Current Waste Management System Research Articles

Greening the city: A holistic assessment of waste management alternatives in India

Waste is one of the major urban challenges faced globally today, and the severity of the challenge is further exacerbated by rapid urbanisation, growing populations and increasing per capita waste generation. As one of the largest urban agglomerations in the world, Delhi collects 11,352 t of waste every day. Without adequate segregation, most of this waste is sent to dumpsites and waste-to-energy plants, often associated with significant capital costs and environmental externalities. This paper conducts a life cycle assessment of the current waste management system and a comparative analysis with a suggested alternative scenario, where the share of recyclables and compostables going to landfills and waste-to-energy plants is reduced through adequate segregation. Our results revealed that landfills and waste-to-energy plants are associated with significant adverse environmental impacts such as climate change, soil and water acidification, freshwater eutrophication, human toxicity, and respiratory health. In comparison, compost plants showed negligible emissions per tonne of waste. The alternative scenario (i.e. reduce waste to landfill through adequate segregation) can help reduce the negative impact on all environmental indicators by an average of 23 %. We posit that the prevailing narrative of addressing the waste issue through waste-to-energy plants in Delhi goes against the country's climate neutrality targets. Instead, the circular economy approach offers simpler, faster, and more cost-effective solutions that policymakers should consider to reduce the financial and environmental load of the current and future waste management issue.

Willingness to Pay for Solid Waste Collection in Bo District, Southern Sierra Leone: An Analysis of Influencing Factors

This study assesses the willingness to pay for solid waste management services in Bo District, Southern Sierra Leone. The research aims to identify the key factors influencing this willingness. Five semi-urban communities were selected based on their population size, and 60 household heads from randomly selected households were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Using logistic regression analysis, we found that factors such as income, education, occupation, and satisfaction with the current waste management system had varying degrees of significance in influencing willingness to pay. However, variables such as mode of waste collection and age were found to have a significant effect. This study suggests that policymakers in Bo District should consider these factors when implementing fee-based waste collection services.

Assessing the readiness of Greek municipalities to manage bioplastics in municipal waste management streams

Each year citizens of the European Union (EU) generate 2.5 billion tonnes of waste; equating to five tonnes of waste per person per year. To ensure optimal material recovery, and to support the move towards a circular economy, proper separate collection of waste is necessary. The current trend of increasing collection rates, encouraged by EU legislation, is promising; however, progress is uneven both across and within EU member states. While European and national targets provide the overarching driver for better waste collection, regional and local implementation is crucial for achieving continued progress. Therefore, it is vital to consider the disparity among the different EU countries when introducing new materials, such as bioplastics (bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics), into current national waste management streams, and any new introductions should be carefully evaluated before further actions are recommended by local authorities. As a member state that is heavily reliant on tourism, proper solid waste management is of vital importance in Greece, especially during the peak summer season. Considering the rapid expansion of bioplastics in the European market, it is important to assess the readiness of municipalities in Greece to manage this new category of solid waste. Data collected from 51 Greek municipalities via questionnaire (distributed to public authorities or waste management companies) showed that the current situation and capacities for adapting waste management streams to process bio-based and/or biodegradable plastics is still limited in Greece. Therefore, the readiness of Greece to process an increasing proportion of bioplastics within the waste stream (using the current waste management systems) is very low, as a result, such innovative materials are currently seen more as a problem than a ready-to-implement solution.

End-of-life options for printed electronics in municipal solid waste streams: a review of the challenges, opportunities, and sustainability implications

Abstract Although printed electronics (PE) are a more sustainable option than conventional electronics, proper treatment of PE in their end-of-life phase is crucial to decrease their overall environmental impacts and ensure the materials specifically the metal fraction of PE are recovered. Thus, to investigate the state of the art regarding the research and development of material recovery from PE, this study performed a literature review process. It concluded that the majority of the observed articles rather not mention specifically what is recycling option for recycling the PE or introduced a novel recycling method for the metal ink. Only a marginal fraction of the articles covered proper recycling methods for the metal fraction of PE. Then based on the literature review process, this study investigates the suitability of the current waste management system to recover different fractions of PE products.

A Circular Economy Approach to Addressing Waste Management Challenges in Tamale’s Waste Management System

Ghana Tamale’s current waste management system is overwhelmed by the growing waste crisis, necessitating the exploration of Waste-to-Energy technologies (WtE) as an innovative solution. This study explores challenges and opportunities for integrating WtE technologies into Tamale’s existing waste management system. Qualitative research identified policy hurdles, financial constraints, social concerns, and institutional weaknesses as key barriers. Conversely, stakeholder collaboration, public education, and capacity building emerged as some success factors. A proposed implementation plan emphasizes feasibility studies, public engagement, public–private partnerships (PPPs), and technology selection based on waste composition. Additionally, a novel framework for WtE integration within a broader Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) system is presented. This framework incorporates waste sorting, recycling, WtE alternatives, and responsible management of residuals. Validation by key stakeholders confirmed the framework’s potential to improve waste management in Tamale. By overcoming identified challenges and implementing the proposed framework, Tamale can achieve environmental sustainability, energy generation, and progress towards UN SDGs 7, 11, and 12. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers and paves the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future for Tamale, potentially serving as a model for other developing cities.

Consumers confused 'Where to dispose biodegradable plastics?': A study of three waste streams.

Biodegradable plastics, either fossil- or biobased, are often promoted due to their biodegradability and acclaimed environmental friendliness. However, as demonstrated by previous literature, considerable confusion exists about the appropriate source separation and waste management of these plastics. Present study investigated this confusion based on manual sorting analyses of waste sampled from packaging waste (P), biowaste (B) and residual waste (R) in an urban area of Austria. The results were evaluated relative to near-infrared sensor-based sorting trials conducted in a German urban area. Although existing literature has focused on waste composition analyses (mostly in stand-alone studies) of the three waste streams, the present study focused on identifying the specific types of biodegradable plastic items found in each of these streams. Supermarket carrier bags (P = 90, B = 14, R = 33) and dustbin bags (P = 2, B = 46, R = 6) were found in all three waste streams in the Austrian urban area. Similarly, in the German urban area dustbin bags (P = 1, B = 106, R = 3) were the common items. The results indicate that certain bioplastic items were present in more than one bin; thus, hinting that consumers are not necessarily aware of how-to source-separate the biodegradable plastics. This suggests that neither consumers nor current waste management systems are fully 'adapted' to bioplastics, and the management of these plastics' waste is currently not optimal.

Soils in the current waste management system

This article is part of the dissertation research. In modern conditions of active construction, the volumes of excavated soil can amount to hundreds of thousands and millions of cubic meters, making up the bulk of waste generated in the process of engineering and economic activities. Such significant volumes of waste (in the form of soil) pose the challenge of making appropriate decisions about their subsequent disposal, reuse or disposal. To solve such issues, it is necessary to know the system of waste management, which is soil, and the current shortcomings in the principles of organization and functioning mechanisms of this system. The authors of the presented article analyzed the system for handling soils falling into the category of waste. In general, soils are complex multicomponent systems characterized by dynamic changes in composition, structure and properties. Taking into account the specifics of the object under study, the weakest aspects and controversial issues were identified in the analyzed regulatory and methodological materials. One of which is the very fact that soil is categorized as waste from a regulatory point of view. The article examines the contradictions in the definitions used in regulatory documents, the position of soils in the overall waste management system, as well as the procedure for establishing the hazard class of waste; Particular emphasis is placed on the need to use biotesting methods to confirm the V hazard class of waste. The article presents the generalized results of large-scale experimental studies by the team of authors, obtained when assessing the hazard class of waste soils, carried out for the purity of the experiment on soils under the conditions of modeling different in composition and level of pollution. Based on the results obtained, basic proposals have been formulated for improving approaches in the current system for handling soils that fall into the category of waste during engineering and economic, and, above all, engineering and construction activities.

STRATEGIES AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN PORT LOKO CITY

To create a framework for long-term, sustainable solid waste management, this paper examines the Port Loko municipalitys solid waste management plan and public involvement. It sets out: to examine the waste management tactics employed by the Port Loko City Council; to evaluate the methods used for solid waste management transportation; to investigate whether dustbins are available for collecting solid waste throughout the city; to determine whether land fill is available; to evaluate the degree of public involvement in the procedures related to solid waste management; to create a framework for long-term, sustainable solid waste management. The primary means of addressing the objectives was by means of semi-structured interviews and discussions with diverse stakeholders and members of the municipalitys community. The current solid waste management system was examined in the study, along with input from the general public, to determine its advantages and disadvantages. It was found that Port Loko Citys current solid waste management system is not sustainable. The separation of waste is not provided for. Waste is not being collected or transported in an appropriate or sufficient manner. Officially, recycling and composting of waste are not permitted. People are not involved in the decision-making process regarding solid waste because the majority of the waste is disposed of in open landfills. Additionally, the study examined the recently suggested solid waste management system. It was discovered that the recently suggested system, which includes a framework for a two-stream waste segregation system, is superior to the current system. The current waste collection and transportation system is not as good as the proposed one. A key component of the plan is the composting of biodegradable waste. But to create a solid waste management system that is sustainable, important issues were left out of the proposed system

Optimal selection and challenges of municipal waste management system using an integrated approach: a case study

ABSTRACT Efficient waste management is crucial for maintaining a clean and sustainable environment in Indian cities. Patna faces significant waste management challenges due to rapid population growth and urbanization. This has resulted in increased waste generation, straining the current waste management system. The state of Bihar ranks poorly in waste-management-based Environmental Performance, highlighting the need for improvement. Although around 4281.27 TPD of garbage is generated, only 4013.55 TPD is collected. Insufficient information regarding waste processing, landfilling, and technology adoption exposes critical gaps in solid waste management, including limited landfill facilities, inadequate technology implementation, and inadequate monitoring. Effective waste management is crucial for ensuring the sustainability and quality of life in Patna. To address these challenges, the implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in waste management is proposed. This study focuses on evaluating the most suitable smart waste management system for Patna Municipal Corporation. By employing an MCDM model with fuzzy logic-based TFN, the authors identified the optimal MWM alternative based on economic, technical, environmental, and social criteria. Findings unequivocally establish the IoT-based Door-to-Door system (Ʌ1) as the most effective and economical solution for MWM in urban settings like Patna, characterized by a proximity coefficient (PCi) = 0.942809. Furthermore, Social acceptance (ӄ2) emerged as the most influential criterion with a weight of 0.19375. This system not only promises enhanced operational efficiency for municipalities but also offers significant environmental and social benefits, including waste reduction, improved public health, and heightened community engagement. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate the robustness of the proposed method. Notably, the IoT-based system demonstrated a higher sensitivity to cost changes, affirming its superiority in adapting to economic considerations. This insight is pivotal for decision-makers prioritizing cost efficiency in waste management solutions.

Empowering the Green Economy with Innovative Biopori Solutions

Consumption increases lead to an increase in waste output. Pollution must be avoided by recycling. Although household garbage has economic potential, its usage is hampered by a lack of information. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the community of Panggungharjo Bantul, Indonesia, with regard to their knowledge, utilization, and attitudes towards the current organic waste management system. Finding a relationship between respondent characteristics and organic waste management techniques is another goal of the study. Following a community service program, a questionnaire survey was employed in the study. An instrument that had been validated and self-administered was used to survey the thirty-two houses, after which the data would be examined. The results of this study indicate that following the training, there was a rise in public awareness and knowledge of organic waste management, and biopore technology. The households were willing to employ biopore technology and were aware of the current program for managing organic waste. The program’s capacity to handle organic waste from homes will help the green economy by creating compost and maybe boosting GDP. It seeks to advance sustainable development, raise community knowledge of the value of environmental sustainability, and offer immediate social and economic advantages.

Smart Waste Collection Based on Vehicle Routing Optimization: Case of Casablanca City

Morocco has implemented circular economy principles in their waste management program to close or rehabilitate all existing landfills. However, the waste collection and transportation process remain highly inefficient and costly, contributing to a substantial environmental footprint for waste collection operations. The inefficiencies in the current waste management system highlight the need for innovative solutions to optimize collection processes and minimize environmental impact. This study responds to this imperative by proposing the use of smart bin technology combined with a vehicle routing problem tool. The integration of these technologies aims to develop an intelligent solution for appropriate waste collection, limiting container pickup only when necessary, and optimizing waste collection routes. Our approach considers several factors, including the fill level of each container, time windows, vehicle capacity, and tour completion constraints. By addressing these key factors, the system seeks to revolutionize waste management practices, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of waste collection.

Evaluation of Waste Management for Ecotourism Development: A Case Study of Goa Rangko, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

The development of ecotourism in Goa Rangko, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has increased waste generation, resulting in environmental degradation and negative impacts on the tourism industry. To address this issue and achieve sustainable tourism, this study aims to investigate the current waste management system in Goa Rangko and propose an optimized solution. The research was conducted through direct field observations and the collection of secondary data from literature and government documents. Waste characterization studies were undertaken to determine waste generation and composition. Based on the findings, a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) was recommended for waste management. The MRF would encompass a source-to-final processing system, ensuring efficient waste handling. Any residue from the process would be appropriately disposed of in the landfill. In addition to the MRF, the study proposes the involvement of the local community, along with education and awareness-raising programs. These initiatives aim to foster a sense of responsibility among the residents and tourists in managing waste sustainably. Moreover, the study suggests implementing an ecotourism certification program to support sustainable tourism development in Goa Rangko.

From landfill to hydrogen: Techno-economic analysis of hybridized hydrogen production systems integrating biogas reforming and Power-to-Gas technologies

In the new hydrogen economy, bio-hydrogen derived from organic material can represent an opportunity to valorise current waste management systems. The present work deals with innovative systems for producing hydrogen from landfill gas combining Power-to-Gas plants and biogas reforming. To do so, Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) and Chemical Absorption (CA) have been assessed for biogas upgrading. Furthermore, both high-temperature electrolysis by SOECs (solid oxide electrolysis cell) and low-temperature electrolysis by PEM (proton exchange membrane) and Alkaline electrolysers are presented. The simulation results are compared in terms of Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) at stack price and after compression and storage. Assuming a capacity factor equal to 70%, the potential hydrogen production rate in such hybrid configurations ranges between 26 and 28 kgH2/h. Furthermore, the LCOH turns out to be in a range between 1.9 and 3.3 €/kgH2. Considering 2030 forecast, LCOH below 2 €/kgH2 at stack is feasible.

Waste Management in Nepal: Characterization and Challenges to Promote a Circular Economy

In Nepal, the informal sector is responsible for treating 15% of household waste. It is the only alternative to landfilling and open disposal; however, the current waste management system does not acknowledge informal recyclers aggravating various challenges and vulnerabilities that the sector already faces. This study identifies and validates for the first time the challenges of the informal waste sector while providing a granular understanding of the actors that shape waste management in the region. The study uses primary data collected over a period of 6 months in Kathmandu and Lalitpur, the first and third most populated areas in Nepal. The methods considered were semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and a co-creation workshop with formal and informal actors. A novel characterization of waste management actors was conducted to identify two profiles namely cyclists and scavengers and question the formality of the collection centres. Findings suggest that the price volatility of recycled materials and the lack of treatment and absence of regulatory capacity are among the main challenges in promoting a circular economy from the informal sector. The recommendations to overcome these challenges are a series of policy reforms, such as an extended responsibility producer scheme and the review of the tax on recycled material transport. The main policy implication from the finding reveals that circular economy is already being promoted by the informal sector — a responsibility that should fall under the remit of the regional and national governments. The study concludes that integration is not only necessary to improve the conditions of informal workers but essential to developing a circular economy in Nepal.

Microplastic Pollution Prevention: The Need for Robust Policy Interventions to Close the Loopholes in Current Waste Management Practices.

Plastic materials that are less than 5 mm in size are defined as Microplastics (MPs). MPs that are intentionally produced are called primary MPs; however, the most abundant type in the environment consists of the remainder created by the fragmentation of large plastic debris through physical, chemical, and oxidative processes, which are called secondary MPs. Due to their abundance in the environment, poor degradability, toxicological properties, and negative impact on aquatic and terrestrial organisms, including humans, MP pollution has become a global environmental issue. Combatting MP pollution requires both remediation and preventive measures. Although remediation is a must, considering where the technology stands today, it may take long time to make it happen. Prevention, on the other hand, can be and should be done now. However, the effectiveness of preventive measures depends heavily on how well MP escape routes are researched and understood. In this research, we argue that such escape routes (rather, loopholes) exist not only due to mismanaged plastic waste, but also due to cracks in the current waste management systems. One known MP loophole is facilitated by wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). The inability of existing WWTP to retain finer MPs, which are finally released to water bodies together with the treated wastewater, along with the return of captured larger MPs back to landfills and their release into the environment through land applications, are a few examples. Organic waste composting and upcycling of waste incineration ash provide other MP escape pathways. In addition, it is important to understand that the plastics that are in current circulation (active use as well as idling) are responsible for producing MPs through regular wear and tear. Closing these loopholes may be best attempted through policy interventions.

Can tourism support resource circularity in small islands? On-field analysis and intervention proposals in Madagascar.

Open dumping and burning of solid waste are common practices in low-income countries. On small and touristic islands, the problem is exacerbated due to the additional volume of waste amount generated by tourists. This article presents how, using Nosy Be island in Madagascar as a case study, waste recovery and recycling can be fostered by tourism to tackle the waste challenge. About 95% of the waste of Nosy Be is openly dumped, discarded to sea or openly burned. Field analysis, interviews with local stakeholders and waste flow analysis served as methodological tools to assess the current solid waste management (SWM) system of Nosy Be. Stakeholder mapping and involvement as well as first exchange among local and international actors provided the basis to identify key practice and opportunities. Research findings highlight the importance of active participation and involvement of local partners supported by international experts, to suggest how touristic centres can serve as core of circular approaches. The article presents potential circular models to be implemented in Nosy Be, taking tourism as the entry point including the aspects of financial support, separated waste flows and the interest in 'green tourism marketing'. This case study underlines how international cooperation, touristic activities and common efforts can potentially help low-income communities improve their SWM practices.

Potential reuse of domestic organic residues as soil organic amendment in the current waste management system in Australia, China, and The Netherlands

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is essential for most soil functions. Changes in land use from natural land to cropland disrupt long-established SOC balances and reduce SOC levels. The intensive use of chemical fertilisers in modern agriculture accelerates the rate of SOC depletion. Domestic organic residues (DOR) are a valuable source of SOC replenishment with high carbon content. However, there is still a lack of knowledge and data regarding whether and to what extent DOR can contribute to replenishing SOC. This paper aims to unpack the potential of DOR as a SOC source. Total SOC demand and annual SOC loss are defined and calculated. The carbon flow within different DOR management systems is investigated in three countries (China, Australia, and The Netherlands). The results show that the total SOC demand is too large to be fulfilled by DOR in a short time. However, DOR still has a high potential as a source of SOC as it can mitigate the annual SOC loss by up to 100%. Achieving this 100% mitigation requires a shift to more circular management of DOR, in particular, more composting, and direct land application instead of landfilling and incineration (Australia and China), or a higher rate of source separation of DOR (The Netherlands). These findings form the basis for future research on DOR recycling as a SOC source.

UPGRADING HERITAGE URBAN PUBLIC SPACES BY USING RECYCLING WASTE PLASTIC MATERIALS

In low-income countries, population expansion and urbanization bring challenges of inadequate living standards to the fore. Some of the issues could be solved if well-functioning plastic recycling systems were built. To reduce the environmental burden and improve the overall situation in dense cities, the already existing local informal waste treatment system, which is widespread in many low-income nations, needs to be developed with efficient sorting and composting solutions. A case study is carried out in the city of Mina, Lebanon, with the goal of establishing a viable decentralized recycling plastic pavilion material. The effort aims to lessen the climate harm caused by non-recycled waste, improve the quality of life for residents, and enhance the affected locations' aesthetical, educational, and recreational attributes. The concepts were generated according to the resident's needs and to find solutions to the existing problem of the area under study. The goals are based on data and observations about the city, the current waste management system, the stakeholders, the project organization, and any roadblocks. The project's overall work method is known as the Logical Framework Approach. It's a goal-oriented project planning method that relies on disciplined thinking and logical analysis. Literature review, observations, study visits, site analyses, photography, drawing, 3D modeling, and other sub-methods are included in the study. Proposals for plastic pavilions and plastic features for open public spaces in Al Mina are the result of the process. Because the areas have both comparable and dissimilar characteristics, site-specific solutions are required.

The effect of conductive ink alternation on the sustainability and functioning of printed electronics

The demand for printed electronics (PE) is expected to increase for improved functionality and autonomy of products in the context of the Internet of Things, especially for sensing and communication. With this trend, the environmental performance of novel technologies is of growing importance, and researchers are exploring ways to make them more environmentally friendly using bio-based substrates and additive printing methods. Conductive inks have the highest environmental impact in the life cycle of PE, and there are two options to decrease the impact: increase recycling rates or replace commonly used silver inks with less impactful materials such as copper or graphite. With the current mixed waste management system, a higher recycling rate for silver is not achievable. Copper and graphite have a lower environmental impact than silver, however, the electrical conductivity of copper and graphite inks is lower than silver ink. This article introduces a double-parameter comparison to simultaneously assess the environmental and electrical conductivity of PE using three inks of silver, copper, and graphite inks. Then based on the technical feasibility, this study proposes suitable applications for each substrate and ink combination.

A conceptual framework for sustainable waste management in small municipalities: the cases of Langebaan, South Africa and Swakopmund, Namibia

Municipal waste management is a major challenge for local governments in South Africa and Namibia, as in other developing countries. The circular economy concept in waste management is an alternative sustainable development framework that has the potential to combat resource depletion, pollution, and poverty while achieving the SDGs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current waste management systems in Langebaan and Swakopmund municipalities resulting from municipal policies, procedures, and practices in the context of a circular economy. A mixed method approach was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data through structured in-depth interviews, document analyses, and direct observation. The study found that the Langebaan and Swakopmund municipalities have not yet fully implemented the circular economy concept into their waste management systems. A mix of waste consisting of papers, plastics, cans, tyres, and organic products is dumped into landfills weekly at a rate of about 85%. The main challenges to implementing the circular economy concept include: lack of technical solutions, inadequate regulatory frameworks, insufficient financial resources, lack of private sector involvement, insufficient human resource capacity, and inadequate information and knowledge. A conceptual framework was therefore proposed to guide the municipalities of Langebaan and Swakopmund in implementing the circular economy concept in their waste management systems.