Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Estefani Rondon Toro, Amaya Lobo, Antonio Gallardo Izquierdo
Summary: Circular Economy is crucial for sustainability, and waste processing plants play a key role in minimizing resource loss. This study proposes a new circularity indicator for municipal solid waste treatment plants, which evaluates material and energy recovery efficiency.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anna Degli Esposti, Chiara Magrini, Alessandra Bonoli
Summary: The study proposes a framework to evaluate the potential of preparation for reuse (PfR) as a strategy for waste management, aiming to decrease social, environmental, and economic impacts while meeting legal targets. The comprehensive indicator for reusability introduced in the study allows waste collection operators to assess the potential consequences of the reuse strategy on their systems, monitoring and disclosing impacts related to reuse activities for sustainability in the waste management sector.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Muhammad Sajid, Abdul Raheem, Naeem Ullah, Muhammad Asim, Muhammad Saif Ur Rehman, Nisar Ali
Summary: Sustainable waste management is a crucial issue in modern societies, and scientific research aims to develop effective waste management strategies to address health and environmental concerns. Thermal treatments, particularly gasification, offer viable solutions for municipal waste management. This review critically examines different gasification technologies, feed alternatives, catalysts, and technology adoption. Mixed feedstock management, such as combining municipal solid waste with agricultural waste, can be a practical solution, although economic considerations and waste disposal regulations play important roles in design strategy and implementation.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bingchun Liu, Lei Zhang, Qingshan Wang
Summary: The study utilized Grey Relational Analysis and Long and Short-Term Memory (GRA-LSTM) to predict MSW generation in Beijing and estimated landfill area. The MAPE value of the combined model was 7.3, indicating better performance compared to other methods, while landfill demand in Beijing is on the rise.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mahmood Yousefi, Vahide Oskoei, Ahmad Jonidi Jafari, Mahdi Farzadkia, Masoumeh Hasham Firooz, Behnaz Abdollahinejad, Javavd Torkashvand
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted waste quantity and management, especially in waste recycling, medical waste management, and infectious disease control. Recognizing these issues is key to planning municipal solid waste management more efficiently and reducing the risk of virus transmission through waste.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shamshad Khan, Raheel Anjum, Syed Turab Raza, Nazir Ahmed Bazai, Muhammad Ihtisham
Summary: This study found that MSW generation is increasing in provinces such as Shandong, Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Fujian, but declining in other eastern coastal cities, provinces, and special zones. Municipal solid waste in China is mainly treated using landfill, incineration, and composting techniques, with significantly lower usage efficiency than in developed countries. The effectiveness of China's municipal waste management system needs to be improved.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yao Wang, Yu Shi, Jizhi Zhou, Jun Zhao, Tek Maraseni, Guangren Qian
Summary: The study investigated the municipal solid waste management in Shanghai under compulsory waste sorting rules, revealing both successes and challenges. Effective waste classification in Shanghai has reduced carbon emissions, but has also led to some negative outcomes. To address the challenges, recommendations include establishing a more refined classification and recycling system, developing highly-efficient resource recovery technologies, and proposing optimization adjustments for overcapacity in incineration facilities.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Amani Maalouf, Antonis Mavropoulos
Summary: This study estimates that the global waste generated in 2017 was around 20 billion tonnes and is expected to increase to 46 billion tonnes by 2050. The study also reveals that municipal solid waste (MSW) has increased by 30%-50% in the past 15 years and is projected to grow by 26%-45% by 2050. Furthermore, the study highlights that almost one-third of MSW is not collected and a majority of the collected waste is not treated properly.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Saikrishna Venna, Hari Bhakta Sharma, P. Hari Prasad Reddy, Shamik Chowdhury, Brajesh Kumar Dubey
Summary: The study demonstrates that using landfill leachate as an alternative moisture source for hydrothermal carbonization can significantly enhance the sustainability of the technology. The resulting hydrochars have comparable fuel characteristics to conventional solid fuels, making them potential inexpensive alternatives to fossil fuels.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoqing Pi, Xunchang Fei, Yao Wang, Xinlei Sun, Yuliang Guo
Summary: In this study, a new method using the initial global void ratio (e0*) of MSW is developed to estimate the compression indices. The correlations between e0* and compression parameters are established based on a comprehensive MSW dataset. This method can be applied in landfills and dumpsites in countries with different income levels.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nathalia Silva de Souza Lima Cano, Eleni Iacovidou, Emilia Wanda Rutkowski
Summary: This article examines the terminology used to describe recycling value chains globally and provides an overview of the current state of MSW recyclable waste materials management in developed and developing economies. It proposes a typology for describing recyclable waste material management and highlights the complex, context-specific nature of recycling value chains. The study emphasizes the importance of governance in coordinating recycling networks and improving recycling performance.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jian Sun, Lei Wang, Jinjin Yu, Binglin Guo, Liang Chen, Yuying Zhang, Diwei Wang, Zhenxing Shen, Daniel C. W. Tsang
Summary: This study tailored four binders for low-carbon stabilization/solidification (S/S) of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MIFA) and successfully decreased the leachability of potentially toxic elements. The cytotoxicity of treated MIFA was significantly reduced, with phosphate-modified treatments showing the lowest reactive oxygen species (ROS) inducing abilities and enhanced tolerant dosage of cytotoxicity.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ioan-Robert Istrate, Enrique Medina-Martos, Jose-Luis Galvez-Martos, Javier Dufour
Summary: This study utilized material flow analysis to quantify the energy recovery potential of MSW in Madrid for 2030. The results suggest a potential decrease in overall energy recovery due to increased recycling rates of plastic, paper, and cardboard. However, waste streams suitable for energy recovery represent a significant portion of the MSW generated in the scenarios for 2030.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. T. Munir, Ahmad Mohaddespour, A. T. Nasr, Susan Carter
Summary: In order for waste-to-energy to be successful in New Zealand, technologies need to reduce costs and generate additional revenue. A circular economy approach is proposed to effectively manage waste and mitigate increasing energy demands. Collaboration and communication are key to achieving commercial success and community readiness.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tianyu Hu, Pinjing He, Zhan Yang, Wei Wang, Hua Zhang, Liming Shao, Fan Lu
Summary: With the progress of urbanization, municipal solid waste transfer stations have moved to residential areas as key points for garbage collection and transportation. This study analyzed the emission characteristics of airborne microplastic particles in Shanghai's waste transfer stations, finding that microplastics mainly exist as films and fibers, with Rayon being the dominant type. The study also discovered that odor treatment facilities effectively reduce the concentration of microplastic particles.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
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.