Efficient management of recyclable waste collection in low- and middle-income countries represents a critical challenge due to its labor-intensive nature, the lack of adequate infrastructure, limited resources, informal practices and the need to minimize environmental impacts. In this context, sustainable collection routing optimization becomes fundamental to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs and emissions. This study aims to present the applications of Operations Research for the routing of recyclable waste collection in the literature, integrating sustainable approaches that consider operational, economic, environmental and social constraints. The methodology employed considers vehicle routing models with sustainability criteria, including heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms to optimize collection routes. Fleet configurations and geographical conditions in countries with limited infrastructure are analyzed. The results obtained in the literature show that routing optimization allows a significant reduction in operating costs and emissions. In addition, key strategies for the implementation of solutions adapted to low- and middle-income countries conditions are identified considering sustainable criteria.