Framework For Solid Waste Management Research Articles

Unravelling the Environmental Challenges: a State-of-the-Art Review of the Legal Framework of Solid Waste Management in Metropolitan Cities of India

Abstract This article provides insights into the challenges and current state of solid waste management in metropolitan cities of India. It emphasizes the importance of legal regulations in ensuring effective waste management to address environmental concerns. This research highlights the need for coordinated efforts among public authorities, adopting technologically advanced best practices globally, and incorporating Waste Hierarchy and Circular Economy concepts for efficient waste management. By addressing challenges like poor community engagement, understaffing, and political interference, the article underscores the significance of robust legal frameworks and strategic policies to mitigate environmental impacts and improve waste management practices in metropolitan cities. Recommendations include enhancing transparency in environmental information, establishing sustainable waste management systems, improving legislation, and promoting stakeholder engagement.

Whole‐process and multi‐stakeholder‐based solid waste management framework construction for industrial parks: Toward circular economy development

AbstractThe intensive generation of industrial solid waste (ISW) in industrial parks poses a severe threat to the water and soil environment. To address the lack of system‐level guidance strategies for ISW management (ISWM), the paper proposes a systematic ISWM framework within the context of the circular economy principle and applies it to a prominent eco‐industrial park in China. This framework is founded on the metabolic characteristics of the entire ISW process, supported by multi‐stakeholder cooperation, and guaranteed by a shareable information platform and infrastructure. A holistic ISW flow analytical process is introduced to facilitate the implementation of this framework. In the case study, a high‐resolution inventory of ISW is established by 157 enterprises in 2021, covering 116 types of general ISW and 61 types of hazardous waste (HW). By integrating material flow analysis, questionnaires, and interviews, this study quantitatively reveals the underperformance of mini‐scale HW recycling, with a recycling rate of 5.6% in 2021, well below the park‐wide rate of 50.8%. Collaborative inboundary and transboundary disposal emerges as a crucial direction for ISWM, with over 80% of ISW being disposed of outside the park. Following the implementation of circular economy strategies guided by the management framework, notable improvements are observed, including a 26.5% increase in the recycling rate of mini‐scale HW and a 13.5% increase in the proportion of disposal outside Beijing. To foster sustainable ISWM, this study recommends enhancing the decentralized infrastructure of collection–storage–transportation integration for mini‐scale ISW in industrial parks. The developed management framework provides valuable insights and guidance for park‐specific ISWM strategies.

A sustainable solid waste management framework for Egyptian cities based on synthesis the integrated solid waste management approach and urban environmental governance tool : Applying on New Damietta city

A sustainable solid waste management framework for Egyptian cities based on synthesis the integrated solid waste management approach and urban environmental governance tool : Applying on New Damietta city

Developing a Sustainable Integrated Solid Waste Management Framework for Rural Hospitals in Chirumanzu District, Zimbabwe

Developing a Sustainable Integrated Solid Waste Management Framework for Rural Hospitals in Chirumanzu District, Zimbabwe

Cooperative environmental governance in urban South Asia: implications for municipal waste management and waste-to-energy

This paper critically discusses the importance of cooperative environmental governance (CEG) for efficient waste management and waste-to-energy (WtE) generation in the context of growing urban South Asia. Focusing on Bangladesh, India and Pakistan experiences, the paper reveals that even though much progress has been done in the urbanisation in the selected countries, the process of waste management (mainly municipal solid waste) has not been effective due to low level of local inclusion. As a result, the WtE generation potential has not been realised to its fullest. In addition, it has been argued that institutional and social reforms are extremely important for strengthening the CEG, and it will eventually lead to effective and optimal WtE generation in the urban cities of the selected South Asian countries for green transition and urban sustainability. Finally, an integrated solid waste management framework has been formulated for policy implications in South Asia.

Critical analysis of waste management systems utilizing a performance assessment and optimization model

The management of solid waste has been recognized as the cornerstone for sustainable development and closed loop circular economy models. Moreover, solid waste management is at the forefront of initiatives seeking to cut greenhouse gas emissions. This research stems from the limited success that solid waste management programs have had in the context of developing countries and the need to overcome the obstacles and impediments hampering the implementation of a sustainable solid waste management framework. It aims to facilitate the optimization process of the applied technical, operational, and managerial schemes, streamline sustainable practices and close the circularity gap that currently exists in waste management taking Lebanon as a case example. Accordingly, a performance assessment and optimization tool was developed to evaluate the administrative, environmental, and operational performance of 27 unions of municipalities and large municipalities encompassing more than 90 villages/cities. The model compares different technologies based on a set of user defined constraints and groups municipalities and operational facilities into four classes: (A) Superior, (B) Satisfactory, (C) Poor, and (D) No service. The excessive amounts of disposal rates, failure in the adoption of a comprehensive solid waste management framework, the absence of a contingency plan, and the consistent reliance on ad hoc strategies for handling solid waste characterized the sector in Lebanon. A thorough analysis of the various waste management systems revealed that none could be classified as “superior”, with the ratings of most schemes compounded in the lower end of the spectrum.

Study of Influencing Factors of Domestic Solid Waste Management in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

Purpose: The study is on the influencing factors of domestic solid waste management in Abuja targeted at investigating and studying the factors influencing domestic solid waste management in Abuja, Historically, the amount of wastes generated by human population was insignificant mainly due to the low population densities, coupled with the fact that there was very little exploitation of natural resources. The problem associated with the management of solid waste in most urban cities in Nigeria, like Abuja, does not completely appear to be a problem of absence of legislative framework for solid waste management owing to the fact that at Federal, States, and Local governments levels, there exist some form of sanitation legislations or the other, but some other factors have come to play with the crises experienced in the management of wastes in the Nigerian urban centers.
 Methodology: The research procedures involve the following: research design, population of the study, sample and sampling techniques, instrumentation, validation of the instrument, administration of the instrument and data analysis techniques.
 Findings: The result of the study to determine the social factor affecting the management of domestic waste: Location have great effect on waste management, not that everyone should leave in that location, but amenities available in that location should be considered in other locations too. There’s is inadequate waste bin located across the location of study. To determine the economic factor affecting the management of domestic waste: The key economic factor affecting waste management is the poor economy of the nation. Poor or bad technological concept lack of facilities, insufficient man power and more affect the waste management. To determine the natural factors affecting household waste management in Abuja: Top on the natural factor that affects solid waste management in Abuja is the wind, topography and flooding. Which made the management of this waste difficult by the waste management companies. Rain have a slight stand out as during rainy seasons waste management team don’t go into all sessions to extract waste.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Further finding solving the research questions shows that the social status of Abuja residence affects the disposal of waste. The lack of finance or poor economic condition result to poor waste management. Some natural element has significance on waste management in Abuja. Some other factor that have significant effect on household waste management, e.g. corruption, bad economy, lack of sensitization and lack of funds. Furthermore, waste reuse will not be out of place hence the territory moves closer to a zero waste level, where all said waste are recycled and reused by the host communities.

Moving towards a circular economy model through I4.0 to accomplish the SDGs

In this study, we propose a Blockchain enabled Municipal Solid Waste Management Framework (SoGReIn Framework©) which will return benefits to the Consumers with corporate participation under Extended Producer’s Responsibility Protocol. This inclusive approach will require integrated efforts from Corporates, citizens, Government, NGOs, technocrats, academicians and the waste pickers. The benefits of the model can also be shared by all the stakeholders. The study is based on the insights received from exploring the experiences of some of the exemplar large residential housing communities located in the metropolitan cities in India who have undertaken voluntary efforts in segregating, recycling and reusing various types of wastes generated at the household level and converting them into resources. It further discusses how with the help of new age technology such efforts can help in negotiating corporate participation and help in the reduction of the consumption of plastic wastes. The model, thus suggested can help in furthering the attainment of multiple UN Sustainable Development goals.

Mangroves in the “Plasticene”: High exposure of coastal mangroves to anthropogenic litter pollution along the Central-West coast of India

Anthropogenic litter is a ubiquitous stressor in the global ocean, and poses ominous threats to oceanic biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. At the terrestrial-ocean interface, tropical mangrove forests are subject to substantial exposure to mismanaged litter from inland and marine sources. While the effects of litter in different marine ecosystems are well-documented, research on the ecological consequences of litter pollution on mangroves remain nascent stage. Here, we investigated anthropogenic litter concentration, composition, probable sources, and impact on coastal mangroves along the Central West coast of India. The mean concentration of trapped litter was measured 8.5 ± 1.9 items/m2 (ranged 1.4 ̶ 26.9 items/m2), and 10.6 ± 0.5 items/tree (ranged 0 ̶ 85 items/tree) on the mangrove floor and mangrove canopy, respectively. Plastic dominated 83.02 % of all litter deposited on the mangrove forest floor and 93.4 % of all entangled litter on mangrove canopy. Most litter comprised single-use plastic products across all surveyed locations. Mangrove floor cleanliness was assessed using several indices, such as Clean Coast Index, General Index, Hazardous Items Index, and Pollution Load Index, reiterating an inferior cleanliness status. The pollution load index indicates “Hazard level I" plastic pollution risk across the mangroves. Litter concentration differed markedly across all sites. However, a significantly higher concentration of stranded litter was detected in the densely populated urban agglomeration and rural areas with inadequate solid waste management. Probable sources of litter indicate land-based (local) and sea-originated (fishing). Supportive information on the transport and accumulation of marine litter is examined based on the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System (CFS) model version 2 reanalysis of surface wind and current pattern across the Arabian Sea followed by MIKE simulated tide-induced coastal current. Mangrove pneumatophores and branches were found to be damaged by entangled plastics. Hence, determining litter quantum and their probable input source is pivotal in mitigating anthropogenic litter impact on mangrove ecosystems and fostering mangrove conservation. Overall, results envisage that stringent enforcement, implementation of an integrated solid waste management framework, and general behavioral change of the public are crucial to mitigate litter/plastic pollution.

Development of a regional solid waste management framework and its application to a prairie province in central Canada

• Waste collection and landfill siting are concurrently optimized at regional level. • Two original performance indicators, ACC and LMI, are proposed and implemented. • Road length is one of the most important optimization parameters in Saskatchewan. • Divisions that share provincial or international borders generally optimized better. • Indigenous communities in border sharing divisions need better landfill siting plan. Landfilling continues to be one of the most popular waste treatment methods in Canada or abroad. NIMBYism has forced waste facilities to be sited further from populated centers, meaning that increases in waste management efficiency result in considerable cost savings. Concurrent optimization of waste collection and disposal siting on a regional scale is of practical importance. This study combines collection route optimization and landfill siting using GIS methods to design a regional waste management system in Saskatchewan, Canada. Two original performance indicators are proposed based on route optimization and landfill siting, namely the accessibility (ACC) and Landfill Minimization Index (LMI). The result suggest that the accessibility was able to be improved by between 15.4 and 794.7%, and the optimization methods was always effective in providing higher resident accessibility. Improvements in the LMI yielded less improvement, ranging from -13.9% to +422.2%. Correlation analysis showed that road length is a key optimization parameter. This finding is important to Indigenous communities who suffer from a lack of intensified road network. Divisions that share provincial or international borders generally have higher improvements in ACC and LMI. Strategic placement of landfills and road networks are key to improve waste management system efficiency in Saskatchewan.

Environmental Sustainability Framework for Plastic Waste Management—a Case Study of Bubble Tea Industry in Malaysia

Economic growth and rapid industrialisation have led to enormous increase in municipal solid waste (MSW). Lack of waste management alternatives and ineffective waste policy implementation are the major challenges for government to materialise a sustainable solid waste management framework, especially for plastic waste. Booming of the food and beverage (F&B) industry has aggravated the situation by generating more plastic waste with no economic values. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the overall environmental performance of existing and alternative waste management technologies that are available in Malaysia based on net greenhouse gas (GHG) emission in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kg CO2-eq) per tonne of plastic waste that are analysed through life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. LCA result has proven that Scenario B (waste to energy (WTE) incineration) is more environmentally preferable as it had a negative net GHG emission of − 573.80 kg CO2-eq as compared to GHG emission of existing Scenario A (sanitary landfill) of 566.15 kg CO2-eq. Negative net GHG emission in WTE incineration was mainly due to higher GHG saving achieved through cleaner electricity generation as compared to conventional power production. This alternative technology was proven to have the potential to reduce the dependence on landfills and is served as the basis of environmental sustainability framework development for plastic waste management based on case study in Malaysia. This framework can be served as the baseline for the local authorities or policy makers for other plastic waste generation hotspots other than bubble tea industry to improve plastic waste management via WTE incineration.

Understanding the barriers to sustainable solid waste management in society 5.0 under uncertainties: a novelty of socials and technical perspectives on performance driving.

This study contributes to identifying a valid and reliable set of barriers to sustainable solid waste management framework rooted in society 5.0 perspectives in Taiwan. The SSWM-related causal interrelationships within the proposed hierarchical structure, and critical barriers for the practical improvement and enhancement of SSWM performance are identified as preference enriching both literature and practices. In nature, the hierarchical structure is with the causal interrelationships under uncertainties. The perspective empowers the creation of a new biosphere based on technological progress, but in the sustainable solid waste management field, it is difficult to encounter and shape the systematized processes due to barriers and challenges. To address this shortcoming, this study evaluates the technical challenges faced in the field of sustainable solid waste management toward society 5.0. The valid attributes are usually described the qualitative information. The fuzzy Delphi method is applied to acquire the valid and reliable attributes. Fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory experiment is to visualize the causal interrelationships among the attributes. Choquet integral with respect to the nonadditive attributes over the valid set provides an overall perspective function. The results establish an understanding of sustainable solid waste management barriers in the perspectives under uncertainties. Community uncertainty, policy and regulation problems, city architecture, and technology interaction are the factors that influence sustainable performance. In practices, (1) diverse disciplines and sectors in local, national, and global communities; (2) a lack of mobility and reliability; (3) mass production and mass consumption; (4) an insufficient level of artificial intelligence application; and (5) failures related to data management and security hinder the improvement of sustainable solid waste management toward society 5.0. The social and technical perspectives are indicated as the top priorities to improve SSWM performance.

Face mask waste generation and management during the COVID-19 pandemic: An overview and the Peruvian case

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has driven massive consumption of personal protective equipment (PPE) worldwide. Single-use face masks are one of the most used PPE to prevent the transmission of the virus. However, mismanagement of such materials threatens the environment with a new form of plastic pollution. Researchers argue that it is necessary to develop and implement innovative ways to manage and recycle PPE in order to reduce their impacts on the environment. In the present work, we have reviewed and discussed the recent development of sustainable face mask alternatives and recycling and repurposing routes under the COVID-19 pandemic context. Moreover, we have conducted estimations of the daily face mask waste generation in Peru, a developing country struggling with a poor solid waste management framework and infrastructure. Unlike previous studies, our equation incorporates the “economically active population” variable in order to provide more precise estimations, while evaluating single-use and reusable scenarios. The scenarios of incorporating reusable face masks significantly reduced the amount of solid waste generated in Peru. In situ evidence shows that face masks are polluting the streets and beaches of Peru, probably driven by mismanagement and poor environmental awareness.

Evaluation of waste dynamics at the local level: The search for a new paradigm in national waste management

With the global proliferation of waste, many countries are seeking new ways to effectively manage waste generation. An integrated waste management strategy often incorporates a participatory approach involving the communities in the waste disposal and management process. One key area to achieving an integrated solid waste management framework is through an understanding of the waste disposal dynamics of municipal communities. This study presents a qualitative assessment of waste characterisation, household waste management, willingness to recycle and waste management policy for a municipal region in Guyana. The surveys were conducted in municipal administrative Region 10 using a combination of a community survey of illegal dumpsites and an online survey of residents perspectives. Analysis of waste characterisation was presented using spatial mapping and distribution counts. Statistical analysis was conducted using binary logistic regression modelling. Models show several households utilizing illegal dumping grounds in response to inefficient waste collection services. Statistical modelling shows the willingness to recycle is high in the community especially amongst middle-aged women but potentially constrained by the lack of recycling facilities. The country seeks a new paradigm in the policy environment for solid waste. Understanding the challenges and needs of the individual municipalities of a country will provide the insight needed to achieve this paradigm.

Assessment of urban solid waste management systems for Industry 4.0 technology interventions and the circular economy.

The ongoing fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0 (I4.0), is transforming various industries across the globe. At the same time, resource scarcity with high consumption rates has led to the development of the circular economy. Both concepts advocate for sustainable growth and waste minimization. In developing countries, the integrated solid waste management framework is undergoing modification under I4.0 and the circular economy. Urban local bodies are often unable to measure the readiness of their waste management systems to transform under I4.0 and the circular economy. Here the novel concept of Waste 4.0 is developed. 'Waste 4.0' is a readiness assessment tool to promote the comprehensive transformation of municipal solid waste management under I4.0 and circular economy. This tool has eight determinants for assessing the municipal solid waste management of urban local bodies. To validate Waste 4.0 the urban local bodies of Indore and Sagar, India were used as case studies. The readiness index for I4.0 in the municipal solid waste management system in Indore and Sagar was 0.72 and 0.14, respectively. The readiness index for circular economy focus in Indore and Sagar was 0.65 and 0.13, respectively. The Indore urban local body was classified as an 'Experienced' player for I4.0 Intervention and a 'circular economy fast adopter' for circular economy focus under I4.0 readiness. The Sagar urban local body was classified as a 'Hesitator' player for I4.0 Intervention and achieved the 'Business as usual' tag for circular economy focus under I4.0 readiness. With the Waste 4.0 assessment results urban local bodies can better plan and thus transform their municipal solid waste management systems under I4.0 and the circular economy.

Decision support framework for solid waste management based on sustainability criteria: A case study of tailings pond cover systems

Abstract Tailings are one of the major categories of industrial waste, the disposal of which is problematic from an environmental viewpoint. The weathering of sulfide bearing waste materials commonly generates acidity and dissolved metals in the environment creating acid mine drainage (AMD). Typically, the chosen reclamation solutions emphasize low construction costs over environmental and technical sustainability challenging decision making. The aim of this work was to develop a framework for analysis of alternative cover scenarios with multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) applied for the purpose. The case study comprised totally 10 criteria and five different cover structure options: moraine-based cover, biofuel fly ash/steel slag cover, stabilization with ordinary Portland cement or with composite binder, and use of an advanced hardpan cover liner (AHCL) system. The proposed methodological approach provides the structural steps of MCDA process to compare and contextually evaluate the economic, technical and social-ecological implications of cover alternatives. Modified Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied as a MCDA approach for structuring complex problems and assisting decision makers to choose the best alternative among a discrete set of scenarios. Differing preferences of the stakeholders were resolved by synthetizing the conflicting weightings in the beginning of the analysis. Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) was used to evaluate the social-ecological impacts of emissions, energy demand and impact to human health. Overall, the results from this study show that when considering total sustainability, the AHCL was preferred over the other alternatives when the weighting of the main technical, social-ecological and economic criteria was equal (33%). The weighting of main criteria and consequently sub-criteria impacts the ranking order of compared solutions. Decision making comprising viewpoints of different stakeholders is important when evaluating sustainability criteria. Higher weighting of social-ecological and technical criteria (50%) favored stabilization with composite binder while higher weighting (50%) of costs favored moraine cover. The proposed framework can process competing and conflicting objectives in addition to quantitative and qualitative criteria, hence providing a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to complex problems. The results from this project can help to develop sustainable remediation strategies to reduce the environmental risks associated with mine wastes.

Solid Waste Management and the Practice Open Dumping in Brazil: Lessons Learnt from the State of Santa Catarina

In the context of several complex global issues that challenge modern societies, the large-scale generation of solid waste and its inadequate disposal are rather intricate problems that threaten not only human livelihoods but also the life on the planet. More specifically, the practice of open dumping, which concerns to the illegal use of irregular sites for waste disposal, characterized by the absence of adequate environmental and health standards, is considered a global health an environmental emergency, demanding urgent action from Governments and individuals. Given that, this paper aims at providing a brief overview of the solid waste management scenario in Brazil, giving emphasis to the issue of open dumping and the challenges in tackling this problem. More specifically, it seeks to analyze the case of the State of Santa Catarina as a success story of deactivation of irregular dumpsites. The paper is therefore divided into three main sections. The first contextualizes the issue of solid waste and open dumping in Brazil. The second, explores the Brazilian framework for solid waste management, especially the National Policy for Solid Waste. Finally, the third discusses the successful case of Santa Catarina. All in all, it was possible to conclude that the Brazilian legislation on waste management is very progressive and address the issue with a systemic approach, which is one of the essential elements to achieve a sound waste management. Reforming the Brazilian infrastructure to better manage the waste produced, closing all open dumpsites and building proper landfills, are other crucial elements in transforming the country’s system, being the case of Santa Catarina an empirical proof of the fundamentality of the adoption of a systemic approach.

Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Sports Events: A Case Study of Football Matches in Thailand

The International Olympic Committee has adopted Agenda 21 as a countermeasure to the environmental impact caused by sports events. This research addresses its lack of a concrete solid waste management framework by investigating solid waste generated, collected and sorted by the football stadiums in the Thai Premier League. The participation behaviors of spectators were examined by means of a structured questionnaire along with in-depth interviews with key stakeholders in solid waste management. In addition, relevant policies were reviewed. Results suggest that due to the lack of waste separation, less than 15% of the recyclable waste at stadiums proceed to recycling, with the rest going to landfills in the form of commingled solid waste. Carbon dioxide emissions corresponding to the waste produced was estimated by the IPCC’s first-order decay method. Field observations suggest that recycling can be increased by means of a prior-sorting behavior, and this was confirmed by the spectator survey. In-depth interviews with key stakeholders underlined the lack of proper incentives, regulations and environmental awareness to support proper solid waste management. We propose a sustainable solid waste management framework comprised of responsive policies, incentives and public participation focusing on the current deficiencies of solid waste management and increasing opportunities for resource recovery and recycling at sporting events.

Integrated solid waste management in megacities

Rapid urbanization and industrialization, population growth and economic growth in developing countries make management of municipal solid waste more complex comparing with developed countries. Furthermore, the conventional municipal solid waste management approach often is reductionists, not tailored to handle complexity. Therefore, the need to a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach regarding the municipal solid waste management problems is increasing. The concept of integrated solid waste management is accepted for this aim all over the world. This paper analyzes the current situation as well as opportunities and challenges regarding municipal solid waste management in Isfahan according to the integrated solid waste management framework in six aspects: environmental, political/legal, institutional, socio-cultural, financial/economic, technical and performance aspects. Based on the results obtained in this analysis, the main suggestions for future integrated solid waste management of Isfahan are as i) promoting financial sustainability by taking the solid waste fee and reducing the expenses through the promoting source collection of recyclable materials, ii) improving compost quality and also marketing the compost products simultaneously, iii) promoting the private sector involvements throughout the municipal solid waste management system.

A preliminary study on the legal framework of solid waste management in Malaysia

A preliminary study on the legal framework of solid waste management in Malaysia