Residential Solid Waste Research Articles

Evaluation of solid waste management operational techniques in Kebonsari Urban Village, Citangkil sub-district, Cilegon City

The increase of population is equal to the increase of solid waste generation. Domestic solid waste generation that is not managed properly will cause problems. Solid waste management in Kebonsari Urban Village, Citangkil Sub-District, Cilegon City still uses the old paradigm (collect-transport-dispose) and low service level. This study aims to evaluate solid waste management activities from storage, collection, and transportation to the final disposal. This study used the method of field observation to analysis current service coverage and compare operational technical conditions in Kebonsari Urban Village with SNI 19-2454-2002 of Operational Techniques of Municipal Solid Waste Management. Data analysis was performed by calculating based on SNI 3242-2008 Residential Solid Waste Management. The results showed that only 41% of the population of Kebonsari Urban Village were served, this was due to the fact that there were still many people who did not put garbage in their bin and solid waste operational techniques in Kebonsari Urban Village were still not entirely applying SNI 19-2454-2002 one of them is shown by the low participation of the community in solid waste management. The average of solid waste generation in Kebonsari Urban Village are 0.71 l/person/day or 0.12 kg/person/day and the solid waste composition are 60.2% organic and 39.8 inorganic.

A decision support system for the selection of sustainable biomass resources for bioenergy production

Bioenergy production from biomass is a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) problem involving multidimensional criteria due to the vast range of resources available for consideration. In this paper, we propose a hybrid fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) that is able to tackle vagueness and ambiguity in data and produce weights for all criteria in the MCDM problem. By utilizing this methodology, different aspects of experts’ data evaluation including fuzzy values can be converted into crisp values. Accuracy in each decision matrix is ensured by determining the weights of the subcriteria. We then apply the model to sustainable biomass resource selection in Ghana. Specifically, we comprehensively review the sustainable criteria within the bioenergy domain namely social, environmental, and economic aspects together with thirteen subcriteria. The proposed model was applied to biomass resource alternatives including crop residue, animal manure, forest residue, energy crops, and municipal solid waste. Results show the weights of thirteen subcriteria to be within the range of 0.10340 and 0.05263. The FTOPSIS shows that animal manure may be the most desirable resource for bioenergy production in Ghana, followed by energy crop, municipal solid waste, forest residue, and crop residue, respectively. Engineering and energy planning problems with conflicting multicriteria data can be easily solved by using this proposed hybrid AHP/FTOPSIS framework.

Estimation of the Components of Residential Solid Waste in Baqubah City and their Generation Rate

Municipal solid waste is of variable, non-uniform inconsistent nature and the method by which the sample to acquire is decisive if the results are to be reliable. For data collection, an integrated methodological approach was introduced, including field investigation, questionnaire survey, and personal interviews, which were employed to estimate the rate of waste production and physical composition at the source of generation. Samples were collected from different socio-economic clusters (socio-income level). According to the results of the preliminary survey for 99% confidence interval and 10% standard error, the optimum sample size was 105 households, in Baqubah City in Diyala Governorate by implementation a completely random block design for sampling. Up to 105 units were sampled which were allocated to high, middle, and low-income socio-economic categories, yielding an average of 650 kg of waste collected daily for one week. It is concluded that Baqubah city has an average generation rate of 0.56 kg/ person/ day which is lower in the high-economic level zone in the city than in the other zones. Among the total waste generated in the city, 68% is food waste, 5.2% paper waste,7.4% plastic waste, 5.8% metal, 2.3% glass waste,3.1% textile waste, while the remaining percentages represent miscellaneous combustible and noncombustible materials.

A system dynamics-based scenario analysis of residential solid waste management in Kisumu, Kenya

The problem of solid waste management presents an issue of increasing importance in many low-income settings, including the progressively urbanised context of Kenya. Kisumu County is one such setting with an estimated 500 t of waste generated per day and with less than half of it regularly collected. The open burning and natural decay of solid waste is an important source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and atmospheric pollutants with adverse health consequences. In this paper, we use system dynamics modelling to investigate the expected impact on GHG and PM2.5 emissions of (i) a waste-to-biogas initiative and (ii) a regulatory ban on the open burning of waste in landfill. We use life tables to estimate the impact on mortality of the reduction in PM2.5 exposure. Our results indicate that combining these two interventions can generate over 1.1 million tonnes of cumulative savings in GHG emissions by 2035, of which the largest contribution (42%) results from the biogas produced replacing unclean fuels in household cooking. Combining the two interventions is expected to reduce PM2.5 emissions from the waste and residential sectors by over 30% compared to our baseline scenario by 2035, resulting in at least around 1150 cumulative life years saved over 2021–2035. The contribution and novelty of this study lies in the quantification of a potential waste-to-biogas scenario and its environmental and health impact in Kisumu for the first time.

Proanthocyanidins with Corrosion Inhibition Activity for AISI 1020 Carbon Steel under Neutral pH Conditions of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Husk Fibers.

Cocos nucifera L. is a palm tree (Arecaceae) with a high economic value. The coconut husk fibers are nonedible, thick, and abrasion-resistant and correspond up to 85% of biomass discarded as solid waste residue. Therefore, the husk fibers are an underexploited byproduct with a high content of extractives of unreported nature. Two varieties of C. nucifera L. husk extracts were investigated to uncover bioactive metabolites and their possible application as a green corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel AISI 1020 under neutral pH conditions. The chemical analysis indicated 3% (w/w) of proanthocyanidins in the husk fibers with a high B-type procyanidin content. The husk fibers’ crude extract showed promising results as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel AISI 1020 under neutral pH conditions. Although it formed a film on the metal surface in all tested concentrations (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 g L–1), the highest protective efficiency was shown at a concentration of 1.2 g L–1, determined by electrochemical techniques and mass loss. This was the first comprehensive report on coconut husk fibers’ chemical composition, which was similar between the two varieties with potential for industrial application.

Efficient catalytic conversion of microalgae residue solid waste into lactic acid over a Fe-Sn-Beta catalyst

Microalgae residue was efficiently converted into lactic acid with a high yield (33.9%) under mild reaction conditions (210 °C, 2 h) over a Fe-Sn-Beta catalyst. Under the action of homogeneous H3O+ and distinct Lewis acid sites on the catalyst, the production of lactic acid from microalgae residue underwent three main reaction steps: hydrolysis, isomerization, and retro-aldol condensation. Results demonstrated that the lipid component had a strong inhibitory effect on the production of lactic acid due to the formation of aromatics, esters, and complex nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds, which covered or poisoned the Lewis acid sites of the catalyst. The protein component acted as a chemical buffer that enhanced the production of lactic acid by controlling the release of monosaccharides from the carbohydrate fraction of microalgae and maintaining the catalytic activity of the catalyst. Thus, microalgae residue demonstrated great promise for the production of value-added chemicals.

Advanced Bioethanol Production: From Novel Raw Materials to Integrated Biorefineries

The production of so-called advanced bioethanol offers several advantages compared to traditional bioethanol production processes in terms of sustainability criteria. This includes, for instance, the use of nonfood crops or residual biomass as raw material and a higher potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The present review focuses on the recent progress related to the production of advanced bioethanol, (i) highlighting current results from using novel biomass sources such as the organic fraction of municipal solid waste and certain industrial residues (e.g., residues from the paper, food, and beverage industries); (ii) describing new developments in pretreatment technologies for the fractionation and conversion of lignocellulosic biomass, such as the bioextrusion process or the use of novel ionic liquids; (iii) listing the use of new enzyme catalysts and microbial strains during saccharification and fermentation processes. Furthermore, the most promising biorefinery approaches that will contribute to the cost-competitiveness of advanced bioethanol production processes are also discussed, focusing on innovative technologies and applications that can contribute to achieve a more sustainable and effective utilization of all biomass fractions. Special attention is given to integrated strategies such as lignocellulose-based biorefineries for the simultaneous production of bioethanol and other high added value bioproducts.

LCA Analysis on Improving Scenario of Domestic Solid Waste Management in Padang City based on the case in Kitakyushu City

The implementation of domestic solid waste management in Padang City conducted by the government still uses a conventional method, including acollection-transportation-disposal system with only about 5% of solid waste recycling rate. In Japan, Kitakyushu City manages its domestic solid waste appropriately by recycling the solid waste into beneficial products and applying sea reclamation landfill for solid waste residues from the final treatment process. By conducting Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis, this study examines the appropriate improved scenario of domestic solid waste management in Padang City throughevaluation and improvement of the existing implementation and the shortcomings of Padang City based onthe case study inKitakyushu City, comprisingfour scenarios. Scenario 0 presents the existing condition; scenarios 1, 2, and 3 present the improvement of Scenario 0 in recycling percentage rate and technology implementation in a row by composting, incineration, and anaerobic digestion. CML 2001 is used to assess the environmental impact of Global Warming Potential, Acidification Potential, and Eutrophication Potential. This study implies that Scenario 1 is the most appropriate scenario for improving domestic solid waste management in Padang City because of the low environmental impact as the smallest normalization score of 5.81×10−10.

Non Residential Solid Waste Reduction in Krembangan District, North Surabaya

Reduction of non-residential solid waste is important because it can reduce the generation of solid waste in Benowo Landfill. Krembangan District is one of the districts in North Surabaya that was chosen as a research area however, there is no data about the existing and reduction potential of non-residential solid waste in Krembangan District. The purposes of this research are the identification of existing and reduction potential of non-residential solid waste in Krembangan District. There are 21 samples for this research. Public facility samples contain education facilities, offices, worship places, commercial places, medical centres and street sweeping. Total generation of solid waste from public facilities is 10.179,74 kg/day. Existing reduction of solid waste in source and transfer station are 158,1 kg/day and 472,53 kg/day. The reduction potential of non-residential solid waste is based on the optimal recovery factor. Reduction potential with composting and recycling activities are 3.668,31 kg/day and 694,67 kg/day.

Recovering and Characterizing Phenolic Compounds From Citrus By-Product: A Way Towards Agriculture of Subsistence and Sustainable Bioeconomy

The valorization of citrus processing waste has a great potential for transition toward a bioeconomy. Hence, the objective of this study was to characterize the phenolic composition profile recovered from the citrus solid waste and its related in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Solid waste residues remaining after the juice extraction process of three citrus species, C. aurantium, C. sinensis and C. reticulata were extracted with maceration with hydroethanol mix. Our findings showed that the highest levels of polymethoxyflavones were found in C. sinensis waste extracts, while O-glycosylpolymethoxylated flavonoids were highly accumulated in C. aurantium residue extracts. Luteolin 7-O glucoside, rutin, and myricetin were identified as dominant metabolites of the residue extracts from C. aurantium, C. reticulata and C. sinensis, respectively. Based on relative antioxidant capacity index (RACI) and global antioxidant score (GAS) measurements, the solid waste extracts of C. aurantium exhibited the strongest antioxidant potential. C. aurantium waste extracts were the most active against Gram-positive bacteria and F. oxysporum fungus, while, C. reticulata waste extracts were the most effective against Gram-negative bacteria and the three pathogenesis fungi: B. subtilis, C. albicans and A. flavus. C. sinensis exhibited the highest antifungal activity against A. niger. Correlation analysis highlighted a positive correlation between Gram-positive bacteria and the content in glycosylated metabolites in one hand, and between Gram-negative bacteria and flavonoids in another hand.

Seasonal changes in bulk density-based waste identification and its dominant controlling subcomponents in food waste

Bulk density is an effective evaluation criterion for food and residual household solid waste (HSW) source separation accuracy, but the effect of seasonal components on its variation is unknown. The objective was to accurately determine seasonal variation in bulk-density based waste identification and to ascertain the dominant controlling subcomponents in food waste leading to seasonal variation. A total of 540 bagged wastes were collected in Beijing in August and December representing summer and winter half year. Low-valued food and residual waste were the primary categories, accounting for 60% and 35% of HSW, respectively. Average residual waste threshold was <114 kg/m3, irrespective of season, with good homogeneity (p=1.000). For food waste, winter thresholds were all lower than summer in investigated communities, appearing relatively seasonal difference (p=0.102), so they were divided into two: >193 kg/m3 in winter and >211 kg/m3 in summer. Mixed waste thresholds were 114-193 and 114-211 kg/m3 in winter and summer, respectively. Moreover, the pericarp moisture remarkably changes with season (p<0.005) while other subcomponents remain unaffected. Frequency distribution of pericarp species further indicate a higher frequency of watermelon pericarp in summer leads to greater food waste moisture than in winter, and therefore significant bulk density threshold differences between seasons. Understanding seasonal change in bulk density identification provides a theoretical basis for ‘intelligent supervision trashcan’ application in various climate areas across China, further realizing more efficient residual and food waste resource recovery.

Use of GIS and Moran's I to support residential solid waste recycling in the city of Annaba, Algeria.

Urban planners require an understanding of the composition as well as the spatial distribution of household solid waste (HSW) components to design policies for various wards of a city. This paper aims to study the composition as well as the spatial dependency of the HSW components generated by the wards forming Annaba city in Algeria. The results of the HSW composition have revealed the high content of the organic matters which represents 50%, the textiles with 13.6%, and the plastics with 10% of the total quantity; the rest of the composition was 5.9% of paper and paperboard, 3% of metals, and 1% of glass. Furthermore, the result of the global and the local Moran indexes calculated and mapped through the ArcGIS 10.7 software shows that there is an evident spatial dependency for almost all the HSW components. Thus, 18% of the total quantity is produced by clustered wards, which propose the segregation of individual waste components at the source as an efficient way to support the reuse, recovery, and recycling. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have revealed that 60% of the emissions are the methane produced from the landfill, and 30% is due to the open burning in the air of waste.

Pyrolysis of solid waste residues from Lemon Myrtle essential oils extraction for bio-oil production

Solid waste residues from the extraction of essential oils are projected to increase and need to be treated appropriately. Valorization of waste via pyrolysis can generate value-added products, such as chemicals and energy. The characterization of lemon myrtle residues (LMR) highlights their suitability for pyrolysis, with high volatile matter and low ash content. Thermogravimetric analysis/derivative thermogravimetric revealed the maximum pyrolytic degradation of LMR at 335 °C. The pyrolysis of LMR for bio-oil production was conducted in a fixed-bed reactor within a temperature range of 350–550 °C. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that the bio-oil contained abundant amounts of acetic acid, phenol, 3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, 1,2-benzenediol, guaiacol, 2-furanmethanol, and methyl dodecanoate. An increase in pyrolysis temperature led to a decrease in organic acid and ketones from 18.09% to 8.95% and 11.99% to 8.75%, respectively. In contrast, guaiacols and anhydrosugars increased from 24.23% to 30.05% and from 3.57% to 7.98%, respectively.

Application of pyrolysis to remove hydrogen from an organic nuclear waste

The work deals with the removal by slow pyrolysis of epoxy resin from samples of spent nuclear fuel embedded in this polymer. Beyond the nuclear field, epoxy resin removal by pyrolysis is a typical issue for the recovery of metals in electronic waste. The main objective is to find the optimal conditions to remove hydrogen in the residual solid waste, in order to avoid hydrogen production by radiolysis during storage and so to prevent any risk of overpressure and explosion. The condensable pyrolysis products (tar-water mixture) and the char were characterised and quantified by elemental analyses, while the permanent gases were quantified by gas chromatography. A data reconciliation method was applied to adjust the values of raw measurements in order to complete the mass balances for both C, H, O and N elements and pyrolysis products. After studying the impact of temperature on the pyrolysis balance, experiments on a pilot furnace were conducted at 450 °C, in the frame of a parametric study of the heating rate, argon gas flow rate, resin mass and plateau time. At fixed temperature, we show that the plateau time is the only significant parameter for minimizing the residual hydrogen content in the char.

Mathematical Modeling of the Process of the Gas Generation and Gas Purification of the Biogas on Polygon of Residential Solid Waste

The article presents the prospects of using biogas fuel. Mathematical model of processes proceeding at the gas purification in amine installation unit has been developed. A software package has been proposed that allows to determine the quantitative yield of methane, design and thermal insulation characteristics of a biogas reactor by anthropogenic load. We determine the main parameters and energy efficiency of the biogas plant for the conditions of the Saratov, efficiency of energy-saving measures at the biogas fuel usage is shown. The practical significance of the work lies in the use of the developed model in the design of anaerobic reactors on polygon of residential solid waste (RSW), small settlements and microdistricts distant from other sources of energy supply.

English

Waste management authorities have adopted different strategies at different times in managing waste in Nigeria. In spite of the various efforts put in place, municipal solid waste remains one of the most conspicuous and repugnant environmental problems that threaten the Nigerian city. This paper examines the challenges and opportunities of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in residential solid waste management in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data for the study were obtained from the Oyo State Solid Waste Management Authority (OYOWMA). Findings revealed that the commonly-generated wastes were organic wastes and there existed a mismatch between waste generation and collection. Between 2012 and 2015, city waste managers collected and transported 2,411,145.78 metric tonnes of waste to the four dumpsites in Ibadan. The dumpsites&rsquo; locations were sub-optimal, surrounded by sprawling neighbourhoods due to inadequacy in urban planning and enforcement of development control. This has adverse effects on the well-being of residents. Municipal solid waste management is capital-intensive and the decline in budgetary allocations to waste management necessitated the PPP user-charges arrangement. This intervention notwithstanding, indiscriminate dumping of wastes continued to be cheap means of disposing of solid wastes, with implications for drainage system and flooding. Waste sorting, recycling and conversion should be given adequate consideration and the informal waste managers should be mainstreamed into the urban waste management architecture.&nbsp; &nbsp; Key words: Private waste contractors, Oyo State Solid Waste Management Authority, residential solid waste, informal waste collectors, dumpsite, Ibadan. &nbsp

Characterization of Power Plant Residue Using Various Spectroscopic Techniques for Recycling Valuable Metals

We successfully developed an optimized fast detection system based on an orthogonal double-pulse laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (ODPLIPS) system for quantitative analysis of valuable heavy metals like vanadium (V) and nickel (Ni) content in fuel power plant residue (PPR). The goal of this study was to investigate the existence of precious elements locally found in nine different kinds of fuel power plant residues and to pay attention to the mining industry towards exploration recycling of these reserves. Those metals were taken from the PPR as a solid waste residue for industrial recycling. The investigated composition analysis by employing the calibration of the LIPS scheme is established on the registered collection spectra of the plasma flare generated by the laser beam in air pressure. We prepared standard matrices in a known concentration in the PPR sample to draw the standard calibration curves for each element, as well as by utilizing a tactic based on the intense lines emission of the elements of interest as quantitative analysis. Those precious elements that exist in the PPR were exactly identified using the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and an orthogonal double-pulse-LIPS (ODPLIPS) systems. A combination of UV-NIR lasers of our double-pulse (DP-LIPS) system was employed under a similar adjustment condition to raise the signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio relative to the single-pulse (SP-LIPS) scheme. Several measurements were widely adjusted to elongate the plasma lifetime and to improve the sensitivity of the 266–1064 nm spectra. To overcome the difficulty of insufficient sensitivity in the SP-LIPS or CFLIPS manner for identification of the sample and to achieve a larger atomized mass, larger emitting volume, higher plasma temperature, and a lower detection limit, a double-pulse variant for vaporization of the sample were applied in our study. By using the ODPLIPS excitation technique, the intensity of both spectral lines Ni(II) 221.65 and V(II) 294.45 nm were enhanced by nearly 4 and 5 times, respectively at laser pulse energy (LPE) ratio (E2/E1 = 3) as compared to the SP signal that could help the analytical performance of the LIPS system in terms of increasing sensitivity and reducing self-absorption effects for PPR pellets. The preferable of the ODPLIPS scheme over the SP-LIPS scheme results from the suppression of molecular bands and improving the relative intensity of the spectral lines, which makes it favorable for enhancing the sensitivity of the LIPS determination in PPR. Several experimental parameters of ODPLIPS geometry like the periodic interval between the data acquisition and the excitation pulse laser (ICCD gate delay, td = 200 ns), the LPE ratio (E2 = 3 times E1) and the inter-pulse separation between the couple laser pulses (Δt = 800 ns) have been optimized to improve the SNR and sensitivity of our detection system and to achieve the best detection limit. For better understanding, the basis of the measured LIPS signal enlargement, the spatial evolution of the plasma temperature and density along the direction of the plasma plume expansion of the separated distance from the pressed sample surface was also measured for both SP-LIPS and ODPLIPS schemes. The calibration curves were employed to quantify the Ni and V concentration that exists in the PPR samples. Furthermore, the LIPS outcome accuracy in evaluating the V and Ni concentration in PPR was validated using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) system. The predicted LIPS outcomes were found in complete harmony with the ICP-OES outcomes. The predictable limit of detection of our ODPLIPS system for V and Ni heavy metals was observed to be about 12.58, and 14.75 mg/kg, respectively. The proposed protocols elucidated that the brilliant profit of ODPLIPS for identifying valuable V and Ni metals present in the PPR sample and for examining the quality and purity of recovering metal manufactures.

Treatment of spent ion exchange resins: Comparison between hydrothermal and acid leaching processes

Ion exchange resins (IERs) are used to treat radioactive liquid effluents from nuclear industry. Today, the management of spent IERs as nuclear waste is an issue. We propose here the use of hydrothermal and leaching treatments to transfer radioactivity from organic solid phase to aqueous phase, in order to connect to existing outlet systems. Co, Cs, Sr and Eu were chosen as α and βγ radionuclide surrogates. The efficiency of the treatment was assessed in terms of extraction yields and contaminant concentrations in wastewaters. The highest extraction efficiencies of 90–100 % were obtained in supercritical water in batch and semi-dynamic mode in the presence of oxidant. In subcritical conditions, yields adequate are lower but suitable with the disposal criteria for the residual solid waste. Complete extraction was also achieved by leaching with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solutions. The optimal choice between all these processes is therefore discussed with regards to the requirements of effluent treatment plant including post-treatment steps such as coprecipitation and advanced oxidation.

A systemic approach to integrated sustainable solid waste management through community engagement: A case study of Tan Deaw sub-district, Saraburi province

The recent residue solid waste management has become a significant global concern. Due to the increase of population, the economic growth and the urban expansion, the number of solid waste has heavily risen. However, there are still lack of an appropriated solid waste management. According to Tan Deaw soild waste survey report in 2019 (Regional Environmental Office 7 Saraburi, 2018), it revealed that Tan Deaw sub-district has been facing critical solid waste management issues. This area produced 9.41 metric tons per day, while the appropriated solid waste disposal management was less than 40 percent and residue waste remains around 2,000 MTs. Therefore, the objectives of this research are to develop learning community and public awareness towards the appropriated solid waste disposal management, including 3Rs principle, to develop the systemic solid waste management strategies with the engagement from all stakeholders, and to promote and support collaborative activities among local people in the community and the concerned stakeholders in the solid waste management. A systemic approach, through participatory action research between Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) (Checkland & Scholes, 1990; Checkland & Poulter, 2006) and Critical Systems Heuristic (CSH) (Ulrich, 1983), is a significant application for structuring the process of collecting perspective from all stakeholders, exploring the key problems of solid waste management, and finding out strategies to address the key problems in Tan-Deaw solid waste management afterwards. Root definitions and models were generated by stakeholders for two activity systems identified by them for attention: Activities promoting knowledge about solid waste sorting and a community waste bank. The findings explored the seven strategies to address Tan-Deaw solid waste management problems in two aspects. This research contributes to both theoretical and practical contributions. In terms of the theoretical contribution, the application of systemic approach conducts a significant knowledge surrounding solid waste management problem solving. Regarding the practical implication, the strategies will address the solid waste problems and barriers in the area with the cooperation of all concerned stakeholders.

Towards the Use of Waste Expanded Polystyrene as Potential Modifier for Flexible Road Pavements

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) or Styrofoam is popularly used in the industry, as packaging and construction materials, as well as in household appliances. Nevertheless, its waste (WEPS) causes residual solid waste problem. This study aimed at utilizing WEPS as performance enhancing additives for road paving applications. One base AP-5 asphalt was mixed with various percentages of WEPS (e.g., 0, 3, 6, 9 wt. %). The properties of unmodified and WEPS-modified asphalts were assessed through Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thin layer chromatography-ionization detection (TLC-FID), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Findings disclosed that WEPS addition increased the resins concentration in the asphalt matrix, but did not affect its crystalline phase structure. SEM revealed that WEPS was compatible with asphalt binder. TGA and DSC analyses demonstrated that the thermal properties of blends behaved differently in response to WEPS treatment. Taken as a whole, the present research suggests that WEPS could be used as a bitumen modifier; however, further work is needed to add more credibility to this claim