Household Waste Research Articles (Page 1)

Both globally and in Romania, one of the major challenges facing decision-makers is the degradation of surface and groundwater quality. Human settlements and localities that do not have wastewater collection systems or appropriate sludge collection and disposal systems from wastewater treatment plants, as well as localities that have non-compliant household waste dumps, agro-zootechnical farms without appropriate manure storage systems, and the excessive use of pesticides can lead to significant pollutant emissions. The main purpose of this study is to present a clear and comprehensive picture regarding the management of water resources and access to drinking water and sanitation for the population in Romania. The data used in this study were collected by the National Institute of Statistics in 2008-2023, and the statistical survey for the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater has, as main purpose, to obtain information necessary to substantiate Romania's national policy in the field of environment and water, thus ensuring the harmonization of environmental statistics in Romania with the standards and norms of the European Union. In 2008 the population served by the public water supply system was 11,336,676 compared to 14,705,481 in 2023. If we talk about the population connected to sewage and wastewater treatment systems with treatment, we can see an increase of 5,022,884people in 2023 compared to 2008, the first year analyzed in this study. The number of those connected to untreated sewage systems has decreased from 3022657 in 2008 to 274,586 in 2023, thus demonstrating that lately, the quality of discharged water is definitely superior.

The estimated increase in urban solid waste generation in the near future worldwide may negatively impact the environment and public health, and produce a significant economic impact on solid waste management. Recycling is crucial in mitigating this solid waste generation growth by diverting materials from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution, conserving resources, and extending end-of-life strategies. In this study, we address the bin location–allocation problem for the collection of recyclable household waste, a key challenge in the context of the circular economy and efforts to mitigate the sustained growth of household waste generation. To tackle this problem, this study generalizes a previous mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model to address different types of waste, particularly recyclable household waste, while minimizing total bin costs and ensuring that each generation point is assigned to the nearest collection site within a given threshold travel distance. Additionally, the model compares single and multi-stream collection strategies. For each case, we evaluate the options of locating recycling bins at road intersections and in open public spaces. Real-world data from the commune of Quinta Normal in Santiago, Chile is used to test our approach. This study also reports results of a sensitivity analysis of key parameters, including the generated household recyclable waste and the maximum distances users are willing to travel to dispose of their recyclable waste. Finally, managerial implications that emerge from this study are discussed, which may help authorities improve recyclable household waste collection, and outline future research directions.

Household waste management is a major challenge for cities in Indonesia, including Bugih Subdistrict, which has experienced an increase in waste generation in line with population growth and lifestyle changes. This issue is not merely a matter of cleanliness, but is directly related to environmental health and the quality of life of the community. This study aims to describe and evaluate the implementation of a community service programme in the form of education, facilitation, and assistance in community-based waste management in Bugih Village. A participatory approach was used, involving village officials, neighbourhood associations, family welfare organisations, youth organisations, and residents as the main actors. The intervention focused on improving environmental literacy, household waste sorting practices, small-scale composting, and the use of eco-bricks as educational tools. The results showed a significant increase in awareness and waste sorting practices, as measured through pre- and post-surveys and field observations. Active community participation proved to be a key factor in the success of the programme, reinforced by facilitation in the form of providing clearly labelled sorting areas and technical demonstration sessions. The existence of local waste banks also served as an economic incentive and ensured the integration of sorted waste into the recycling chain. The programme evaluation confirmed that the combination of education, facilitation, and behavioural nudges had a positive impact, although challenges such as limited facilities and behavioural consistency still need to be addressed. Conceptually, these findings reinforce the literature on the effectiveness of community-based approaches to waste management and provide practical recommendations for replication in other urban areas. The programme in Bugih Subdistrict contributes to the achievement of the national zero waste–zero emission 2050 agenda, while strengthening local capacity to create a healthier and more sustainable environment.

Abstract The increasing global energy demand, the decline in fossil fuels and the growing amount of municipal solid waste are major environmental and socioeconomic issues, calling for advanced techniques to recycle waste into energy. Here, we review the thermochemical valorization of household, industrial and agricultural waste, with focus on municipal solid waste composition, fuel production, fuel characteristics, legislation and standards. Processes include pyrolysis, gasification, and incineration, e.g. in cement kilns. We found that refuse-derived fuel has a calorific value of 8–20 MJ kg −1 , a moisture content of 8–40% and an ash content of 4–20%. Optimized refused-derived fuel pyrolysis can yield up to 67.9 wt% liquid oil, while gasification produces syngas with heating values up to 10.9 MJ m −3 . In cement kilns, co-processing achieves thermal substitution rates of 50–60% in rotary kilns and 80–100% in calciners. Limitations comprise variability in the composition of the feedstock, tar formation and control of emissions.

Effective waste management is a crucial challenge in maintaining environmental cleanliness and sustainability, especially in rural areas. This study aims to analyze the development of waste banks as a sustainable waste management solution in Jl Sosro GG 1001 Village. The research method used is qualitative descriptive with data collection techniques through field observations, in-depth interviews with residents and waste bank managers, and documentation of activities. The results of the study show that the existence of waste banks is able to increase public awareness in sorting and managing household waste. In addition, the social and economic impacts caused are quite significant, such as the formation of work groups, increased additional income, and strengthening the value of mutual cooperation. However, there are a number of challenges that hinder program optimization, including limited operational facilities, lack of continuity of community participation, and lack of technical support from local governments. To overcome this, a capacity building strategy is needed through continuous training, provision of supporting facilities, and cross-sector collaboration. The waste bank in Jl Sosro GG 1001 Village has great potential to be used as a model of sustainable community-based waste management, if supported by a joint commitment between residents, the government, and other stakeholders.

Local anesthetics such as lidocaine have been used in humans and other animals to perform surgical procedures, therapeutics, and experiments. Lidocaine discarded into the environment through industrial waste, human and animal excretion, and household waste has been detected in the aquatic environment. For example, lidocaine in rivers, lakes, and influent and effluent water has been detected at wastewater treatment plants (7 ng/L-2.06 μg/L), suggesting that this chemical substance influences aquatic animals. However, the toxic effects of lidocaine on marine organisms have not been investigated. This study examined the acute toxicity of local anesthetics (lidocaine and dibucaine) on the marine zoea larvae of red-clawed crabs, which feature a life cycle in which adults live on land and larvae live in the sea. Survival analysis of zoea larvae revealed that dibucaine was more toxic than lidocaine. The 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) for lidocaine and dibucaine were 1.64 × 10-3 and 4.63 × 10-5 M, respectively, after 24 hr of exposure. Next, RNA sequencing was performed using the EC50 of each drug. Both local anesthetics were highly toxic to the kidneys, in addition to their effects on the heart, nerves, and liver. These local anesthetics were also found to affect melatonin metabolism and possibly decrease melatonin levels in zoea larvae. To the best of our knowledge, no prior study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the effects of local anesthetics on aquatic larvae, illustrating the need to focus on the toxicity of these drugs in aquatic animals.

THE WASTE PROBLEM IN ANGGUT BAWAH SUBDISTRICT BENGKULU CITY IS CHARACTERIZED BY LOW WASTE SORTING PRACTICES AT THE SOURCE AND LIMITED UTILIZATION OF WASTE INTO VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS. This activity aims to improve residents’ knowledge and skills in sorting organic and inorganic waste and processing it into useful products as an effort toward zero waste based on local wisdom. The implementation methods included material presentation using real samples, demonstrations of waste utilization into compost, eco-enzyme, petasol, ecobricks, and flower pots from used diapers, interactive discussions, household waste potential data collection, as well as evaluation and documentation. Participants consisted of residents from RT 01 to RT 06, applying a participatory approach. The results showed an increase in residents’ understanding of waste classification and processing techniques, indicated by active participation in discussions and interest in independently practicing waste processing. Data collection revealed that household waste was dominated by organic waste from kitchen residues, with limited previous utilization. In conclusion, socialization based on physical demonstrations and local wisdom effectively improved environmental literacy, motivation, and residents’ skills. It is recommended to continue the program through regular training, provision of waste sorting facilities at the RT level, and collaboration with the Environmental Agency.

Organic fertilizer is a type of fertilizer derived from natural materials such as plant and animal residues that have undergone specific processing. One form of this is Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF), which is typically made from vegetable waste and is easy to produce. The production process of LOF is carried out naturally through fermentation, during which plant residues and animal waste decompose. The main goal of producing LOF is to convert kitchen or household waste into a useful product. This process also aims to identify the most effective method for producing liquid fertilizer by utilizing household organic waste as the main material, enhanced with the addition of EM4 (Effective Microorganisms 4).

The increasing generation of domestic waste poses significant environmental challenges, particularly in the context of disposal and resource utilization. This review critically evaluates the potential application of selected household waste materials-waste cooking oil (WCO), eggshell powder (ESP), waste plastics (WP), and waste glass (WG)-as functional additives in the bituminous binder and mixture. The study explores their roles as rejuvenators, modifiers, fillers, and partial replacements for coarse and fine aggregates. Findings indicate that WCO, when used in concentrations of 1-4%, effectively rejuvenates aged binders by enhancing workability and reducing stiffness. Incorporation of 5% ESP improves binder stiffness and resistance to thermal-induced deformations. Bitumen modified with 0.25% LDPE, 2% HDPE, and 1% PP when used in combination displays significantly enhanced adhesion and elasticity. Additionally, substituting aggregates with WG up to 10-15% demonstrates improvements in strength and durability without compromising mix integrity. The review further discusses the challenges associated with integrating these materials in road construction. The comparative analysis confirms that these waste-derived modifiers can partially or wholly replace conventional materials, contributing to both enhanced pavement performance and sustainable infrastructure development.

The International Day of Rural Women is celebrated on October 15 every year which highlights the crucial role rural women play in agriculture, food security, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. As farmers, caregivers, and community leaders, they manage crops, livestock, and natural resources, preserve traditional knowledge, and adapt to climate change. Despite their contributions, rural women face challenges such as limited access to land, education, healthcare, and financial resources, along with triple household and community responsibilities. Literacy among rural women in India has improved significantly, rising from 4.87% in 1951 to 57.93% in 2011, reflecting efforts to empower them through education and skill development. Initiatives like Bio-resource Centres engage women in converting household and agricultural waste into vermicompost, promoting organic farming, reducing pollution, generating employment, and sustaining biodiversity knowledge. Complementing these efforts, Bihar’s Lohia Swachh Bihar Abhiyan (LSBA) integrates the Swachh Bharat Mission–Gramin and Lohia Swachhata Yojana to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) villages and transition to ODF-Plus by 2025 through sanitation infrastructure, awareness campaigns, and community led waste management in which rural women play an integral part. These strategies collectively underscore the importance of women’s empowerment and community participation in achieving clean, healthy, and sustainable rural development.

This study aims to develop the Agro-Aquaseloka model as an integrated system linking agriculture, aquaculture, and organic waste management through a circular economy approach in Panti Village, Jember Regency. The research employed a mixed-methods design with a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) framework, involving local communities as active partners in all phases. Results indicate that training in Black Soldier Fly (BSF) maggot cultivation enhanced participants’ technical skills in converting organic waste into fish feed and organic fertilizer. The program reduced fish feed costs by up to 50% and improved profitability with a benefit-cost ratio (R/C) exceeding 1.3. It also decreased household waste volume by around 20% and reduced open burning practices. The establishment of the “Aguaseloka Farmer Group” strengthened local institutions and program sustainability. The model effectively promotes rural green economy development and supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1, 2, 8, 12, and 13).

Waste management in Semarang City faces complex institutional challenges due to the involvement of multiple actors with differing interests and capacities. This study aims to map the institutional configuration of the waste management system by examining the roles and relationships among formal, semi-formal, and informal actors. A qualitative approach was employed, with data collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and policy document reviews. The findings reveal that the Environmental Agency (DLH) acts as the main formal actor responsible for coordinating waste management programs, while Waste Banks and TPS 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) operate as semi-formal institutions-legally recognized by government regulations but managed voluntarily and participatory by local communities. Meanwhile, informal actors, such as household waste collectors, itinerant buyers, and waste pickers, contribute to the circulation of recyclable materials despite being outside formal regulation. Limited coordination and differing interests among actors hinder optimal collaboration. This study emphasizes that institutional mapping serves as an initial step toward understanding the dynamics of community-based waste management. Further research is recommended to apply Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework to analyze interactions among rules, actors, and outcomes in greater depth.

Introduction: Research on solid waste in Indonesia remains relatively fragmented, with many studies still focusing on the development of solid waste management in urban areas. This study seeks to address the information gap by reviewing the development of solid waste management in Indonesia. Discussion: This systematic review was conducted through literature searches in Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, selecting 38 articles that specifically examined solid waste in Indonesia in terms of its generation, characteristics, management, and regulatory frameworks. Collective evidence showed that household waste generation in Indonesia is strongly influenced by various factors such as income level, residential location, season, and public awareness of waste management. Waste banks and the 3R approach are the main pillars of community-based strategies, with composting applied to organic waste. Waste processing facilities play a supporting role within the community, such as WTE and incineration. Landfills remain necessary as a final solution for residual waste that cannot be further processed. Law No. 18 of 2008 on Waste Management serves as the primary regulatory framework in Indonesia. This law shifts the traditional paradigm of "collect-transport-dispose" toward a more sustainable approach through the 3R principles. Conclusion: Solid waste generation in Indonesia is determined by socio-economic factors, urbanization, and consumption patterns. Management strategies emphasize community-based approaches such as waste banks, composting, and the 3R principle, supported by small-scale processing facilities, while landfills remain necessary for residual waste. The Law on Waste Management requires revision to align with current developments and emerging challenges in solid waste management.

The problem of household waste management is one of the most important in the modern world. Environmental challenges associated with the growing volume of waste are accompanied by significant gaps in the legal regulation of waste management in Ukraine. A feature of the legal regulation of household waste is that the vast majority of legal prescriptions relate to the issues of ensuring sanitary cleaning and improvement of settlements. Despite the adoption of a number of regulatory acts, the current waste management system remains fragmented, inconsistent, and insufficiently aligned with the acquis of the European Union. The lack of clear legal definitions of key terms, overlapping powers of public authorities, underdevelopment of the extended producer responsibility institution, and deficiencies in the implementation mechanisms of the waste management hierarchy underscore the need for a systemic legal analysis. The purpose of the study is to identify problematic aspects of legal regulation in the field of waste management in Ukraine, to reveal contradictions and conflicts within current legislation. The research employs systemic-structural and comparative legal methods, formal legal analysis, as well as the method of legal integration, taking into account Ukraine’s European integration trajectory. The absence of a unified approach to territorial planning and the legal regulation of the waste hierarchy has been revealed. The need to eliminate legislative fragmentation, enhance the role of local self-government, and strengthen legal liability for violations in the field of waste management has been substantiated. Information and educational work should ensure an increase in the level of awareness of all interested parties about household waste, the benefits of minimizing the volume of their generation, and ensuring environmentally safe management. A framework model for regulatory waste governance is proposed, structured around five interrelated components: institutional, conceptual, procedural and control. An algorithm for adapting Ukraine’s environmental legislation to EU standards has been developed, considering the principles of subsidiarity and ecological efficiency.

The waste management issue in Padeg Village, Gresik Regency, has become increasingly complex due to the suboptimal management of the Temporary Disposal Site (TPS). The accumulated waste is often burned in the open, directly impacting both the environment and the health of nearby residents. PT Pertamina Patra Niaga – Bitumen Plant Gresik has taken part in addressing this issue through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program by supporting the establishment and development of the Pandean Pas Waste Bank. This study aims to describe the implementation of PT Pertamina Patra – Niaga Bitumen Plant Gresik’s CSR program in community empowerment through public participation in the Pandean Pas Waste Bank Program. The research methid employed is descriptive, qualitative, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation studies. The results indicate that the CSR program has successfully increased active community participation at every stage of the empowerment process. The Pandean Pas Waste Bank program has effectively reduced household waste generation, produced organic compost, and contributed to environmental sustainability. The company’s CSR initiative has not only improved waste management practices but also enhanced the capacity, participation, and independence of the Padeg Village community in preserving environmental sustainability.

ABSTRACT Consumers’ zero waste behaviour is a fundamental means of solving the problem of urban household waste. While the frontier literature focuses on the role of government and enterprise in achieving the goal of zero waste, it lacks focus on consumers, who are key players in generating household waste. In order to clarify the formation mechanism of consumers’ zero waste behaviours, this study integrates the Value-Attitude-Behaviour (VAB) theory and the perceived marketplace influence (PMI) theory, constructs a chain mediation model of the influence of environmental values on consumers’ zero waste behaviours, and explores the moderating role of perceived policy effectiveness. The study was conducted on 572 Chinese urban consumers through a field study held on 21 July 2023 to 21 August 2023. This study found that: (a) environmental values have a positive influence on zero waste behaviour,(b) environmental attitudes, perceived marketplace influence organization, and perceived marketplace influence consumer as chain mediators in the positive influence of environmental values on zero waste behaviour, (c) there is variability in the moderating role of perceived policy effectiveness in the mechanisms by which environmental values influence zero waste behaviour. The findings of this study enrich the research literature on consumer zero waste behaviour.

The community service activity themed “Efforts of the GG. Subur, Bandar Selamat Residents in Maintaining Environmental Cleanliness” was carried out to increase public awareness in maintaining the cleanliness of the surrounding environment, as well as to encourage active participation in preserving environmental sustainability. This program includes household waste management, street park cleaning, and mosque cleanliness. The methods used were socialization about the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness, mutual cooperation in cleaning the environment, and interactive discussions with local residents to explore ideas on efficient waste management methods. The results of the activity showed a positive response from the community, with active involvement in every stage of the activity, as well as the emergence of initiatives to continue the cleanliness program independently through a mutually agreed upon routine schedule of gotong royong. This program not only increases awareness about the importance of cleanliness but also strengthens social relationships among residents and fosters a sense of ownership over the environment. In conclusion, this activity successfully raised the community’s awareness of environmental cleanliness and is expected to continue as a sustainable community-based environmental management model.

Objective: This study aims to compare household solid waste management practices and environmental knowledge in two Brazilian municipalities (one with and one without selective collection) while identifying behavioral profiles through cluster analysis, with the goal of informing targeted sustainability policies. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in concepts of sustainable development, circular economy, and waste management policies, notably Brazil’s National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS). The framework highlights the role of environmental awareness, selective collection systems, and socio-economic conditions in shaping household waste practices. Method: A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative data. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews and questionnaires applied in Pirassununga-SP (no selective collection) and Tupã-SP (with selective collection). Responses from 131 households were analyzed through descriptive statistics, K-Means clustering, and statistical tests (ANOVA and Chi-square). Results and Discussion: Four distinct behavioral clusters were identified, ranging from environmentally aware but infrastructure-limited youth to low-income, low-education groups with minimal environmental engagement. Despite structural differences, both municipalities showed limited knowledge of waste destinations and the conceptual difference between garbage and residue. These findings underscore the need for localized strategies integrating infrastructure investment, educational campaigns, and incentives for citizen participation. Research Implications: The study provides practical guidance for designing segmented public policies to improve waste separation and circular economy practices at the household level. Originality/Value: This work advances the understanding of how socio-economic, infrastructural, and perceptual factors interact in household waste management, offering actionable insights for sustainability-oriented governance.

Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) Wasur National Park is an association of civil servant wives who play an important role in women's empowerment, particularly in supporting food security and improving household economies. These efforts are carried out through the utilization of small plots of land and the processing of kitchen waste into liquid organic fertilizer (POC) and plant-based pesticides. Training activities were conducted using lectures, question and answer sessions, practical demonstrations, and direct discussions with participants. From this series of activities, DWP members gained knowledge and skills in processing kitchen waste into useful products. The utilization of kitchen waste into POC and plant-based pesticides is a simple yet highly impactful step, as it not only helps reduce the volume of household waste but also adds value to the environment. Vegetable scraps, fruit peels, and food residues can be transformed into products that support environmentally friendly agriculture. Through this activity, DWP members can become more empowered in managing household waste while producing useful products to support food self-reliance and enhance family economic value.

BackgroundMost research into the development of the canine gut microbiota has featured cross-sectional studies, and there has been limited exploratory research into how it is affected by external factors. We aimed to longitudinally characterise the gut microbiota and its development in Labrador Retriever puppies and identify whether alterations in the gut microbiota are associated with factors related to demography, lifestyle, antibiotic usage and gastrointestinal health.Results76 Labrador Retriever puppies were recruited via Dogslife, a UK-based online cohort study. Faecal samples were collected at three to four, seven, and 12 months of age and analysed using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing alongside questionnaire data. Alpha and beta diversity were assessed using linear mixed effects models and permutational multivariate analysis, accounting for repeated measures. Differential abundance was evaluated using multivariable association with linear models. Associations were identified between puppies’ gut microbiota and age, sex, coat colour, household smoking status, dietary indiscretions (e.g. household waste, coprophagia), contact with other dogs and horses, recent oral/injected antibiotic use, and recent vomiting and diarrhoea. The greatest source of variation was individual identity, explaining approximately 25% of alpha diversity and 50% of beta diversity. Alpha diversity declined between three and 12 months, with age-related shifts in community composition and dispersion. Coprophagia was associated with increased alpha diversity and contributed to variation in community structure. Antibiotic use was associated with reduced alpha diversity, altered composition, and changes in taxa across Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Tenericutes. These effects were largely transient, with the largest shifts occurring within one week of treatment. Puppies with recent diarrhoea showed increased alpha diversity and differential abundance in several taxa within four weeks of the episode. Helicobacter was more frequently detected in samples from puppies with recent diarrhoea.ConclusionsThis longitudinal study characterises the development of gut microbiota in Labrador Retriever puppies and identifies associations with demographic, environmental, and health-related factors. These findings underscore the value of longitudinal sampling in microbiome research, offer novel insights for owners and veterinarians, and lay a foundation for future studies investigating causal mechanisms and potential interventions.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42523-025-00464-2.