Recycling Practices Research Articles

Sustainable practices in lead acid battery recycling

Recycling automotive batteries is a vital practice in the context of sustainability. Purchasing power in developing and emerging economies has increased dramatically over the past decades, especially when considering the proliferation of consumer cars worldwide. Consequently, the growing manufacturing volume of automotive batteries inevitably leads to increased battery waste, thus placing significant pressure on the sustainable development of human society. Recycling lead-acid batteries as a sustainable product is not only environmentally beneficial but also economically beneficial. A typical new lead-acid battery contains up to 80% recycled lead, and the plastic and battery components are also recyclable. When combined, almost all environmentally hazardous materials in the battery can be recycled. In this paper, we will study the recycling of lead-acid batteries used in fuel-powered cars. The results show that 54.4% of the metals in the battery, 28% of the plastics, and 17% of the liquids can be recycled, which provides materials for the manufacture of new batteries or for other uses.

From Building Materials to Environmental Management: Optimization of Building Recycling and Reuse Strategies Based on Life Cycle Assessment

In this paper, the recycling and reuse practices for building materials will be optimised by applying Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), Geographic Information System (GIS), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to build sustainable buildings. Assessing the environmental footprint throughout the lifecycle, LCAs approach highlights high-impact materials and recommends lighter-footprint alternatives. GIS can help map recycling sites and distribution networks to cut emissions and streamline material recyclage logistics. Additionally, AI models are used to forecast material degrading which will improve sorting efficiency and minimise human error during recycling. Study findings prove the need for an integrated strategy, where LCA provides environmental information, GIS facilitates logistics, and AI ensures recycling accuracy. According to the results, this multi-faceted system has the potential to revolutionise construction by reducing waste, reducing emissions and driving sustainable development. The research concludes with practical take-home lessons for industry adoption and research priorities that will enable the global transition to sustainable building

Encouraging Sustainable Choices Through Socially Engaged Persuasive Recycling Initiatives: A Participatory Action Design Research Study

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research has illuminated how technology can influence users’ awareness of their environmental impact and the potential for mitigating these impacts. From hot water saving to food waste reduction, researchers have systematically and widely tried to find pathways to speed up achieving sustainable development goals through persuasive technology interventions. However, motivating users to adopt sustainable behaviors through interactive technologies presents significant psychological, cultural, and technical challenges in creating engaging and long-lasting experiences. Aligned with this perspective, there is a dearth of research and design solutions addressing the use of persuasive technology to promote sustainable recycling behavior. Guided by a participatory design approach, this investigation focuses on the design opportunities for leveraging persuasive and human-centered Internet of Things (IoT) applications to enhance user engagement in recycling activities. The assumption is that one pathway to achieve this goal is to adopt persuasive strategies that may be incorporated into the design of sustainable applications. The insights gained from this process can then be applied to various sustainable HCI scenarios and therefore contribute to HCI’s limited understanding in this area by providing a series of design-oriented research recommendations for informing the development of persuasive and socially engaged recycling platforms. In particular, we advocate for the inclusion of educational content, real-time interactive feedback, and intuitive interfaces to actively engage users in recycling activities. Moreover, recognizing the cultural context in which the technology is socially situated becomes imperative for the effective implementation of smart devices to foster sustainable recycling practices. To this end, we present a case study that seeks to involve children and adolescents in pro-recycling activities within the school environment.

Behavioral choice of manufacturers, recyclers and customers in Trade-In Programs.

This study investigates the behavioral choices of manufacturers, recyclers, and customers in Trade-In Programs designed to promote recycling and environmental sustainability. Using a manufacturer-led evolutionary game model, the research explores how factors such as government policies, market demand, financial incentives, and the simplicity of participation impact stakeholder engagement in these programs. Numerical simulations were conducted to analyze the effects of specific parameters on each participants' willingness to participate. Results show that increased subsidies and investment in innovation by manufacturers significantly enhance recycler and customer participation in ethic Trade-In Programs. Conversely, higher revenue-sharing by manufacturers tends to reduce engagement from both parties, while manufacturers receiving substantial brand and social benefits alongside government subsidies to encourage broader stakeholder involvement. These findings offer critical insights for designing effective Trade-In Programs, supporting sustainable recycling practices and circular economy principles. The study provides actionable guidance for policymakers and industry leaders aiming to boost participation in environmentally focused recycling initiatives, laying a foundation for more sustainable industrial practices.

Worn but not forgotten: the soviet shoes recycling in Ukraine in the

The aim of the article is to analyze the emergence of Soviet state policy on shoe recycling in the early 1930s, focusing on the Ukrainian SSR as a case study. Scientific novelty: While a growing body of literature addresses Soviet daily life, materiality, consumption, and repair practices, the area of shoe recycling remains underexplored at both the Union and Republican levels. Examining this niche aspect offers insight into the complexities of Soviet economic strategies and ideological narratives around resourcefulness, self-sufficiency and waste recycling. Research methodology: The study draws on previously unexplored Ukrainian archival materials, statistical collections of USSR and Soviet legislation, enabling a comprehensive and multi-dimensional analysis of the economic, social, and political implications of shoe recycling. The article also includes a comparative analysis of shoe recycling practices in the USSR and Germany during the 1920s and 1930s. This comparative angle sheds light on how both countries—facing resource scarcity and aim for self-sufficiency - leveraged recycling within their leather and footwear industries, albeit with differing ideological drivers and practices. Conclusions: In this article, it is argued that Soviet shoe recycling was more than just a practical response to resource scarcity; it was also ideologically motivated, aiming to demonstrate the advantages of the socialist system. The shoe recycling policy became an essential component of a broader waste reutilization strategy that began in the early 1920s. The so-called "shoe problem" served as a catalyst for advancements in science, technology, and alternative materials, as well as for the establishment of a state-led shoe repair program, a key element in the recycling process. At the same time, the ambitious plans of the Soviet government faced implementation challenges due to shortages in the Soviet economy.

A Dynamic Analysis of Pricing and Investment in Circular Economy with Learning-By-doing

In this paper, we explore the optimal control problem of a monopolist's pricing and recycling investment strategies under learning-by-doing within a circular economy. The model incorporates both virgin and recycled resources in production, and accounts for the accumulation of knowledge through recycling activities. We show that: (i) the monopolist's recycling investment and pricing strategies evolve over time as a result of learning-by-doing, leading to operational efficiency gains; (ii) the monopolist's private incentives for recycling are lower than the social optimum, resulting in an underinvestment problem; (iii) the gap between private and social incentives highlights the need for regulatory interventions to promote sustainable recycling practices. Our analysis identifies the existence of a steady-state equilibrium and examines how knowledge accumulation dynamically influences the firm's cost structure and pricing strategies. The findings offer valuable insights into the long-term interactions between pricing, recycling investments, and sustainability objectives in a monopolistic market, with broader implications for the promotion of a circular economy.

Victorian Transfictions and Transmedia Storytelling

The introduction to this special issue of the Victorian Popular Fictions Journal, “Victorian Transfictions and Transmedia Storytelling,” reviews the state of the field of transmedia studies, and differentiates between commonly conflated terms, such as transmedia and adaptation. It argues that Victorian popular fiction lends itself particularly well to investigation through the concepts of transmediality and transfictionality. The production of popular fictions across the period was dominated by practices of recycling and seriality, and the flow of stories and characters across all kinds of creative and commercial outputs was unstoppable. The introduction identifies the contributions that this issue’s articles make to the fields of transmedia and popular fiction studies and invites further scholarship that, like ours, seeks to understand the rich field of nineteenth-century popular culture through transmedial lenses.

Mapping sustainable practices in ship recycling

Mapping sustainable practices in ship recycling

Community-driven Waste Management: Insights from an Action Research Trial in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Background Yogyakarta is in a waste emergency period. Waste management poses a significant challenge in urban areas, necessitating innovative and sustainable solutions. This article explores the Community-Based Waste Management (CBWM) approach implemented in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia, shedding light on valuable lessons from this initiative. Yogyakarta City's experience is a case study for understanding the effectiveness of involving local communities in waste management efforts. Through participatory programs, residents have been empowered to actively contribute to waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal practices. Objective This study seeks public health-oriented household waste management options and increases public awareness about trash management while keeping public health in mind to overcome Yogyakarta's waste emergency. Methods This study employs an action research design mixed with qualitative research. Participants were members of society, government authorities (environmental and health offices), and the Yogyakarta Provincial and City Health Offices. For the trial method, participants comprised four cycles utilizing a standard random sample procedure. An in-depth interview was conducted to evaluate the procedure, and questionnaires were used to determine performance indicators for the procedure. Results Community-based action research guarantees that waste management is improved by approaching it from a public health standpoint. Waste management innovations include implementing environmental sanitation, clean and healthy lifestyles, implementing occupational health and safety concepts, sorting organic and inorganic waste, as well as innovations in household waste management infrastructure. Conclusion Innovation in waste management considers that public health is necessary for society. Innovation refines waste processing techniques that were previously in use. This idea is suitable and adaptable to the circumstances of Yogyakarta City residents.

An Association Rule Mining Approach to Explore the Dynamics in Plastic Recycling Business

Understanding plastic recycling practices is vital for policy intervention. Association Rule Mining (ARM) is a powerful tool for extracting insights from complex data, though it hasn't been used for plastic recycling analysis before. This study aimed to apply ARM to data from the questionnaire survey of Recycling Shop (RS) owners in Khulna City to identify patterns of recycling practices and recommend suitable policies. Key findings revealed that RS owners rely on local and external sources for plastic waste (Rules with support 0.061-0.242, confidence 0.667-0.8, lift >1), recommending stronger recycling supply chain policies. Significant links between sourcing and impurities (Rules with support 0.061-0.091, confidence 0.5-0.667, lift >1.2) suggest better quality control. Disposal methods of non-recyclables like burning (Rules with support 0.03-0.212, confidence 0.714-1, lift >1) suggest policies for non-recyclables. Using ARM in this study offers a novel approach to developing efficient, sustainable waste management strategies in Khulna City.

Advancing Sustainability in Healthcare: A Scoping Review of Global Recycling Practices in Operating Rooms

Advancing Sustainability in Healthcare: A Scoping Review of Global Recycling Practices in Operating Rooms

Application of circular economy principles to midstream infrastructural sector: A review of strategies for waste minimization and recycling

Circular economy in midstream operations promotes resource reuse, waste reduction, and sustainable pipeline life cycle management. The transition toward a sustainable oil and gas industry needs to be enabled through the adoption of this concept, especially in the midstream sector, where environmental impact is high. This review focuses on practices in the waste minimization and recycling strategy of midstream infrastructure, including material recycling, reuse of processing debris and the conversion of waste into valuables. It underlines potential lifecycle environmental savings and resource efficiency, besides emphasizing on how innovative approaches are important in mitigating the ecological footprint of midstream activities. It also points out the knowledge gaps on practical integration of the circular economy principles within this very industry and came up with actionable recommendations for industry stakeholders. Through the analysis of the most recent published literatures and case studies of successful implementation, it has been indicated that many companies that use these techniques have succeeded in reducing waste output by over 30%. Conclusively, full scrutiny by this review has helped to attain a holistic approach towards sustainability in the oil and gas industry through wider adoption of recycling and sustainable practices in midstream operations.

Factors contributing to phosphorus sorption reversibility from iron-desalinization treatment residue (Fe-DTR)

Phosphorus (P), a non-renewable nutrient, requires effective, innovative recycling practices, especially because of predicted future scarcity. This study focused on the adsorption-desorption of P from iron desalinization treatment residue (Fe-DTR) mixed with dairy wastewater to create an alternative fertilizer (P-Fe/O-DTR). Sequential extraction indicated that P adsorption onto Fe-DTR, at pH 3, predominantly favored adsorption onto iron oxides collected in summer (72 %) versus winter (59 %), due to the elevated use of FeCl3 coagulant in summer in the desalinization pre-treatment. Desorption experiments indicated that the irreversibility of sorption (apparent hysteresis index) was highest under aerobic conditions, using a synthetic P solution, ambient temperature and pH range of 7–3 (98.9–98.3 %). Irreversibility was lowest under anaerobic conditions, using dairy wastewater as a P source, at pH 7 and 40 °C (76.6 %). This suggests that loading settings of organic solution as a P source and high temperature at the sorption stage are favored for extracting P from P-Fe/O-DTR with the greatest potential for release and reuse. Desorption experiments of 3 d, 1 week and 9 weeks indicated that the initial equilibrium forms within 72 h, but resorption and precipitation processes establish a new equilibrium over time (week). Phosphorus desorption was strongly affected by the aeration conditions of the experiment followed by the size of the sorbed reservoir and the nature of the solution (wastewaters versus synthetic solution). Under anaerobic conditions, temperature exerted a high influence on the sorbed P available for desorption.

Waste Management and Recycle Practices in the Hotel Industry

Background: In the current era of eco-friendly and environmental strategies, waste practices like recycling offer potential benefits for the hotel industry. However, research supporting the financial advantages of these practices is still lacking. Objective: This study aims to explore the waste management which is being produced by the hotel sector and recycle practices which are adopted by the hotel. The study also evaluates the potential environmental benefits of recycling, particularly in relation to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Methodology: Primary data was collected via a questionnaire distributed to 37 hotels, of which 22 expressed interests in completing the questionnaire and participating in face-to-face interviews. SPSS was used for the data analysis and thematic analysis used for analyzing the interview data. Locale of the study was Delhi NCR, Region. Results: The paper’s findings reveal a total waste volume of 584.33 units, with 212.16 units distributed across the different categories such as plastic bottles, other plastic, aluminum etc. The results suggest that hotels need to implement more stringent recycling practices, which would not only benefit the environment but also unlock potential financial advantages. Additionally, promoting guest involvement in recycling initiatives is advised to improve cost-effectiveness and profitability within the industry. Conclusion: Effective waste management and recycling practices are essential for enhancing sustainability in the hotel industry.

Impact of Waste Picker and Recycling Applications as Dimension of Perceived Behavioural Control on Recycling Intention

Separating household waste is a crucial step in the recycling process that relies on personal motivation. Enhancing recycling intentions is particularly important in underdeveloped nations where the role of waste pickers significantly influences the separation efforts. A relevant area for study is the availability of recycling applications which can support and simplify waste separation efforts. The presence of waste pickers and the availability of recycling applications should be considered critical factors when assessing Perceived Behavioural Control (PBC), along with factors such as infrastructure availability and recycling costs. These factors are integrated into the extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model which includes key components such as attitude toward recycling, subjective and moral norms, PBC, as well as economic incentives. Therefore, this study aimed to show that PBC functioned as a second-order variable influencing the intention to recycle. Data were collected from 122 respondents in the Greater Jakarta area of Indonesia and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results showed that moral norms and attitudes toward recycling were the primary motivators for households to engage in waste management and recycling. However, PBC tended to discourage recycling intentions due to variables such as waste pickers, recycling applications, costs, and infrastructure availability. These results suggested that policymakers should reconsider the role of waste pickers in fostering citizen’s ability to develop recycling habits. Further publications were recommended to explore additional factors such as public perceptions of government enforcement and the effectiveness of industry and appeals to better understand recycling and waste management practices in Indonesia.

Recycling of Protonic Solid Oxide Cells with Physio-Electrochemical Networks (RSPEN)

The global shift towards renewable and sustainable energy, with a focus on reducing reliance on fossil fuels and curbing carbon emissions, has led to the rise of hydrogen production via water electrolysis, powered by carbon-neutral sources. As demand for hydrogen grows, so does the need for efficient electrolyzers, such as solid oxide electrochemical cells (SOCs), with projections indicating a significant increase in global hydrogen electrolyzer capacity by 2050. However, the scaling up of SOC production presents challenges, including the need for large-scale raw material production, reliance on commercial products, and environmental impacts of waste. Particularly, over a ton of valuable waste ceramic materials are used per megawatt of SOC stack, necessitating effective recycling methods. Herein we propose a novel, scalable closed-loop recycling method for both proton conducting and oxygen ion conducting SOCs, involving active comminution, followed by electrochemical leaching and cell regeneration using recycled raw materials/precursors. The technology could achieve above 90% electrolyte material recovery, 95% CRM recovery from cathode and = 95% recovery in full cell performance. This technology not only addresses a significant gap in current recycling practices but also sets a precedent for future advancements in the field, potentially influencing broader practices in the recycling of multi-functional ceramic systems.

Unlocking the potential of urban EV battery recycling: A dual optimization model

As electric vehicles increase, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions but pose recycling challenges for their batteries. Economic and environmental impacts are significant concerns. This study proposes a dual optimization approach to develop a city-wide recycling network benefiting vehicle owners and recycling facilities. Focusing on Xi'an City, China, we project future battery recycling volumes and analyze optimal network setups at various stages. In reverse logistics and network design research, decentralized battery processing centers and centralized energy storage centers can greatly improve consumer benefits and ensure formal recycling practices. In research on consumer engagement and behavior, it's important to design recycling subsidies wisely and enhance consumer motivation to participate in formal recycling. As the number of retired vehicle batteries grows, the government should consider shifting subsidies from consumers to centralized recycling centers to maintain a sustainable and efficient recycling system.

The Modification of Waste Polystyrene and Its Application as a Heavy Oil Flow Improver

The widespread use of polystyrene has brought great convenience to people's lives, but inappropriate recycling practices can also have a significant negative impact on the environment and public health. In this work, waste polystyrene was refined using maleic acid anhydride to produce flow improvers. The effect of the modified polystyrene perception of viscosity reduction and pour point depression of Henan oil was evaluated. The results show that modified polystyrene reduces the viscosity of Henan oil by 96.5% at most and depresses the pour point by 6.1 °C at most. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HH NMR) were used to investigate the modified polystyrene. The mechanism of modified polystyrene that improves the fluidity of heavy oil was proposed and analyzed through the study of wax crystal morphology (at 20 °C below the pour point).

A Paris aligned 1.5 °C mitigation pathway for the chemical industry based on 100% renewable energy and novel production technologies

With renewables growing at an unprecedented pace and critical carbon budget deadlines approaching, research is shifting to the new frontier of Paris aligned 1.5 °C mitigation pathways for hard-to-abate sectors, including the chemical industry sector. This is a significant challenge with chemical products such as plastics, fertilizers and many more products intertwined with today’s society and with CO2 emissions originating both from energy and from chemical conversions. This paper presents a detailed bottom-up production-based energy and emission calculation to make a 1.5 °C compatible scenario for the chemical industry based on three main measures compared to a business-as-usual scenario. This research found that the holistic combination of demand and supply measures is critical to reduce the different types of emissions in the sector (energy and non-energy process emissions). An overall reduction of 82% of CO2 emissions in 2050 is calculated with a decrease in base chemical production growth (− 21%), 100% renewable energy for heat and electricity (− 50%) and the introduction of novel electrical-based and biomass-based production technologies for ethylene, propylene, methanol and ammonia (− 10%). Critical system developments include slowing chemical demand growth with recycling and circularity best practices, advanced electrification of heat supply and the substantial market penetration of the current most advanced sustainable production technologies for methanol, ammonia, and ethylene based on their reasonable technology maturation trajectories. Here, green methanol and ammonia will require 381 TWh in 2030 and 3232 TWh in 2050 for green hydrogen electrolysis, which will represent 1% and 4% of global electricity demand.

Mechanical Recycling of New and Challenging Polymer Systems: A Brief Overview

AbstractPollution from plastics is a major issue in the current context, prompting the scientific community to focus its efforts on recycling these materials. Mechanical recycling emerges as the most popular due to its practicality and cost‐effectiveness. In fact, with the increase in environmental awareness, the adoption of new circular economy models, stricter regulations mandating disposal and recycling, and lower costs compared to other recycling techniques, this type of recycling is taking a predominant role over other method. However, the presence of a variety of products of different polymeric nature, the introduction of new biodegradable products, and the complexity of multilayer packaging combining different polymers, without concrete solutions for recycling create a heterogeneous range of materials that leaks into the environment. The scientific literature is actively addressing these challenges, and this review aims to explore the latest strategies for enhancing the mechanical recycling of new and challenging polymer systems. Specifically, it explores the recycling of materials originally designated for landfill, incineration or composting, focusing on advancements in management of these previously overlooked and problematic system. This underexplored perspective seeks to offer new insights and innovative solutions that can transform polymer waste management and advance more sustainable recycling practices.