The implementation of this research consists of 2 (two) aspects: the making and testing of bio-briquettes called technological aspects and economic analysis called economic aspects. Bio-briquettes is made from cashew nutshell waste obtained from Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is followed by pyrolysis, which is carried out in a simple batch type reactor by heating using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The bio-briquettes product has a calorific value of 29.49 MJ/kg, moisture content of 5.3%, ash content of 4.96%, volatile substances content of 17.16%, and carbon content of 72.62%, which meets the universally accepted bio-briquettes standard (SNI 016235-2000), Japanese, English and ISO 17225. The bio-briquettes product is suitable as an energy source. The economic analysis of the cashew nutshell was analyzed to determine its economic feasibility. For the bio-briquettes production capacity in 2,000 tons/year, cashew nut shell-briquettes products can be sold at 1,052,878 USD/year. The total production cost is USD842,304/year. The net profit is of USD147,402/year. The cost of LPG for 2,000 tons/year production capacity is USD954,358/years. The replacement of LPG with cashew seed bio-briquettes tends to help the average household of Muna Regency community to reduce the annual cost by 37.00%. In conclusion, bio-briquettes production's economic feasibility as analyzed from the investment rate is 23.55%, payout time is 3.42 years, and break-even point is 50.09%.
Waste recycling heralds a vital agenda in the circular economy (CE) to leverage emission reduction targets. However, the role of digitalization in waste management (WM) is underexplored, and the literature remains fragmented. This study explores the synergy between CE principles in tourism and decarbonization in the waste sector through digitalization, using case studies from Taipei (Republic of China) and Sukunan (Indonesia). By examining the integration of digital tools in WM systems, the study highlights how these cities leverage technology to promote net-zero emissions and sustainable practices, particularly in the context of tourism. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative data from focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews and secondary data analysis. The findings reveal that digitalization has significantly improved WM efficiency, resource recovery (RR) and carbon footprint reduction in both study areas. Notably, the study demonstrates that tourism plays a role in driving these digitalization efforts, particularly through the adoption of CE practices in WM. The results suggest that digital solutions, when tailored to local contexts, can accelerate decarbonization and enhance sustainability. In Sukunan, technological adoption generated 780 new jobs and raised average household incomes by USD 45 monthly. These initiatives reduced landfill waste by 30% and cut CO2-equivalent emissions by about 0.3 million metric tonnes annually. Taiwan's 'Pay-As-You-Throw' (PAYT) system is a benchmark, showcasing effective WM and resource recovery practices. Digitalization is projected to trim WM costs by 35%, reduce annual expenses by 3.6%, generate USD 493 billion in revenue over decades and subdue global CO2 emissions by 15% by 2030. Overall, this work emphasizes the potential for replicating such strategies in other cities, with consideration for local conditions, to achieve sustainability and decarbonization goals in the tourism and WM sectors.