The sustainable development goals, urban mining, and the circular economy

•The literature review demonstrated a link between urban mining and SDG targets 6.3, 8.4, 9.4, 9.5, 12.4, and 12.5.•Construction and electronics are the most prominent sources of waste in urban areas.•Most recent publications highlight technological advances in recycling and the impacts of these advances.•There is very little literature on urban mining in relation to SDGs 1–5, 10–11, and 14–15.•Clusters have focusing in SDG targets 8.2, 9.4, 9.5, 11.3, 11.6, and 12.2. This literature review aimed at analyzing the link between urban mining and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It seeks to answer the questions: "Does published evidence indicate a relationship between the SDGs and urban mining?", and, if so, "Does the relationship represent a synergy or a trade-off?". The results of this enquiry demonstrate the connection between urban mining and e-waste in the context of the SDG targets for sustainable cities, highlighting convergence between arrangements stemming from different technologies. This suggests that certain SDGs can guide management in a broader and systemic approach, whereby policy-makers can benefit in their daily decision-making. The article stresses the need for social engagement in recycling and reusing processes, as well as the need for an interdisciplinary approach to reach the SDGs' targets for a better future and cleaner cities. The study found a strong connection with some of the targets (6.3, 8.4, 9.4, 9.5, 12.4, and 12.5) and very little connection with others (SDGs 1–5, 10, 14, and 15). [Display omitted]