Sustainable Waste Management Research Articles

Agri-Food Management and Sustainable Practices: A Fuzzy Clustering Application Using the Galois Lattice

The objective of this study was to generate groups of agri-food producers with high affinity in relation to their sustainable waste management practices. The aim of conforming these groups is the development of synergies, knowledge management, and policy- and decision-making by diverse stakeholders. A survey was conducted among the most experienced farmers in the region of Nuevo Urecho, Michoacán, Mexico, and a total of eight variables relating to sustainable waste management practices, agricultural food loss, and the waste generated at each stage of the production process were examined. The retrieved data were treated using the maximum inverse correspondence algorithm and the Galois Lattice was applied to generate clusters of highly affine producers. The results indicate 163 possible elements that generate the power set, and 31 maximum inverse correspondences were obtained. At this point, it is possible to determine the maximum number of relationships, called affinities. In general, all 15 considered farmers shared the measure of revaluation of food waste and 90% of the farmers shared affinity in measures related to ecological care and the proper management of waste. A practical implication of this study is the conformation of highly affine clusters for both policy and strategic decision-making.

Developing a strategic plan for efficient management of industrial waste in the machinery sector at United Tractors Company

United Tractors Company prioritizes sustainable waste management practices. This study investigated their current system, aiming to identify opportunities for improvement in efficiency and environmental impact. The research focused on how effectively United Tractors manages their waste streams, from minimizing generation at the source to responsibly processing and disposing of unavoidable waste. The analysis revealed a successful integrated waste management system at United Tractors, encompassing practices like composting, recycling, and proper treatment of hazardous materials. This approach demonstrates their commitment to minimizing their environmental footprint. The study went beyond current practices, identifying promising advancements in waste processing technologies like gasification and bioethanol production. These techniques offer exciting possibilities for further reducing waste and potentially even generating valuable resources from waste materials. The effectiveness of United Tractors' system can be attributed to their comprehensive approach. The study conducted a detailed waste collection study to understand the composition and volume of waste generated across various departments. This data-driven approach allowed for a thorough cost analysis and an evaluation of the operational efficiency within the waste management system. Importantly, the study highlighted the potential benefits of incorporating advanced waste processing techniques for even greater sustainability in the future. While further feasibility studies are needed before full-scale implementation, these findings pave the way for United Tractors to develop and implement even more sustainable waste management practices in the coming years

Recycling potential of medical plastic waste

Medical plastic waste threatens the environment and human health if not properly handled and disposed of. This study used field visits, multi-criteria decision analysis, material testing, and data analysis to assess the feasibility of recycling medical plastic waste. The study identified medical plastic products (syringes, intravenous bags, and infusion sets) with high recyclability potential and proposed targeted recommendations for improving waste management practices. Medical plastic waste generation rates in kg/bed/day were 0.486 and 0.428. 55 kg/day and 5 kg/day of recyclable medical plastic waste are generated at KATH and KNUST hospitals, respectively. The contextual relevance of this research extends beyond the Ghanaian healthcare system, with implications for waste management practices in low and middle-income countries by contributing to the advancement of sustainable waste management practices.

Towards Greener Futures: Investigating the Nexus of Social, Human, and Institutional Capital in Sustainable Waste Management

Sustainable development is increasingly recognized for its reliance on grassroots, bottom-up practices embedded in local communities. The economic literature has tested various influencing factors on household behaviors, such as culture or social cohesion, often considering proxies of so-called “intangible capitals” separately. This article aims to jointly consider the pivotal role of three of these potential capitals that could have a trigger effect on pro-environmental behaviors, specifically, social capital (sc), human capital (hc), and institutional quality (iq). In particular, our study, by adopting a PVAR approach, analyzes if and to what extent sc, hc, and iq influence the priority goal of increasing waste-sorting practices in the 20 Italian regions. Additionally, rooted in a robust theoretical framework, we present an in-depth analysis, with the trend of impulses from statistically significant variables—having observed the important roles played by hc, sc, and particularly iq, as well as the control variables GDP per capita and population density—in increasing the percentage of waste sorting. This impulse analysis suggests for policy interventions that there would be immediate effects (1–2 years) due to the improvement of our intangible capitals, but also a short duration. This suggests the need for lasting and structural interventions.

High Added Value Products from Agroindustrial Residues: Study on Microfibrillated Cellulose for Food Applications

Waste composition range from simple sugars to complex polysaccharides such as starch, cellulose, and hemicellulose, including more complex sources such as lignin, lipids, and proteins. This composition suggests its use as raw materials that can potentially be valued by different techniques and used as resources for new food additives, leading to economic and environmental benefits. In this work, the extraction and production of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) as the way forward to valorise agroindustrial residues. The high surface area and aspect ratio, rheological behaviour, water absorption and absence of cytotoxic and genotoxic properties of MFC studied in the present study facilitate its use in food applications as stabilizing and texturizer agent. This work has two main goals: The first goal is the production of MFC using a method based on the combination of green chemical and mechanical pre-treatment of the feedstock followed by a disintegration process of the cellulose obtained from agroindustrial residues. The results revealed that the different MFC obtained have a quality comparable with commercial MFC, which is reported by the determination of the Quality Index (QI). QI values between 50 and 63 are obtained with the agroindustrial subproducts tested. The MFC was also characterized using several techniques such as FTIR, SEM and TGA. The second goal is the MFC validation as thickener agent in food (mayonnaise, peach nectar, strawberry syrup and puree apple). First, a rheological study was carried out to observe the MFC thixotropic behaviour. Second, to evaluate techno-functional properties in-vivo, MFC was compared in terms of functionality with the seven additives commonly used in the industry: tare gum, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, pectin, agar and gelatine. The results revealed that the sample with 0.1% MFC exhibited a reduced thixotropic behavior compared to the other samples (1, 1.5 and 2%). Compared with commercial gums, MFC exhibits the highest water activity (0.87 ± 0.00) and the most alkaline pH value (10.10 ± 0.01). In the in vivo dietary models, thermal stabilization values after 15 min at 85 °C indicate that gums perform better than MFC and carrageenan in mayonnaise stabilization. This study also reveals that gums are more effective in stabilizing the cloud, while gelatine or MFC-containing samples exhibit a higher cloud volume after 30 min of stabilization. Notably, the cloud suspension of peach nectar with MFC-containing samples compares favorably to the control without gums (20 to 40%). This comprehensive study underscores the potential of MFC as a versatile and eco-friendly alternative in food applications, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable waste management and environmentally conscious practices in the agroindustrial sector.Graphical

An Overview of Circular Economy Management Approach for Sustainable Construction and Demolish Waste Management

<p>The construction industry has been identified as a major contributor to environmental degradation, particularly through the generation of waste. Unsustainable production and consumption patterns in the construction industry have resulted in high amounts of waste, which is often disposed of in landfills. To address this challenge, a circular economy management approach has been proposed to achieve sustainable construction and demolition waste management. This review provides an overview of the circular economy management approach for sustainable management of construction and demolition waste. The circular economy management approach emphasizes the need to reduce waste generation and promote the reuse and recycling of materials. This approach also advocates the use of sustainable materials and the implementation of effective waste management practices throughout construction and demolition. The circular economy management approach to sustainable management of construction and demolition waste includes several key strategies, including adopting sustainable design and construction approaches, promoting reuse and recycling of materials as well as developing effective waste management systems. These strategies require the cooperation and involvement of all stakeholders in the construction and demolition process, including architects, contractors, developers, and waste management companies. The circular economy management approach offers a promising framework for achieving the goals of destructive waste management and sustainable construction. By promoting sustainable patterns of production and consumption, this approach can help reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry while generating economic benefits for stakeholders. However, successful implementation of this approach requires strong regulatory support and the willingness of all stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices.</p>

Evaluating centrifuged water treatment plant sludge as an adsorbent for nutrients, microorganisms, and heavy metals removal from wastewater

Achieving universal access to clean water, as mandated by SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, is crucial for supporting human health and environmental sustainability. Water treatment plants generate a by-product known as Water Treatment Plant Sludge (WTPS), comprising organic and inorganic substances. Traditionally, the disposal of WTPS poses environmental risks, including nutrient runoff and heavy metal contamination. This study investigates using centrifuged WTPS, without prior treatment, as an adsorbent to remove contaminants from treated wastewater, offering a sustainable waste management solution. Through comprehensive characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and geo-environmental parameter assessment, the research evaluates the adsorption efficacy of WTPS. A factorial design methodology facilitated the systematic examination of adsorption tests. Findings indicate that WTPS exhibits adsorption capacities for phosphorus (q = 0.2 mg g-1), Chemical Oxygen Demand (q = 1.1 mg g-1), and metals under specific conditions. Maximum removal efficiencies for total coliforms and Escherichia coli were achieved with extended contact times, showcasing WTPS's potential as a robust adsorbent. The research demonstrates that centrifuged WTPS can significantly reduce concentrations of metals such as Pb, Co, and Ni (100%), Al (96%), Cu (95%), and Fe (93%) in treated wastewater, presenting a promising approach for enhancing wastewater quality. However, the interaction between WTPS and wastewater resulted in an increased concentration of Mn in the effluent, highlighting the complex dynamics of adsorption processes. In conclusion, centrifuged WTPS emerges as a viable, cost-effective adsorbent, aligning with sustainable waste management practices and circular economy principles.

Versatile Hyper-Cross-Linked Polymers Derived from Waste Polystyrene: Synthesis, Properties, and Intentional Recycling.

Waste polystyrene contributes considerably to environmental pollution due to its persistent nature, prompting a widespread consensus on the urgent need for viable recycling solutions. Owing to the aromatic groups structure of polystyrene, hyper-cross-linked polymers can be synthesized through the Friedel-Crafts cross-linking reaction using Lewis acids as catalysts. In addition, hyper-cross-linked polystyrene and its carbonaceous counterparts can be used in several important applications, which helps in their efficient recycling. This review systematically explores methods for preparing multifunctional hyper-cross-linked polymers from waste polystyrene and their applications in sustainable recycling. We have comprehensively outlined various synthetic approaches for these polymers and investigated their physical and chemical properties. These multifunctional polymers not only exhibit structural flexibility but also demonstrate diversity in performance, making them suitable for various applications. Through a systematic examination of synthetic methods, we showcase the cutting-edge positions of these materials in the field of hyper-cross-linked polymers. Additionally, we provide in-depth insights into the potential applications of these hyper-cross-linked polymers in intentional recycling, highlighting their important contributions to environmental protection and sustainable development. This research provides valuable references to the fields of sustainable materials science and waste management, encouraging further exploration of innovative approaches for the utilization of discarded polystyrene.

Dried Rice for Alternative Feed as a Waste Management Product for Sustainable Bioeconomy in Rice-Producing Countries

Dried rice, an organic waste recycling product, is made from dried rice leftovers. With a carbohydrate content nearly equivalent to corn but at a lower price, it has potential as an energy-generating feed, especially in poultry farming. The nutrient content and price of dried rice were evaluated to assess its efficiency for animal feed use. Dried rice samples from three areas in East Java, Indonesia, were analyzed for moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber content. Additionally, this research assesses the effectiveness of dried rice as a corn substitute in broiler feed by observing its impact on feed intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and broiler performance index. Proximate analysis showed insignificant differences among treatments, with moisture content ranging 12.45–12.71%, ash content 0.55–1.31%, crude protein 10.34–10.64%, crude fat 0.12–2.48%, and crude fiber from 0.81 to 1.55%. Although all samples were assessed as efficient, products from Lumajang and Pasuruan were preferred for feed production due to their similarity to corn nutrient content. Dried rice costs approximately USD 213–228 per ton, significantly lower than corn. Dried rice production reduces both organic waste and poultry production costs concurrently, serving as a sustainable waste management model in Indonesia and other rice-producing countries, shifting towards a bioeconomy from a linear economy.

Sosialisasi Pemanfaatan Sampah Organik Menjadi Eco-enzyme Bagi Tim Penggerak PKK Rejoso, Nganjuk

Rejoso, located in Nganjuk Regency, lacks adequate waste management facilities such as waste banks, composting, and landfills. Therefore, there is a pressing need to address waste management, particularly food waste. One effective method is converting organic waste, specifically leftover fruits and vegetables, into eco-enzyme. Members of the Tim Penggerak PKK can play a pivotal role in promoting organic waste management through eco-enzyme production. To facilitate this initiative, it is crucial to conduct a socialization, first and foremost, campaign on utilizing organic waste for eco-enzyme production among the Tim Penggerak PKK in Rejoso. This aims to foster sustainable and environmentally-friendly organic waste management practices. The approach involves three main activities: educating households on waste management, providing training on eco-enzyme production, and demonstrating the eco-enzyme production process.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable Agriculture and Waste Management: Towards a Green Future

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable Agriculture and Waste Management: Towards a Green Future

Enhancing sustainable waste management: Hydrothermal carbonization of polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene plastics for energy recovery

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of single plastic polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) has not yet been explored on a large scale, particularly their thermal behavior, chemical transformations under subcritical conditions, and the energy properties of the resultant hydrochar. This study investigated these aspects by employing techniques, such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), elemental and calorific analysis. The results show that PET hydrochar has a superior energy densification (1.37) and energy yield (89 %) compared to PS hydrochar (1.13, 54 %). Hydrothermal carbonization modifies the chemical structure of the polymers by increasing the number of carbonyl groups (CO) in PET and forming new ones in PS, and by enhancing hydroxyl groups (OH) in PET while retaining them in PS. Both materials preserve their aromatic and aliphatic structures, with the introduction of alkenes groups (CC) in the PET hydrochar. PET hydrochar begins to decompose at lower temperatures (150–270 °C) than PS hydrochar (242–283 °C) but reaches higher peak temperatures (420–585 °C vs. 390–470 °C), with both types achieving similar burnout temperatures (650–800 °C). PET hydrochar recorded a higher activation energy (121–126 kJ/mol) than PS hydrochar (67–74 kJ/mol) with the Mampel first-order reaction model as the best fit.

IMPLEMENTASI EKONOMI SIRKULAR PADA SEKTOR PENGELOLAAN SAMPAH DI KAWASAN ASIA TENGGARA

Countries in Southeast Asia tend to still use a linear economic system, where the economic system continues to experience losses. This has made countries in Southeast Asia start planning to change their linear economic system to a circular economy. A circular economic system has the principle of sustainably maintaining the value of products, materials and resources in the economy, thereby generating economic growth. The research method used is literature review or literature study, namely by searching for data related to the discussion in the research title that the researcher took. The research results show that countries in Southeast Asia such as Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia are starting to plan and implement a circular economy system in the waste management sector to ensure waste reduction and sustainable waste management.

Sustainable Waste Management in Orthopedic Healthcare Services

It is estimated that globally medical surgical specialties, including orthopedics, produce large amounts of hospital waste. However, the possibilities of recycling materials are not well highlighted. Orthopedic hospitals can collect larger volumes of recyclables that could be kept out of landfills. The general objective of this study is to identify the categories and related amounts of waste and recyclable materials produced by the main types of medical interventions in orthopedics. The specific objective is to evaluate the amounts of waste produced in the preoperative and intraoperative periods, but also their recycling potential. For one month, we analyzed eight types of orthopedic medical interventions, of which five were surgical and three were nonsurgical. These were performed at the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Targu Mures in Romania. For surgical interventions, the waste was collected separately in the preoperative and intraoperative periods. Waste was divided into recyclable, nonrecyclable, and biological categories. The waste bags were weighed with a portable scale. The main results are the average amounts of recyclable waste produced per case in the eight types of medical interventions. The secondary results show the average amounts per case of nonrecyclable, biological, and total waste. To test for statistically significant differences between the types of medical interventions, we performed an analysis of variance. Seventy-four cases were included in the study. An amount of 466.2 kg of waste was collected, with an average mass of 6.3 kg per case. During the preoperative period, 130.3 kg of waste was produced, of which 78% was recyclable. During the intraoperative period, 303.8 kg of waste was produced and only 11% was recyclable. Trauma surgery produced the largest amount of waste, followed by arthroplasty. A quarter of orthopedic waste is recyclable, and the greatest potential for recycling is preoperative waste, which can be effectively recycled at three-quarters. Through effective recycling programs, the ecological footprint of orthopedic–traumatology interventions can be reduced.

Valorization of Agricultural Wastes to Offset Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) Emissions: An Insight in Southeast Asia

This paper aims to review and synthesize the existing literature on agricultural waste valorization in the Southeast Asian (SEA) region, with a focus on its potential to offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The SEA region generates abundant agricultural wastes from major commodity crops, such as: rice, palm oil, sugarcane, coconut, and corn, which present opportunities for valorization. The review found that countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand have conducted several studies on agricultural waste valorization, exploring pathways such as bioenergy, value-added products, and soil amendments. However, only a few studies exist for some countries with high residue valorization potential, such as Vietnam and the Philippines. The reviewed literature showed a relationship between agricultural waste valorization and emissions that could contribute to air pollution, but no direct association was established with the associated GHG emissions. The abundance of agricultural residues across SEA presents opportunities for valorization to offset GHG emissions. However, effective valorization is hindered by challenges like open burning practices, logistical issues, and a lack of sustainable waste management strategies. This review highlights the need for further research to establish the direct relationship between agricultural waste valorization and GHG emissions reduction in the SEA region.

Potential of low-value plastic waste (LVPW) in concrete through latrine ring manufacturing

In this research, Low-value plastic waste (LVPW) is used in concrete as a potential solution for sustainable waste management in the construction industry. In concrete, LVPW is utilized to produce Eco-Ring (Eco-conscious Latrine Ring). The use of a mix ratio of 1:2:3 and 1:2:4 in concrete mixes is studied. The impact of the percentage of recycled plastic on the mechanical properties of the final product is analyzed. The results show that the use of LVPW reduces both strength and unit weight but ensures its solidification. Sufficient strength for latrine rings is maintained, ensuring a balance between structural integrity and waste reduction. LVPW incorporation offers cost savings, with reductions of aggregate use up to 10%–15% in the present analysis. Justified consideration of the impact on mechanical properties, along with potential adjustments to optimize the compatibility and address workability/aesthetics, can help maximize the benefits of this technology.

Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Management Strategies and Practices: A review

Purpose: This paper introduces a multi-period, multi-objective model for creating an integrated, sustainable municipal solid waste management supply chain. The model includes source separation and a reward-penalty mechanism, aiming to minimize total system costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental impacts on residential areas. Many countries strive to develop efficient solid waste management systems (SWMS) that handle and dispose of daily waste cost-effectively while maintaining sustainability. These systems include waste sources, collection stations, landfills, incinerators, recycling plants, and a transportation network. Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted on existing literature from various studies. Recent studies were used for this systematic review of sustainable municipal solid waste management strategies and practices. Findings: Decision-makers must design or reconfigure a sustainable MSWM to determine the optimal supply chain network for treating and disposing of daily waste effectively. This paper suggests sustainable waste management strategies and practices from various countries, aiming to determine the best number and locations for facilities and optimal waste flow within the system to minimize daily costs. The primary contribution of this review is the theoretical development of sustainable MSWM practices applicable worldwide. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: Cooperation between the private and public sectors involved in solid waste management and the circular economy is imperative to ensure the technical, financial, and social sustainability of waste management systems. Large-scale awareness programs on solid waste management and the circular economy should be implemented, focusing on fostering environmentally responsible behaviors and attitudes, promoting sorting, selective collection, and the recovery of materials and energy from waste.

Exploring the viability of Bentonite-amended blends incorporating marble dust, sand, and fly ash for the creation of an environmentally sustainable landfill liner system

The development of effective and cost-efficient landfill liners is crucial to prevent groundwater contamination from leachate, safeguarding soil quality and the environment. Composite liners, particularly those combining bentonite with supplementary materials such as fly ash or marble dust, present a promising solution. This study delves into a comprehensive investigation of the physical properties of landfill liners composed of bentonite-fly ash and bentonite-marble dust mixtures through an extensive series of laboratory tests. The research systematically analyzes various proportions of bentonite with fly ash and marble dust, evaluating their impact on liner performance in comparison to Bentonite-sand mixtures. Physicochemical analyses are employed to understand the interactions and behaviors of these distinct substances within the amended bentonite. A wide array of physical properties, including Atterberg’s limits, compaction characteristics, free swell index, modified free swell index, California bearing ratio, cohesion, and angle of internal friction, are meticulously examined. Collectively, these properties offer a comprehensive overview of the suitability and performance potential of bentonite-fly ash and bentonite-marble dust mixtures as landfill liners, presenting a viable alternative to traditional bentonite-sand mixtures. The study reveals synergistic effects between bentonite and both fly ash and marble dust, highlighting their significant contributions to enhancing the physical traits of landfill liners. This advancement in landfill liner design holds the promise of effectively mitigating detrimental environmental impacts associated with waste disposal. While this study provides a robust foundation, it is essential for future investigations to prioritize long-term performance assessments and real-world implementation. Validation and fine-tuning of these findings are crucial to ensuring practical applicability and efficacy within authentic landfill construction scenarios. This holistic approach will contribute to the continued evolution and optimization of landfill liner design, addressing the pressing challenges of sustainable waste management and environmental protection.

Modelling, analysis and forecasting of photovoltaic waste in Malaysia towards sustainable recycling by 2050

Malaysia is currently pushing for greater solar photovoltaic (PV) penetration through various policies, hence need to assess the consequent PV waste situation in preparation for sustainable End-of-Life (EoL) management of the PV systems. Through incorporation of fixed-loss, early-loss, and regular-loss scenarios into Malaysia's PV roadmap, it is projected that 229,009.17 tons to 481,137.12 tons of PV waste would be generated by 2050. Implementing current achievable PV material recovery rates would result in economic value creation between RM 1.02-2.21 billions (USD 213.78-463.92 millions) and carbon emissions avoidance between 398,858.41 tons CO2-eq to 785,712.93 tons CO2-eq by 2050. With crystalline silicon (c-Si) technology contributing more than 60% of waste share, 2029 to 2039 would be the suitable time period to jumpstart recycling operation due to consistent annual c-Si waste input of 8,000 tons/y for financially sustainable recycling. These findings can help garner support for sustainable EoL management of PV waste in Malaysia.

Upcycling of tetra pack waste cellulose into reducing sugars for bioethanol production using Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Bioethanol production from waste materials offers a promising avenue for sustainable energy and waste management. In this study, fermentable sugars derived from tetra pack waste cellulose were bio-transformed into bioethanol using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Tetra pack waste (180 g) yielded tetra pack cellulosic pulp (TPCP) of 145 g, after removing the different layers representing 80.56 ± 0.32% of the original weight. Cellulase from Bacillus sp. RL-07, with a cellulolytic potential of 6.98 ± 0.36 U/ml, released 32.72 ± 0.12 mg/ml of reducing sugars, achieving 44.60 ± 0.56% saccharification of TPCP under optimized conditions. Subsequent fermentation of the broth (1 L) with tetra pack cellulosic pulp hydrolysate (TPCPH) (50% v/v), containing 5.12 g of reducing sugars, by S. cerevisiae yielded 1.42 g of bioethanol per g of reducing sugars under optimized conditions, with a volume productivity of 0.24 g/l/h and a purity of 96.42% was confirmed by GC/MS analysis.The results of this study underscore the viability of utilizing tetra pack waste for bioethanol production, offering a sustainable solution for waste management while alleviating energy deficits and reducing environmental pollution. These findings align with objectives aimed at fostering sustainable progress and development.