s knowledge for solid waste management planning through action research: A case study from Busia, Uganda. Habitat International, 50, 99–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2015.08.015

Linzalone, N., Coi, A., Lauriola, P., et al. (2017). Participatory health impact assessment used to support decision-making in waste management planning: A replicable experience from Italy. Waste Management, 59, 557–566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2016.09.035

Little, P. C. (2020). Witnessing E-Waste through Participatory Photography in Ghana. Available online: https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/42642/1/9781526137005_fullhl.pdf#page=155 (accessed on 6 January 2024).

Lotfi, M. H., Malekafzali, H., Zare Abdollahi, S., et al. (2021). Intervention and Measures Taken on Comprehensive Health of the People Living in Yazd Eskan Neighborhood. Journal of Research & Health, 11(5), 313–322. https://doi.org/10.32598/jrh.11.5.1892.1

Malekafzali, H., Shojaei, P., Zare Abdollahi, S., et al. (2022). Empowering the Community to Identify and Prioritize Neighborhood Development Needs: A Qualitative Study. Jundishapur Journal of Health Sciences, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.5812/jjhs-122089

Manomaivibool, P., Srivichai, M., Unroj, P., et al. (2018). Chiang Rai Zero Waste: Participatory action research to promote source separation in rural areas. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 136, 142–152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2018.04.002

Mengist, W., Soromessa, T., & Legese, G. (2020). Method for conducting systematic literature review and meta-analysis for environmental science research. MethodsX, 7, 100777. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2019.100777

Moreira, A. M. M., Günther, W. M. R., & Siqueira, C. E. G. (2019). Workers’ perception of hazards on recycling sorting facilities in São Paulo, Brazil. Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, 24(3), 771–780. https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-81232018243.01852017

Mugambe, R. K., Nuwematsiko, R., Ssekamatte, T., et al. (2022). Drivers of Solid Waste Segregation and Recycling in Kampala Slums, Uganda: A Qualitative Exploration Using the Behavior Centered Design Model. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(17), 10947. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710947

Muhajirin, A., Kusuma, M. N. (2021). Community-Based Waste Management at Al-Rosyid Islamic Boarding School, Mpokdamira Ngumpakdalem Village and Gayam Village, Bojonegoro Regency. SERUNAI, 1(1), 56–69.

Muyassarah, M., Muslim, M. S., Faizah, F. N., et al. (2022). Pentahelix Movement Through Ecopreneurship-based Waste Management. Dimas: Jurnal Pemikiran Agama Untuk Pemberdayaan, 22(2), 285–300. https://doi.org/10.21580/dms.2022.222.12983

Nick, M., Althoff, K-. D., Tautz, C. (1999). Facilitating the Practical Evaluation of Organizational Memories Using the Goal-Question-Metric Technique. Available online: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/2459783_Facilitating_the_Practical_Evaluation_of_Organizational_Memories_Using_the_Goal-Question-Metric_Technique (accessed on 12 January 2024).

Niyobuhungiro, R. V., & Schenck, C. (2022). Exploring community perceptions of illegal dumping in Fisantekraal using participatory action research. South African Journal of Science. https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2022/12563

Niyobuhungiro, R. V., & Schenck, C. J. (2021). The dynamics of indiscriminate/ illegal dumping of waste in Fisantekraal, Cape Town, South Africa. Journal of Environmental Management, 293, 112954. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.11295

Nugrahini, A. D., Ainuri, M., Wagiman, W., et al. (2023). Community Empowerment in Transforming Household and Agricultural Waste into Valuable Products towards the Green Village Concept. Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat (Indonesian Journal of Community Engagement), 9(2), 76. https://doi.org/10.22146/jpkm.79295

Oduro-Appiah, K. (2020). Evidence-Based Pathway for Solid Waste Modernisation and Sustainability in Ghana [PhD thesis]. Maastricht University.

Oduro-Appiah, K., Afful, A., Kotey, V. N., et al. (2019). Working with the Informal Service Chain as a Locally Appropriate Strategy for Sustainable Modernization of Municipal Solid Waste Management Systems in Lower-Middle Income Cities: Lessons from Accra, Ghana. Resources, 8(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/resources8010012

Oduro-Appiah, K., Scheinberg, A. (2020). Pathway to the Modernization of Recycling in Developing Countries: The Role of Participatory Process. Available online: https://open.lnu.se/index.php/eco-tech/article/view/2662/2324 (accessed on 15 February 2024).

Oduro-Appiah, K., Scheinberg, A., Afful, A., et al. (2020). The contribution of participatory engagement strategies to reliable data gathering and inclusive policies in developing countries: Municipal solid waste management data in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area of Ghana. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 13(6), 735–746. https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2020.1797267

Opoku-Asare, N., Gyekye-Ampofo, M., Yeboah, R. (2013). Murals in Urban Space for Public Education on Environmental Degradation. International Journal of Arts and Humanities, 2, 189–197.

Oyegunle, A., & Thompson, S. (2018). Wasting Indigenous Communities: A Case Study with Garden Hill and Wasagamack First Nations in Northern Manitoba, Canada. The Journal of Solid Waste Technology and Management, 44(3), 232–247. https://doi.org/10.5276/jswtm.2018.232

Patton, M. Q. (1987). How to Use Qualitative Methods in Evaluation, 2nd ed. SAGE Publications, Inc.

Patton, M. Q. (1996). Utilization-Focused Evaluation: The New Century Text, 3rd. SAGE Publications, Inc.

Pattra, S., Thawng, C. N., & Chaiwong, S. (2023). “Four Joints of Power” Innovation of Community Involvement in Medical Waste Management of Bed-Bound Patients in Thailand. Sustainability, 15(2), 1669. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021669

Pollock, A., & Berge, E. (2017). How to do a systematic review. International Journal of Stroke, 13(2), 138–156. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747493017743796

Praneetham, C., Phrommana, J., & Sitthijirapat, P. (2016). Students’ participation in waste management at international school of tourism. Proceedings of the 24th International Academic Conference, Barcelona. https://doi.org/10.20472/iac.2016.024.072

Research Knowledge Utilization on Integrated Municipal Solid-Waste Management and Community Participation for Public Policy in the Deep South of Thailand. (2019). International Journal of Business and Administrative Studies, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.20469/ijbas.5.10004-1

Rosyidah, I. (2021). Effort To Manage Waste Effectively And Educatively With Alternative Waste Banks As A Solution In The Villange Of Ngujuran Bancar. Available online: http://download.garuda.kemdikbud.go.id/article.php?article=2984875&val=26785&title=Effort%20To%20Manage%20Waste%20Effectively%20And%20Educatively%20With%20Alternative%20Waste%20Banks%20As%20A%20Solution%20In%20The%20Villange%20Of%20Ngujuran%20Bancar (accessed on 17 March 2024).

Rowell, L. L., Bruce, C. D., Shosh, J. M., et al. (2017). The Palgrave International Handbook of Action Research. Palgrave Macmillan US. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-40523-4

Sawetrattanakul, S., Jansri, S. N., Tantranont, N., et al. (2019). Appropriate guidelines of Waste Management for Keudchang Sub-district, Maetang District, Chiangmai province, Thailand. AJARCDE | Asian Journal of Applied Research for Community Development and Empowerment , 3(1), 6–8. https://doi.org/10.29165/ajarcde.v3i1.10

Saz-Gil, I., Bretos, I., & Díaz-Foncea, M. (2021). Cooperatives and Social Capital: A Narrative Literature Review and Directions for Future Research. Sustainability, 13(2), 534. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020534

Schenck, C. J., Chitaka, T. Y., Tyrrell, H., et al. (2023). Disposable Diaper Usage and Disposal Practices in Samora Machel Township, South Africa. Sustainability, 15(12), 9478. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15129478

Siriput, O., Thummathiwat, P. D., Limunggura, T. (2018). Participatory Action Research for Waste Management of KSL River Kwai Natural Agriculture Center, Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. International Journal of Agricultural Technology, 14 (7), 1915–1920.

Siu, K. W. M., & Xiao, J. X. (2017). Public facility design for sustainability: Participatory action research on household recycling in Hong Kong. Action Research, 18(4), 448–468. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476750317698027

Sonia Maria Dias, & Ana Carolina Ogando. (2015). Rethinking gender and waste: exploratory findings from participatory action research in Brazil. Work Organisation, Labour and Globalisation, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.13169/workorgalaboglob.9.2.0051

Sridan, P., Surapolchai, P. (2020). A Systemic Approach to Integrated Sustainable Solid Waste Management through Community Engagement: A Case Study of Tan Deaw Sub-District, Saraburi Province. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 463, 1–8.

Tantrakarnapa, K., Butrrangsri, A., Silapanunthakul, S., et al. (2018). GREEN Community: Case Study of Community Nearby Industrial Sector of Rayong Province. Social Science Asia, 4(3), 66–76.

Taylor, E. (2008). Building Community with Recycling: A Case Study of Two Small Islands in British Columbia, Canada [PhD thesis]. University of Victoria.

The making of a sustainable self-managed community: A study of Si-Mum-Muang Market community’s waste management and a model for applying in other communities. (2021). Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 42(4). https://doi.org/10.34044/j.kjss.2021.42.4.14

Tremblay, C., & Jayme, B. de O. (2015). Community knowledge co-creation through participatory video. Action Research, 13(3), 298–314. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476750315572158

Tremblay, C., Peredo, A.M. (2014). Participatory Video as an Approach for Strengthening Collective Social Entrepreneurship: The Recycling Cooperative Movement in Brazil. Research Methodology in Strategy and Management, 9, 189–214. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-838720140000009015

Velenturf, A., Purnell, P., Tregent, M., et al. (2018). Co-Producing a Vision and Approach for the Transition towards a Circular Economy: Perspectives from Government Partners. Sustainability, 10(5), 1401. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10051401

Wanjiru, N. B., Mbugua, J., Mulwa, A. S., et al. (2019). Solid Waste Management Projects in Nairobi County, Kenya: Analytical Review of Project Management Technical Skills and Performance of Youth Environmental Projects. The International Journal of Business & Management, 7(7). https://doi.org/10.24940/theijbm/2019/v7/i7/bm1907-040

Wohlin, C., Runeson, P., Höst, M., et al. (2012). Experimentation in Software Engineering. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-29044-2

Wondirad, A., & Ewnetu, B. (2019). Community participation in tourism development as a tool to foster sustainable land and resource use practices in a national park milieu. Land Use Policy, 88, 104155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2019.104155

Wulfhorst, J. D., Eisenhauer, B. W., Gripne, S. L., et al. (2008). Core Criteria and Assessment of Participatory Research—Partnerships for Empowerment. Routledge, 47–70.

Yates, J. S., & Gutberlet, J. (2011). Reclaiming and Recirculating Urban Natures: Integrated Organic Waste Management in Diadema, Brazil. Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space, 43(9), 2109–2124. https://doi.org/10.1068/a4439

Zairul, M., & Zaremohzzabieh, Z. (2023). Thematic Trends in Industry 4.0 Revolution Potential towards Sustainability in the Construction Industry. Sustainability, 15(9), 7720. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097720

Zen, I. S., Subramaniam, D., Sulaiman, H., et al. (2016). Institutionalize waste minimization governance towards campus sustainability: A case study of Green Office initiatives in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Journal of Cleaner Production, 135, 1407–1422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.07.053