The chapter delineates the novel solid waste management practices based on revolutionary AI and Industry 5.0 trends in view of the burgeoning world population and development of sprawling cities. Contrary to Industry 4.0, which was about automation, Industry 5.0 addresses sustainability, resilience, and co-habitation between people and machines in the circular economy context. AI, Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) make it possible to monitor in real time, predict and even classify waste automatically. These innovations lead to improvements in resource recovery and operational efficiency and have a clear and direct relevance for the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The chapter offers case studies of the EcoSmart Plant (Germany) and an AI-enabled smart bin (UK). Such examples demonstrate concrete advantages such as improved recycling rates, diminishing reliance on landfills, and better informed environmental management. The chapter also covers enabling technologies (robotics, blockchain, and digital twins) that combine processes to improve waste-to-energy and material traceability. Although these technologies’ potential is enormous, the chapter also discusses the main challenges that need to be addressed for their broad utilization, such as ethical considerations, lack of existing infrastructures, and data governance issues. It recommends policy guidance for scalable, inclusive, and fair AI-centric waste management systems implementation. In conclusion, the chapter highlights the power of autonomous and IS 5.0 to create bright, circular, and sustainable waste ecosystems fit for upcoming cities.