Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Peter McNeill, Ryan Woodard, Michael Williams
Summary: The Duty of Care legislation in England requires businesses to manage their waste responsibly to protect both human health and the environment. However, a study found inconsistencies among local authorities in waste collection services, enforcement of Duty of Care, and uptake of the Electronic Duty of Care system.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ashish Soni, Pankaj Kumar Das, Abdul Wahab Hashmi, Mohammad Yusuf, Hesam Kamyab, Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan
Summary: Strict environmental concern, depletion, and price hike of building construction materials are driving scientific studies for the search of alternative materials for building construction. This research aims to explore the environmental efficacy of solid waste management (SWM) and its relationship with economic structure, regulatory structure, science, and time. It also provides in-depth information on solid waste sources, recycling potential, and current utilization for significant development. Additionally, it discusses the production process, properties, advantages, disadvantages, and global economy of building materials developed through recycling of solid waste, as well as the sustainability, social, and environmental impact of green building materials.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
D. Mathioudakis, K. Papadopoulou, G. M. Lytras, C. Pavlopoulos, S. Niakas, K. Filippou, E. Melanitou, D. F. Lekkas, G. Lyberatos
Summary: The study developed a generic and easy-to-apply MSW sampling and sorting protocol for the development of an innovative waste management strategy in Halandri, Greece. The results consistently showed high source separation rates up to 79% and impurity levels in recycling waste streams not exceeding 20%. This methodology proved to generate accurate results, providing a detailed picture of Municipal Solid Waste management performance.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Martina Bruno, Marco Abis, Kerstin Kuchta, Franz-Georg Simon, Raul Gronholm, Michel Hoppe, Silvia Fiore
Summary: This study examined the management of bottom ash produced from municipal solid waste incineration in Europe in 2018, revealing that a significant amount of bottom ash was left untreated and unrecovered, resulting in waste. An environmental and economic assessment showed that complete valorisation of bottom ash can lead to energy savings, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and economic profitability through iron and copper recycling and avoidance of landfill fees. Profitability was achieved in two-thirds of the countries considered, with an average net present value of 83 million euros, return on investment of 20%, and payback time of 11 years, for bottom ash mass flow exceeding 0.02 Mt.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sidhartha Sondh, Darshit S. Upadhyay, Sanjay Patel, Rajesh N. Patel
Summary: This study proposes the key elements for designing a solid waste management system based on the circular economy. It emphasizes the importance of reducing, reusing, recycling, and recovering in the circular economy framework. The study also discusses the role of policies, legislation, and case studies in solid waste management systems. Additionally, it explores various aspects of the circular economy and presents insights into achieving sustainability through a circular economy-based waste management system.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Perla Calil Pongeluppe Wadhy Rebehy, Alexandre Pereira Salgado Junior, Aldo Roberto Ometto, Diego de Freitas Espinoza, Efigenia Rossi, Juliana Chiaretti Novi
Summary: This research aims to identify the factors that influence the recovery of materials and best practices of the most efficient municipalities in Brazil, and evaluate their compliance with Brazilian legislation and European guidelines. The study found that 63% of the identified best practices in Brazil comply with Brazilian law, while only 23% align with European recommendations. There is still much work to be done, particularly in the final disposal stage, to align with the high standards set by British Standards Institution and the Green Deal, and promote a circular economy in Brazil.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhaowen Liu, Daan Schraven, Martin de Jong, Marcel Hertogh
Summary: Rapid global urbanization and changes in people's lifestyles have led to an increase in waste generation and more complex waste types. Many local governments have invested in municipal solid waste infrastructure (MSWI) to implement circular strategies in response to these changes. This paper aims to explore the interdependencies between MSWI and the local social system, and validate the systemic nature of MSWI. The study reviews current MSW treatment methods and infrastructure, interrogates system-oriented concepts, and uses a conceptual model to map the interdependencies in a MSWI system. Empirical validation of the model is done through a case study of the Dutch city of Almere, which identifies the social systems that contribute to the development of the MSWIS.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
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
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
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ryan Woodard
Summary: This paper investigates the management of waste from SMEs in England, revealing a significant number of businesses illegally using household waste services. Analysis of household waste shows a considerable amount of recyclable and biodegradable materials that could be diverted from disposal through recycling programs. The study provides pioneering estimates of the level of business waste abuse of household services and offers recommendations for improved management.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Elfany Reis do Nascimento Lopes, Marconi Vieira da Silva
Summary: The study aimed to develop an intermunicipal system for integrated waste management in southern Bahia, Brazil. It found that 75% of the municipalities in the region lack effective waste management measures, with only collection and removal from urbanized areas being carried out. Based on the regional characteristics and financial considerations, a public-private partnership was proposed as a viable solution.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Thomas Budde Christensen
Summary: Designing circular economy policies and planning approaches in cities is an emerging research field. This article aims to analyze how municipalities can support and facilitate the circular economy through various governance forms. By collaborating with local stakeholders, municipalities can play an important role in driving the transition towards a circular economy.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kacper Swiechowski, Pawel Stepien, Ewa Sygula, Jacek A. Koziel, Andrzej Bialowiec
Summary: Regression models were built using data from carbonization of various municipal solid waste components to predict biochar properties, allowing for prediction of properties of char made from mixed waste components. Comparison with experimental data showed most models had a determination coefficient over 0.6, with the best prediction for biochar mass yield.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xin Tong, Haofan Yu, Tao Liu
Summary: Solid waste recycling in developing countries relies largely on the informal sector, with a study indicating regional differences in recyclability among cities and providing guidelines for local waste recycling infrastructure planning.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Economics
Elisabetta Allevi, Adriana Gnudi, Igor V. Konnov, Giorgia Oggioni
Summary: The study developed a sequential optimization model to analyze a circular economy framework where waste is collected by municipalities and partially reused by a recycling company. The equilibrium of the supply chain is found through an iterative decomposition method that considers the decisions taken by the municipalities and the recycling company in a specific region in Italy.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nicolas Valenzuela-Levi
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nicolas Valenzuela-Levi, Patricio J. Araya-Cordova, Sebastian Davila, Oscar C. Vasquez
Summary: This study examines the adoption of recycling by municipalities in developing countries, focusing on the Santiago Metropolitan Area in Chile. Through qualitative interviews, quantitative data collection, and mathematical modeling, the importance of resource redistribution on the supply side of recycling and the institutional and political complexity of policy implementation are highlighted.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nicolas Valenzuela-Levi, Maria Abreu
Summary: This article introduces the concept of an 'income equality dividend', showing that countries with more equal income distributions tend to adopt mature environmental technologies better, which may be attributed to changes in consumer behavior and institutional factors.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Patricio J. Araya-Cordova, Sebastian Davila, Nicolas Valenzuela-Levi, Oscar C. Vasquez
Summary: The research focuses on the optimal resource allocation for recycling programs in urban and rural municipalities of developing countries, involving comprehensive data collection, mathematical modelling, and the analysis of equivalent recycling policies. The results indicate a significant lack of resources at the national level in waste management, particularly affecting rural areas, emphasizing the need for better support for recycling policies in rural municipalities.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nicolas Valenzuela-Levi
Summary: In efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, countries are promoting recycling to reduce landfill waste. However, data on recycling is limited, with most coming from developed countries. Chile is the first country to provide national and locally disaggregated municipal recycling data. Between 2013 and 2017, less than 0.8% of household waste in Chile was separately collected for recycling. Factors influencing local-level separate collection include education, waste sent to landfills, recycling service duration, composting, urban population percentage, and regional disparities.
Article
Economics
N. Valenzuela-Levi, T. Echiburu, J. Correa, R. Hurtubia, J. C. Munoz
Summary: In response to the COVID-19 crisis, sufficient housing and cycling resources have become increasingly important, requiring a comprehensive approach to urban transport policies. Achieving decarbonisation goals can be done through promoting active transportation and reducing dependence on motorised transport.
Article
Urban Studies
N. Valenzuela-Levi, L. Fuentes, M. Ramirez, S. Rodriguez, A. Senoret
Summary: With increasing levels of urbanization globally, the concept of urban sustainability has become a crucial element in discussions on sustainable development. Discontent and social crises are common in major cities around the world, often linked to the neoliberal urbanization process. This study proposes a new approach to analyze urban sustainability using households' perceived satisfaction, with data collected from Chile's main metropolitan areas.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Valeria D. Munoz-Soto, Sebastian Davila-Galvez, Andrea Espinoza Perez, Luis Rojo-Gonzalez, Nicolas Valenzuela-Levi, Oscar C. Vasquez
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the amount and characterization of municipal and industrial waste in cities worldwide, including Chile. Implementing tight quarantine procedures and monetary incentives has led to a decrease in waste generation during the initial months of lockdown and subsequent recovery and surpassing of pre-pandemic waste generation and recycling levels. The impact of lockdown and withdrawal of retirement funds varies among different municipalities in the region, with retirement fund withdrawals having a larger direct impact on waste generation and recycling.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Economics
Nicolas Valenzuela-Levi
Summary: This research explores the link between income inequality at the city level and the socioeconomic distribution of supply and satisfied demand for public transportation. Comparing the highly income-unequal Latin American cities of Santiago (Chile) and Medellin (Colombia), the study found differences in supply and demand allocation among income groups. Medellin successfully avoids socioeconomic segregation between buses and the metro network, a problem present in Santiago and other cities.
JOURNAL OF TRANSPORT GEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Communication
Nicolas Valenzuela-Levi, Gabriela Pizarro, Pablo Arriagada, Juan Pablo Figueroa
Summary: This article provides the first quantitative approach to the link between urban lawlessness and internet provision by studying the Santiago Metropolitan Region in Chile. Two hypotheses were tested, and the results showed a positive correlation between contested territorial control and fixed broadband connectivity, as well as a negative correlation between poor households and connectivity. This research contributes to heterodox views within institutional economics and emphasizes the need for state-led redistribution in contested territories.
INFORMATION COMMUNICATION & SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Urban Studies
Nicolas Valenzuela-Levi, Monica Flores-Castillo
Summary: The study shows that educational levels play a significant role in waste recycling participation in Santiago, Chile. The distance to drop-off points has an inverted U-shaped relationship with the probability of recycling. Additionally, for metal recycling, both areas with concentrated poverty and areas with concentrated wealth have higher probability of recycling.
Article
Economics
Nicolas Valenzuela-Levi
Summary: This study is the first known analysis to include both pre-tax and post-tax income distribution, with a specific focus on the richest one percent. The research shows that inequality has an effect on overall household transport expenditure, particularly in the purchases of vehicles and operation of private transport equipment.
Article
Communication
Nicolas Valenzuela-Levi
Summary: This study focuses on the relationship between income distribution and Internet access in metropolitan areas of the Global South, with an emphasis on the potential role of local and informal institutions in shaping this relationship. Findings suggest that income is linked to household Internet access, but there are supply-side differences that can impact the income-connectivity nexus, with the urban poor being the most affected by institutionally generated digital exclusion.
INFORMATION COMMUNICATION & SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Development Studies
Nicolas Valenzuela-Levi
DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yui Kawasaki, Sayaka Nagao-Sato, Misa Shimpo, Kahori Fujisaki, Emi Yoshii, Rie Akamatsu, Petra Warschburger
Summary: This study qualitatively describes sustainable dietary behaviors (SDBs) that Japanese and German adults can implement in their lives, and quantitatively compares the similarities and differences in understanding SDBs between the two samples. The study found that Japanese participants were more focused on food waste prevention, while German participants were more focused on solving environmental problems.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kechun Chen, Yuan Ding, Liming Yang, Zhihao Wang, Haoxuan Yu, Difan Fang, Yufa Feng, Liying Hu, Chenxi Xu, Penghui Shao, Xubiao Luo, Liang Chen
Summary: This study proposes a targeted repair scheme for the recovery of graphite anodes from spent LIBs by systematically characterizing and analyzing the structure and composition of spent graphite (SG). The results show that the repair scheme achieves effective SG repair and the repaired graphite anode displays excellent lithium storage performance.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Takao Ueda, Shigeki Koyanaka, Tatsuya Oki
Summary: Fires caused by accidental crushing of batteries are a serious issue in the e-waste recycling process. A new in-line sorting system that uses X-ray scanning and deep learning has been developed to accurately detect batteries. Through a validation study, the system achieved higher accuracy compared to other existing programs.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hannes Geist, Frank Balle
Summary: Research on circular economy often lacks empirical data, especially in the theory of circular process design and design for remanufacturing. This study systematically collected and analyzed engineering data on seven remanufacturing processes in the European automotive remanufacturing industry for the first time, providing empirical support for circular engineering challenges, potentials, and solutions.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Li, Fan Lue, Nanlin Liao, Hua Zhang, Na Yang, Pinjing He
Summary: This study assesses and predicts the greenhouse gas emissions on the timeline as waste treatment technologies develop in Shanghai from 1991 to 2025 using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The findings demonstrate that GHG emission has reached net-zero in 2019 owing to the application of alternative technologies and waste segregation.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bingchun Liu, Haoyang Wang, Xiaoqin Liang, Yibo Wang, Zijie Feng
Summary: The expansion of the photovoltaic market has resulted in a significant increase in PV waste. Therefore, conducting scientific research to determine the importance of the circular economy for sustainable growth in the PV industry is essential. The study demonstrates that accurate prediction of PV installed capacity and quantifying the importance of recycling in balancing the supply and demand of raw materials can be achieved through a multi-factor installed capacity prediction model and recovery potential prediction.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Chuanzhen Zhang, Baojing Gu, Xia Liang, Shu Kee Lam, Yi Zhou, Deli Chen
Summary: Reactive nitrogen is crucial for agriculture and human nutrition, but mismanagement can have detrimental effects on human health and ecosystem services, hindering the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Progress towards nitrogen-related targets varies across countries, highlighting the need for integrated management to achieve overall synergies.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alessandro Gatto, Marijke Kuiper, Corina van Middelaar, Hans van Meijl
Summary: This study examines the economic and environmental effects of transitioning towards more circular food systems in the European Union (EU27) by feeding animals with low-opportunity-cost feed and better utilizing local feed resources. The results show that providing subsidies for circularity and promoting the use of low-cost feed can increase animal production, but also have negative impacts on land use and emissions. On the other hand, promoting domestic feed sourcing through import tariffs can decrease animal production and greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. However, complementary policies are needed to mitigate drawbacks and enhance benefits of a more circular agri-food system.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jinbo Zhang, Liu Chen, Yulei Xie, Pingjian Yang, Zheng Li, Huaicheng Guo, Yang Zhang, Lirong Liu
Summary: This study examines the impact of carbon taxes on low-carbon development and climate change mitigation. By constructing a cross-system bi-layer model, the study finds that reasonable carbon taxes can promote the stability of the energy network, reduce carbon emissions and air pollutants, and optimize production efficiency and the structure of the energy system. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects and implementation pathways of carbon taxes.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Konstantin Born, Mehmet Metehan Ciftci
Summary: Increasing recycling of metals is important for reducing reliance on mining, but it cannot fully meet future metal demand. Primary production of metals is expected to continue rising, highlighting the need for alternative circular economy strategies such as demand reduction and mitigating harmful impacts of primary metal production.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yinqiu Ma, Lin Huang, Jiahui Li, Wei Cao, Yumei Cai
Summary: Afforestation and reforestation, such as China's Grain for Green Program, have shown to effectively mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to carbon sink capacity. This study highlights the significant carbon potential of the program and its potential application in other countries to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Arlind Dervishaj, Kjartan Gudmundsson
Summary: This paper reviews digital tools for supporting the Circular Economy (CE) in the built environment and provides suggestions. The study identifies limitations in the functionalities of current tools, including a lack of representative data for LCA and underdeveloped circularity indicators. Further development is needed in terms of interoperability aspects, integration of more sources of data for LCA and circularity, and possibilities for a comprehensive evaluation of design choices.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mohamadreza Y. Azarfam, Anuj Maheshwari, Frank D. Blum, Siddhesh Chaudhari, Clinton Switzer, Ranji Vaidyanathan, Jay C. Hanan, Sudheer Bandla
Summary: This study introduces a feasible method for manufacturing recycled composites using post-consumer carpets and recycled resin. The resulting composites have impressive strength and modulus, surpassing commercial thermoplastics and making them suitable for structural applications. This research presents a promising approach to address carpet landfilling and reduce reliance on additives.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Pujiang Shi, Tianle Huang, Hong Kit Lim, Chiew Kei Tan, Jong-Min Lee, Chor Yong Tay
Summary: This study developed a highly porous bioadaptive 3D sponge-like construct from plastic materials in discarded keyboards for advanced in vitro applications. The findings demonstrate the potential of using discarded keyboards as a waste-to-resource feedstock to achieve waste reduction and maximize value-capture.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kuo-Jui Wu, Hailing Qiu, Caiyan Huang, Anthony S. F. Chiu, Ming-Lang Tseng
Summary: Government resource allocation practices for achieving carbon neutrality should be guided by dynamic system theory to identify potential dynamics. Carbon intensity control dynamics have a significant influence on other dynamics.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2024)
