<![CDATA[Introduction: Informal waste pickers are the frontliners in solid waste management worldwide; however, they lack basic safety nets for their social and economic protection. They are often involved in hazardous work but receive no health protection. Economically, they earn at least a meager dollar per day. This study aimed to present the trends and practices in waste management, contribution, and integration into the formal sector among waste pickers. Discussion: Circular economy and waste management were the most frequent keywords in the review. Customer behavior, stakeholder analysis, and source separation are emerging themes in waste management. Network visualization supports the bibliometric results regarding the contribution of waste pickers to sustainable cities and recycling. Notably, waste pickers have longer nodes connecting to SDGs, indicating a lesser connection. In addition, policymakers should prioritize interventions at the strongest connecting points, particularly addressing the impact of pollution on human health, managing e-waste, and supporting formal waste management systems. Conclusion: In this review, the term circular economy is increasing as part of waste management approaches, and other practices, such as anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis. Most studies were conducted in developed countries. Waste picking has been a significant source of income among waste pickers. Hence, formal integration of informal waste pickers into the formal waste management sector appears favorable, but further research is needed regarding their acceptability and contribution to sustainable development.]]>
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