Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dieter Schuch, Jakob Lederer, Johann Fellner, Christoph Scharff
Summary: According to the EU Circular Economy Package, recycling of plastic packaging waste (PPW) needs significant improvement by 2025 and 2030. Separate collection remains the crucial process, and the performance of current systems in Austria was analyzed. Results showed that rural areas had the highest collection rates of 74-77%, while urban areas had the lowest rate of 56%. A shift to target all plastic packaging instead of just plastic bottles is crucial to improve separate collection rates.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paolo S. Calabro, Filippo Fazzino, Domenica Pangallo
Summary: Italy has developed an efficient separate collection system, but still a significant portion of municipal solid waste ends up in landfills. The use of Dynamic Respirometric index (DRI) is essential for evaluating waste biological stability before landfilling. Through experimental data, it is found that enhanced separate collection can decrease putrescible content in mixed waste, but implementing both aerobic and anaerobic indices is necessary to optimize the treatment of waste for overall sustainability of the system.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kuat Abeshev, Florentine Koppenborg
Summary: The Waste Framework Directive of the European Union aims to achieve a recycling rate of 55 percent for municipal solid waste by 2025. However, progress towards this target has been uneven among Member States, highlighting the need to identify effective waste management systems. This study examines the effectiveness of door-to-door bio-waste collection in boosting the collection of dry recyclables, such as glass, metal, paper, and plastic. The findings suggest that cities implementing door-to-door bio-waste collection collect significantly higher amounts of dry recyclables, indicating the potential benefits of promoting this practice in EU waste management.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
V. Cliff Moran, Costas Zachariades, John H. Hoffmann
Summary: Biological control of weeds relies on the release of specific plant-damaging agents to control the invasive plant species. A conceptual model has been proposed to categorize the impacts of agents at a plant population level, leading to more rigorous and effective weed control strategies through consultations and verifications with local experts.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tsakane M. A. G. Hlongwane, Burcu Bozkurt, Maria C. Barreix, Robert Pattinson, Metin Guelmezoglu, Valerie Vannevel, Ozge Tuncalp
Summary: This article discusses the implementation of updated antenatal care recommendations in South Africa, showing an increase in the number of antenatal care contacts and improvement in appropriate actions for women with hypertension. The experiences in South Africa emphasize the importance of commitment from all stakeholders for the success of antenatal care programs. Training and readiness are crucial in identifying and managing complications during pregnancy and ensuring accessibility to antenatal care for all women.
BULLETIN OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Giulia Romano, Ginevra Virginia Lombardi, Agnese Rapposelli, Massimo Gastaldi
Summary: This study investigates the factors affecting the separate waste collection rates in Italian provinces. The results show that factors such as convictions for crimes committed against public administration, income level, education level, and percentage of female municipal administrators have a positive impact on the collection rates, while factors like household size and youth employment rate have a negative impact.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Anne Mette Madsen, Monika Raulf, Philippe Duquenne, Pal Graff, Marcin Cyprowski, Alan Beswick, Sirpa Laitinen, Pil Uthaug Rasmussen, Manfred Hinker, Annette Kolk, Rafal L. Gorny, Anne Oppliger, Brian Crook
Summary: The management of household waste has shifted towards waste sorting in many countries, resulting in lower collection frequency for certain waste fractions. This change can lead to increased growth of microorganisms before collection, potentially increasing exposure to bioaerosols for waste collection workers. Exposure levels to fungi, bacteria, and endotoxin vary across countries and waste types, with factors such as ventilation, cleaning, and waste handling methods affecting exposure levels. The occupational exposure to bioaerosols can lead to health issues such as gastrointestinal problems, eye and skin irritation, and reduced lung function, highlighting the importance of implementing measures to reduce exposure in the waste collection industry.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Betul Hande Gursoy Haksevenler, Fatma Feyza Kavak, Aydin Akpinar
Summary: This study aims to analyze the amount, composition, and recycling potential of waste generated at Marmara University in Turkey to develop a waste management strategy in line with national legislation and sustainable practices. Through daily weighing and surveys, it was found that the recycling potential of campus waste is high, but the awareness and understanding of waste separation among campus residents is low.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Maria Assunta Barchiesi, Roberta Costa, Francesca Di Pillo
Summary: Promoting Agenda 2030 through Circular Economy transition requires improving waste system management and increasing separate collection. This research investigates the effect of compliance with environmental legislation by Italian municipalities on the total cost of municipal solid waste management. The study analyzes a large dataset of 1914 municipalities and finds regional variations in the impact of environmental compliance on waste management costs.
Article
Management
Stefano Landi, Salvatore Russo
Summary: The co-production paradigm has important implications for public-service delivery, introducing innovative observation methods and a new way of thinking about public service logic. This study examines the co-production processes in separate waste collection and investigates the association between public officers' attitude towards co-production and separate collection performance. The results show that a positive attitude towards enhancing users' co-production is linked to better separate collection outcomes.
PUBLIC MANAGEMENT REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Alexander Fekete, Sven Fuchs, Matthias Garschagen, Gerard Hutter, Silja Klepp, Catharina Luder, Thomas Neise, Dominic Sett, Kirsten von Elverfeldt, Mia Wannewitz
Summary: This paper discusses the dynamic changes and risks caused by natural hazards and climate change, and explores the theoretical foundations of adjustment and transformation. It analyzes four interdisciplinary cases from different countries to provide insights for risk managers and decision-makers in dealing with climate change-related hazards.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Antonio Gallardo, Francisco J. Colomer-Mendoza, Mar Carlos-Alberola, Cristobal Badenes, Natalia Edo-Alcon, Joan Esteban-Altabella
Summary: A six-month pilot scheme in Castello de la Plana, Spain, focused on biowaste recycling showed a gradual increase in the quality rate of biowaste in containers, reaching 90%, and an improvement in biowaste separation rates over time, indicating increased citizen collaboration. However, analysis revealed that as the containerization rate of biowaste decreased, the collection rate increased, suggesting the need to increase containerization for better efficiency.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Giovanni Gadaleta, Sabino De Gisi, Francesco Todaro, Vincenzo Campanaro, Carmen Teodosiu, Michele Notarnicola
Summary: Using a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis method, this study evaluated and compared the sustainability of different waste management schemes, finding that the door-to-door system is the best solution in environmental and socio-technical terms, despite its higher cost. Interestingly, there is limited deviation between the mixed collection mode and the door-to-door system, suggesting strong competitiveness of the former.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
O. O. Ayeleru, F. N. Okonta, F. Ntuli
Summary: The study conducted a cost-benefit analysis of establishing a waste recycling facility, finding an internal rate of return on investment of 42%, internal rate of return on equity of 98%, and a net present value of R 63,420,000 (USD$ 4646225.33). The research indicated the feasibility of the project and the potential to create around 677 jobs.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Gary Ossmar Lara-Topete, Carlos Eduardo Robles-Rodriguez, Danielle A. Orozco-Nunnelly, Alethia Vazquez-Morillas, Gerardo Bernache-Perez, Misael Sebastian Gradilla-Hernandez
Summary: Most MSW in LATAM is disposed of in landfills and dumpsites, causing negative environmental impacts. The introduction of MBT plants in developing countries requires feasibility studies. This review examines challenges and offers insights into the implementation and operation of MBT plants in LATAM region.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojian Liu, Bei Wang, Yayun Ma, Xiangyang Zhou, Juan Yang, Yuehui He, Jingjing Tang, Fanyun Su, Wan Yang
Summary: This study proposes a combined process of reduction roasting of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid leaching to improve the recovery efficiency of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing the reducing gas produced from the pyrolysis of herb-medicine residue, the layered structure of the cathode powder is destroyed and converted into Li2CO3, Ni, Co, and MnO. Additionally, selective extraction of lithium is achieved using oxalic acid, and the efficiency and kinetics of lithium extraction are improved under the combined action of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muxina Konarova, Nuno Batalha, Gabriel Fraga, Mohamed H. M. Ahmed, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock
Summary: This study presents a proof of concept for a technology that integrates PET recovery from mixed plastic waste and plastic pyrolysis. By depolymerizing PET into TPA using a low volatility oil as medium, it achieves low-pressure operation and a selective separation and recovery of TPA from the product mix. Full PET conversion and high TPA recovery were achieved, making it an effective solution for processing mixed waste streams and improving the yield and quality of liquid product from thermal pyrolysis compared to untreated feedstock.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhua Sun, Jing Li, Xuejiang Wang, Siqing Xia, Jianfu Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the influence of in-situ formed MgFe2O4 on the hydrothermal treatment of swine manure. The results showed that the in-situ formation of MgFe2O4 improved the dehydration and decarboxylation of organic components in swine manure, thereby improving its carbonization degree. Furthermore, it enhanced the stabilization of heavy metals and the retention of phosphorus. MgFe2O4 modified hydrochars exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cu(II) without any leaching of heavy metals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yijing Jiang, Boyang Leng, Jingxin Xi
Summary: The increased generation of municipal solid waste has had a significant impact on the economy, environment, and public health. The current waste treatment process has limitations. By developing a comprehensive social costing model, this study assesses the impacts of municipal solid waste management throughout its life cycle and provides policymakers with best practices and feasibility information.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marina Hernandes de Paula e Silva, Ricardo Coser Mergulha, Jose Geraldo Vidal Vieira, Andrea Brasco Pampanelli, Rodrigo Salvador, Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
Summary: This study developed and implemented a self-assessment tool to assist companies in decision-making processes for establishing circular flows based on Lean Manufacturing and Circular Economy principles. The tool utilized a maturity model and was applied to nine companies of varying characteristics. The findings revealed that certain companies showed higher maturity in water-waste and chemical-emissions management, with larger enterprises focusing on these strategies. However, many companies lacked sufficient training and employee awareness prior to seeking cleaner alternatives, and comprehensive actions to manage the product lifecycle were lacking. To address these gaps, the tool provided tailored recommendations for each company to improve their processes, products, and value chain.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gamze Dogdu, Turgay Pekdemir, Sanaz Lakestani, Seyda Karabork, Osman Cavus
Summary: This paper presents data on food waste associated with mini size food packaging services, highlighting the difficulties in emptying the food and consumer wastefulness as the main causes. These findings have significant implications for the sustainability of food and relevant packaging.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingxia Li, Xin Kong, Yuxin Chen, Jianan Niu, Jia Jing, Jin Yuan, Yifeng Zhang
Summary: This study investigates how to enhance methane production from food waste after hydrothermal pretreatment. The results demonstrate a significant increase in methane yield when zero-valent iron and magnetite are used together, and high organic loading is favorable for methane production. Microbial diversity analysis further reveals the dominant pathways and metabolic processes involved in methane generation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
D. H. H. Sim, I. A. W. Tan, L. L. P. Lim, E. T. Lau, B. H. Hameed
Summary: The development of controlled-release fertilizer formulation is important for preventing environmental pollution caused by nutrient leaching and volatilization. This study combined biochar-based fertilizer with encapsulation technology to improve the nutrient release mechanism. Optimal conditions for synthesizing urea-impregnated biochar (UIB) were determined using central composite design, and the release of nitrogen was described by mathematical models. Results showed that encapsulated UIB (EUIB) achieved complete release of nitrogen in water and exhibited improved water retention in sandy-textural soil. Therefore, EUIB derived from peppercorn waste has the potential to be used as a sustainable controlled-release fertilizer for agriculture.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchuan Wang, Neslihan Akdeniz
Summary: Incorporating biochar into composting systems can increase compost temperatures. This study developed a heat transfer model for a biochar-amended co-composting system and found that biochar increased thermal conductive losses but also enhanced microbial activity, resulting in an overall increase in total heat unit. When biochar was applied on the surface, it mainly functioned as an insulator.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
George Tsalis, Birger Boutrup Jensen, Jessica Aschemann-Witzel
Summary: This paper empirically explores the relationship between retail price promotions and household food waste. The results show that households with a higher proportion of discount food purchases and environmental awareness tend to waste less food, while larger households and those lacking food handling skills tend to waste more food.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lukas Friederici, Arne Koch, Patrick Martens, Jana Pantzke, Sebastiano Di Bucchianico, Thorsten Streibel, Christopher P. Rueger, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: The increasing demand for lightweight materials has led to a rise in fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) production. However, the properties and compositional range of FRPs pose challenges to recycling strategies. Pyrolysis has emerged as a promising method for separating the fibers from the polymer matrix. This study investigated the pyrolysis process using thermal analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and also assessed the toxicity of the recovered fibers using an in vitro model.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Devika Kannan, Shakiba Khademolqorani, Nassibeh Janatyan, Somaieh Alavi
Summary: This paper introduces Smart Waste Management (SWM) that applies Industry 4.0 technologies in waste management. A framework called SWM4.0 is developed, which highlights the importance of smart people, smart cities, smart enterprises, and smart factories in achieving successful waste management. The paper also suggests future research directions and managerial implications.