Integrating gamification into ecological waste management systems: A narrative review for sustainable energy and environmental transition

Abstract

Gamification has emerged as an innovative tool within ecological waste management systems, functioning as a behavioural engineering approach to enhance public participation in sustainable waste sorting and recycling practices.This narrative review explores how gamified interventions contribute to ecological sustainability and the broader transition toward energy-efficient waste management systems.Drawing upon behavioural frameworks such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and habit formation models, this study synthesizes recent evidence from both developed and developing countries between 2015 and 2024.The analysis identifies five dominant gamification elements -points, rewards, leaderboards, challenges, and feedback -that effectively influence user motivation and participation.Findings indicate that gamification is most successful when integrated within ecological system designs that link household sorting behaviours to waste-to-energy (WTE) conversion and circular economy processes.Case studies from Sweden and South Korea demonstrate strong outcomes when ecological engineering systems are supported by digital platforms and regulatory incentives, whereas cases from Indonesia, India, and Brazil reveal barriers associated with socio-cultural dynamics, limited technological access, and weak policy alignment.This study contributes a conceptual framework that connects behavioural gamification design with ecological engineering and sustainable energy management principles.The findings provide practical insights for policymakers, environmental engineers, and urban planners seeking to design inclusive, data-informed, and resilient waste management systems that support the environmental transition toward a circular and low-carbon economy.

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