Household Plastic Waste Research Articles

CHARACTERISTICS STUDY OF LIQUID FUEL FROM PYROLYSIS OF POLYETHYLENE PLASTIC WASTE

Polyethylene plastic waste was selected as pyrolysis feedstock. This plastic waste is not recycled mechanically and is abundantly available at the landfill. The plastic-type of low and high-density polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE) was converted into pyrolysis liquid fuel (PLF). This study aims to characterize the physicochemical properties of the PLF to attest to its potential use as a kerosene fuel for household purposes. The PLF was generated from the collecting of household plastic waste through pyrolysis. A design of the simple non-catalytic semi-batch reactor was applied to pyrolyze this plastics waste into PLF at about 360 °C and isothermal residence time up to about 1 hour. The high enough PLF yield of 50.3% (v/w) and 77.0% (v/w) was obtained from LDPE and HDPE plastics waste, respectively. The dominance of alkane (CH) and alkenes (C=C) functional groups of PLF and commercial kerosene fuel was analyzed by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis indicates that most PLF substances in the form of tetradecane (C14H30), pentadecane (C15H32), hexadecane (C16H34), octadecene (C18H36), eicosane (C20H42) are similar to commercial kerosene substances. The combustion properties of this PLF are so similar to the standard values of the kerosene fuel. The combination of thermal efficiency, ηT using wick stove and PLF from LDPE and HDPE of 45.66% and 32.37%, respectively was obtained in this work.

Mechanical recycling of plastic waste as a point source of microplastic pollution

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues. Recycling is a potential means of reducing plastic pollution in the environment. However, plastic fragments are still likely released to the aquatic environment during mechanical recycling processes. Here, we examined the plastic inputs and effluent outputs of three mechanical recycling facilities in Vietnam dealing with electronic, bottle, and household plastic waste, and we found that large quantities of microplastics (plastics <5 mm in length) are generated and released to the aquatic environment during mechanical recycling without proper treatment. Comparisons with literature data for microplastics in wastewater treatment plant effluents and surface water indicated that mechanical recycling of plastic waste is likely a major point source of microplastics pollution. Although there is a mismatch between the size of the microplastics examined in the present study and the predicted no-effect concentration reported, it is still possible that microplastics generated at facilities pose risks to the aquatic environment because there might be many plastic particulates smaller than 315 μm, as suggested by our obtained size distributions. With mechanical recycling likely to increase as we move to a circular plastics economy, greater microplastics emissions can be expected. It is therefore an urgent need to fully understand not only the scale of microplastic generation and release from plastic mechanical recycling but also the environmental risk posed by microplastics in the aquatic environment.

Assistance in Processing Household Plastic Waste into Ecobricks at Medas Harmony Housing, West Lombok

Household waste contributes to the volume of waste. In general, household waste is easily biodegradable and difficult to decompose. Household products that are hard to decompose are generally plastic and plastic bottles predominantly. The difficulty of decomposing household plastic waste requires serious handling, so it is necessary to provide assistance for processing plastic waste into useful creations. One of them becomes ecobric. There are two methods of this activity, namely direct counseling and training. The results obtained after the community service activities were completed was that they were able to improve community skills in processing plastic waste into ecobrics. Furthermore, ecobrics are created into potted plants and other forms of creation. In addition, after this activity is carried out, it can reduce the movement of plastic waste to the final disposal site (TPA), so that the community hopes that this activity will continue to be transmitted to other places to create a clean and free environment from plastic waste.

Valorization and Mechanical Recycling of Heterogeneous Post-Consumer Polymer Waste through a Mechano-Chemical Process.

In this paper, a sustainable strategy to valorize and recycle heterogeneous polymer-based post-consumer waste is proposed. This strategy is based on a high-energy mechano-chemical treatment and has been applied to a polyolefin-rich fraction, coded as FIL/S, deriving from household plastic waste collection. This processing, performed in a planetary ball mill, allowed us to obtain fine grinding and, consequently, to induce an intimate mixing of the different polymer fractions and contaminants composing the FIL/S, as demonstrated by SEM analysis. As a result, an improvement in the deformability of the treated material was obtained, recording values for elongation at the break which were two and half times higher than the neat FIL/S. Finally, the addition of small amounts of organic peroxide during mechano-chemical treatment was tested, determining a more homogeneous morphology and a further improvement in mechanical parameters.

A Collaborative Application for Assisting the Management of Household Plastic Waste through Smart Bins: A Case of Study in the Philippines.

The management and collection of household waste often represents a demanding task for elderly or impaired people. In particular, the increasing generation of plastic waste at home may pose a problem for these groups, as this type of waste accumulates very rapidly and occupies a considerable amount of space. This paper proposes a collaborative infrastructure to monitor household plastic waste. It consists of simple smart bins using a weight scale and a smart application that forecasts the amount of plastic generated for each bin at different time horizons out of the data provided by the smart bins. The application generates optimal routes for the waste-pickers collaborating in the system through a route-planning algorithm. This algorithm takes into account the predicted amount of plastic of each bin and the waste-picker’s location and means of transport. This proposal has been evaluated by means of a simulated scenario in Quezon City, Philippines, where severe problems with plastic waste have been identified. A set of 176 experiments have been performed to collect data that allow representing different user behaviors when generating plastic waste. The results show that our proposal enables waste-pickers to collect more than the 80% of the household plastic-waste bins before they are completely full.

Classification of Common Household Plastic Wastes Combining Multiple Methods Based on Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

This work aims to classify seven common household plastic types which include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low density polyethylene ...

Фізико-механічні властивості гарячих рецикльованих асфальтобетонних сумішей на основі фрезерованого асфальтобетону з додаванням пластикової фібри

Introduction. The current state of the network of public roads due to the negative impact of climatic factors and ever-increasing traffic loads characterized by significant amounts of deformation and destruction of the road structure so requires significant material costs for maintenance and gradual improvement of a transport and operational condition according to the operating regulatory requirements.Problem Statement. One of the promising areas to reduce the cost of road construction is manufacturing the recycled hot mix asphalt based on milled asphalt, which is usually formed in scarifying of the road surface layers during repair and construction works, with the plastic fiber addition obtained from household plastic waste. This combination of secondary materials will not only get the economic effect of reducing the cost of purchasing new road construction materials but also improve the environmental situation through the use of household waste.Purpose. Investigation of physical and mechanical properties of recycled hot mix asphalt based on milled asphalt with the plastic fiber addition Materials and Methods. It was established the manufacturing possibility of recycled hot mix asphalt based on milled asphalt with the plastic fiber addition. Test specimens performance measuring was conducted to determine the average density of the material, water saturation, swelling at ultimate compressive strength in the laboratory conditions according to standardized techniques by current regulations.Results. The results of experimental studies regarding the manufacturing features and physical and mechanical properties of recycled hot mix asphalt based on milled asphalt with the addition of plastic fiber obtained from household waste are shown.Conclusion. The correspondence of the manufactured specimens of recycled hot mix asphalt to regulations is established as well as its road construction application options.Keywords: asphalt pavement, recycled hot mix asphalt, hot recycled, milled asphalt, plastic fiber, (RHMA), reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP).

Household plastic waste habits and attitudes: A pilot study in the city of Valencia.

Bearing in mind that only 42% of plastic packaging post-consumer waste is recycled in Europe, the European Directive 2018/852 established the key target of a 55% plastic packaging waste recycling rate by 2030. For this reason, PlastiCircle, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program project, aims to foster the recycling of packaging, improve all stages of the waste collection, and promote responsible consumption. Three European cities have been selected as locations for pilot implementation: Valencia (Spain), Utrecht (The Netherlands) and Alba Iulia (Romania). The main objective of the present study has been to evaluate the participants’ opinion and attitudes on plastic recycling. This paper presents the results from the district of San Marcelino in the city of Valencia, the first PlastiCircle pilot to face the challenges of encouraging households to participate more in plastic waste sorting and recycling.

Pengelolaan Sampah Plastik Rumah Tangga dalam Rangka Pencegahan Pencemaran Lingkungan (Study di Lingkungan Kelurahan Pedungan Kecamatan Denpasar Selatan Kota Denpasar)

Plastic waste is a garbage that cannot be degradable and very harmful to environmental health conditions because the garbage is included in non-organic waste. In "household plastic waste management in order to prevent environmental pollution, there is a problem in the waste management of household-generated. The problem is 1) how is the policy of setting the plastic waste management household as an effort to prevent environmental pollution in the village of Pedungan district of Denpasar? 2) What are the factors affecting household plastic waste management in Pedungan village? The method in this study is a type of empirical legal research. The approach to the problem used is a fact approach, a case approach, and a sociological approach. In this research, it aims to be able to know the problem solving and to assess the problem in the management of plastic waste in Pedungan village area about the types of garbage, how to manage plastic waste, and the result of plastic waste. Data collection techniques by observation, interviews, and questionnaires, read books and other literature. Analysis of legal data is analyzed and compiled systematically by using qualitative analysis, by analyzing the data obtained from primary and secondary data sources. The waste management is regulated in Decree No. 660/04/I/2019 on the management structure of Pedungan Asri's garbage Bank as household waste management effort, especially in Pedungan village environment.

Predictive Power of Goal-striving Reasons for Self-reported and Actual Plastic Consumption

<i>Background: </i>Plastic waste is a major societal and environmental issue contributing to climate change as well as affecting the health of humans and animals across the globe. Tackling plastic pollution requires dramatic change from everyone because one of the key factors contributing to the amount of plastic waste is consumer behaviour. <i>Objective:</i> The aim of this research is to test the predictive power of the goal-striving reasons framework for plastic waste behaviour of UK households to analyse whether the reasons why people voluntarily engage in plastic reducing actions can predict plastic consumption of households. <i>Method:</i> The predictive power of the goal-striving reasons framework was tested by correlating the overall goal-striving reasons index and, each goal of the six goal-striving reasons individually, with i) a newly developed self-report measure of plastic consumption and; ii) with an objective measure of plastic waste. The objective measure required households to count their plastic waste for three consecutive weeks. The study is based on <I>N =</I> 66 households in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. <i>Results:</i> Findings suggest that the approach goal-striving reasons of pleasure, altruism and positive consequences are related to self-reported plastic waste whereas the two avoidance reasons of not wanting to feel bad about oneself or to avoid any negative consequences are related to objective plastic waste. <i>Conclusion:</i> The findings of this study highlight the relevance of the goal-striving reasons framework as an important concept for the prediction of plastic waste behaviour of individuals, and as a potential tool for facilitating change behaviour in household plastic waste consumption.

The Impact of Recyclable Waste Trade Restrictions on Producer Recycling Activities

From the mid-1990s to 2017, China was a major importer of recyclable waste, including plastic waste, e-waste, wastepaper, and copper scrap. However, after experiencing pollution from the recycling process and improper disposal of imported waste, at the end of 2017, China prohibited the import of certain types of waste, including household plastic waste and waste fiber. Consequently, some types of recyclable waste were rerouted to Southeast Asia. However, after receiving contaminated recyclable waste imports, Southeast Asian countries also tightened import restrictions on recyclable waste. These restrictions hindered the international recycling initiatives of certain manufacturers, which were model cases of the voluntary application of extended producer responsibility. When producers initiate recycling programs, they must compete with other recyclers to secure waste supplies and compete with other producers of the same kind. To compete in the waste and product markets, they must minimize recycling cost. To do so, some producers established international recycling systems; however, trade restrictions in some countries are forcing them to stop these programs. This paper reviews the impact of recyclable waste trade restrictions on recycling activities and producer-organized international recycling systems and argues that there is a need for an appropriate trade policy to facilitate environmentally sound recycling.

Assessing the determinants of intentions and behaviors of organizations towards a circular economy for plastics

The production and consumption of plastics, although inevitable in our modern life, are predominantly unsustainable and inefficient. Hence, the concept of a circular economy for plastics has been proposed as a sustainable approach to thrive both economy and our modern life. To implement a circular economy for plastics, an understanding of both individuals’ and organizations’ behaviors is needed since psychological effects often undermine technical solutions. We particularly focus on organizations’ behaviors since commercial plastic waste has not been thoroughly investigated compared to household plastic waste. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), we assess the determinants of intentions and behaviors of 637 organizations in Belgium towards a circular economy for plastics. Our PLS-SEM analysis support that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control of decision makers positively influence organizations’ intentions to implement best practices of plastic recycling. Furthermore, organizations’ intentions, perceived behavioral control, pressures, and enablers positively, whereas barriers negatively, influence organizations’ behaviors. Our study shows that most organizations have positive intentions, yet they seem to be failing in implementing best practices of plastic recycling due to some critical barriers. To overcome this intention-behavior gap and to attain a circular economy for plastics, our study suggests some measures.

Analisis Kelayakan Ekonomi Pengelolaan Sampah Plastik Rumah Tangga Menggunakan Trichoderma sp.

Processing and managing plastic waste must be carried out through the application of environmental sustainability that can integrate ecology-based management and consider the social and economic dynamics known as the Socio-Ecological System (SES). This study aimed to determine the economic feasibility of household plastic waste management using Trichoderma sp. The research method used was the observation of plastic waste management in the community and secondary data processing results from field research on plastic waste processing with Trichoderma sp. Data analysis was carried out by applying economic analysis using the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) analysis. Based on the economic analysis, it was found 1.29 BCR values for plastic waste processing using Trichoderma sp.

Pemberdayaan masyarakat dalam pengelolaan sampah plastik bernilai jual

Watutulis village is the name of one of the villages in the lowlands, geographically this village is a small village that is very beautiful, the place is located north of the Krian District. In this village there are still many towering trees and lush, as well as very green rice fields. Watutulis villagers are very welcoming. Concerning the problem of plastic waste in Watutulis Village, Sekelor Utara Hamlet RT 001 RW 006, RT 002 RW 006, and RT 003 RW 006 Some residents of Sekelor Utara Hamlet still lack awareness in processing household plastic waste. Most of them are not aware of the importance of managing household plastic waste to make the village cleaner and healthier. Residents of North Sekelor Hamlet have no awareness of disposing or utilizing plastic waste. In addition, in the North Sekelor Hamlet area there are still empty gardens which are only used as landfills or burning trash. So it can be said that the people in the Sekelor Utara Hamlet area are still lacking in optimizing vacant land for better waste management. Therefore there needs to be community awareness of how citizens love the environment so that it becomes a clean and healthy Hamlet.Keywords: Management of Plastic Waste; Garbage Bank

Using solid household plastic waste in the construction of soil embankments

The article analyzes innovative ways of using crushed solid plastic in a mixture with soil for arrangement of soil embankments for various purposes. Using a mixture of loam loess and crushed plastic, on the one hand, solves the environmental problem of plastic recycling, and on the other hand, creates technological material for the erection of the embankment. In order to determine the suitability of the material, laboratory studies of the characteristics of the mixture were carried out. For each sample of the mixture, the optimal humidity and density of the skeleton were determined by dynamic compaction in the MDU-1. The modulus of deformation of the compacted specimens is determined. The article investigates the characteristics for the composition of the loam loess and crushed plastic containers in the ratio of 80:20 %.

Recycling of Quaternary Household Plastic Wastes by Utilizing Poly(Ethylene-co-Methacrylic acid) Copolymer Sodium Ion: Compatibility and Re-processability Assessments

The recycling of quaternary plastic wastes irrespective of their chemical nature into a value-added material has been investigated in this paper. Household plastic wastes like polyethylene terephthalate bottles, polyethylene bags, polyvinyl chloride sheets, and polypropylene decorative ribbons were recycled based on their polarity by utilizing poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) copolymer sodium ion. The composition of the blend is varied by altering the level of loading of a two-phase compatibilizer. The composition with 7 wt% loading of compatibilizer showed improved properties than the neat blend. Tensile strength and elongation at break (%) improvement of 117% and 485%, respectively reflected in the composition containing 7 wt% of ionomer as a compatibilizer on comparing with 0 wt% of ionomer, making them ideal composition. The compatibilization and improved mechanical performances were supported by nanometric level phase morphological characteristics. The stability and thermal degradation of the compositions are discussed through thermal analysis. Comparative study on repeated processing up to three cycles and their compatibilization mechanism based on polarity has been reported here.

Causes and Countermeasures on the Rejection of Household Plastic Wastes Collection

Causes and Countermeasures on the Rejection of Household Plastic Wastes Collection

Development of a small-scale plastic recycling technology and a special filament product for 3D printing

In our days, the fight against pollution has become a real challenge for the state. recycling is one of the solutions that is adopted in several nations to reduce the rate of plastic discarded in nature. The amount of plastic waste has been increasing for decades contributing to the environmental pollution that is one of the most serious problem of the mankind. according to the statistics not only the household plastic waste, but the industry discharge is increasing because the utilization of plastic as a raw material is more and more extending. plastic can be found in a lot of products, huge number of bottles, plastic bags, computers, auto parts are sold every day. The current applications for using recycled plastics in fabrication and design are fairly limited, on a small scale, plastics (such as abs, HDPe1, or Pe2t) are shredded and formed into pellets, and then either extruded into lament to be used in existing 3d printers, or injection molded into small parts and pieces of larger components. at a large scale, recycled HDpE is melted into sheets and either used directly as sheets in construction, or then heat formed from a sheet into components for construction. these methods of fabrication using recycled plastics are the norm because of their straightforward processes. nevertheless, each method leaves some complexity to be desired. This paper we study the types of plastics and diagnose the pollution caused by the latter. this allowed us to design and size a recycling station of plastic into filaments for three-dimensional printers. this station which will contribute to the fight against pollution. the station consists of two machines for grinding of the plastic and the other for the extrusion of the desired filaments. we were able to make a theoretical academic study on both machines and also we designed with solidworks 2015. The theoretical study is spread of the mechanical calculations necessary to the design and validation of the structure using the tools. as the prospect of this project, we want to complete the achievement of this station while completing the crusher and extruder mechanically. then switch to electric and electronic parts (introduction of engines, sensors and wiring...). In the case of waste plastics that are recyclable and reusable. the most widely used are polyethylene terephthalate (pet, used for synthetic fibers and water bottles), and second high-density polyethylene (hdpe, used for jugs, bottle caps, water pipes).

Development of a small-scale plastic recycling technology and a special filament product for 3D printing

In our days, the fight against pollution has become a real challenge for the state. recycling is one of the solutions that is adopted in several nations to reduce the rate of plastic discarded in nature. The amount of plastic waste has been increasing for decades contributing to the environmental pollution that is one of the most serious problem of the mankind. according to the statistics not only the household plastic waste, but the industry discharge is increasing because the utilization of plastic as a raw material is more and more extending. plastic can be found in a lot of products, huge number of bottles, plastic bags, computers, auto parts are sold every day. The current applications for using recycled plastics in fabrication and design are fairly limited, on a small scale, plastics (such as abs, HDPe1, or Pe2t) are shredded and formed into pellets, and then either extruded into lament to be used in existing 3d printers, or injection molded into small parts and pieces of larger components. at a large scale, recycled HDpE is melted into sheets and either used directly as sheets in construction, or then heat formed from a sheet into components for construction. these methods of fabrication using recycled plastics are the norm because of their straightforward processes. nevertheless, each method leaves some complexity to be desired. This paper we study the types of plastics and diagnose the pollution caused by the latter. this allowed us to design and size a recycling station of plastic into filaments for three-dimensional printers. this station which will contribute to the fight against pollution. the station consists of two machines for grinding of the plastic and the other for the extrusion of the desired filaments. we were able to make a theoretical academic study on both machines and also we designed with solidworks 2015. The theoretical study is spread of the mechanical calculations necessary to the design and validation of the structure using the tools. as the prospect of this project, we want to complete the achievement of this station while completing the crusher and extruder mechanically. then switch to electric and electronic parts (introduction of engines, sensors and wiring...). In the case of waste plastics that are recyclable and reusable. the most widely used are polyethylene terephthalate (pet, used for synthetic fibers and water bottles), and second high-density polyethylene (hdpe, used for jugs, bottle caps, water pipes).

Composition of plastic waste discarded by households and its management approaches

Among the emerging environmental issues within Sub-Saharan Africa is the haphazard disposal of plastic waste, some of which end up downstream in the marine environment leading to negative effects. Notably there have been cases of humpback whales getting entangled in ‘ghost’ fishing nets, and endangered turtles ingesting plastic wastes in Watamu beach in Kenya. The aim of the current study was to assess the composition and management of plastic waste discarded by households in Watamu ward. Stratified random sampling was used to collect data from households in four sub-locations within Watamu ward. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (the Freeman-Halton extension of the Fisher’s Exact test). The composition of plastics usually discarded as waste by households in order of dominance were low density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene and polypropylene (FH=37.959, p = 0.000). From the results, only 0.7% of respondents recycled their plastic waste. The most preferred disposal method of household plastic waste was open dumpsites (61.4%) followed by burning (12.9%) and discards (6.4%). Majority of respondents (93.6%), re-use some plastic containers for food, water, and oil storage. There was a significant difference in terms of how the respondents re-used their plastic waste in the four sub-locations (FH=36.437, p=0.005). In conclusion, the current plastic waste disposal methods at Watamu are not environmentally friendly and recycling is still at a smaller scale despite its potential to generate income and clean the environment, and promote ecosystem services and human wellbeing.