Sustainable Waste Management Policies Research Articles

Identifying Sustainable Biomedical Solid Waste Management Practices in the Context of Limited Resources in Selected Healthcare Facilities in Douala Cameroon

Aims: To Identify sustainable Biomedical solid waste management practices in the context of limited resources in selected HCFs in Douala, Cameroon.
 Study Design: A cross-sectional survey with quantitative and qualitative study design was adopted for data collection from workers in the HCFs and also identifying the process of waste management.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the some selected HCFs in the Douala region of Cameroon between January 2023 to June 2023.
 Methodology: Study respondents were working in different sections of the HCFs and comprised of the following categories: doctors, laboratory scientists, cleaners, nurses and administrative/clerical workers. Field visitations and interactions with HCFs officials took place during the random sampling technique which was used in determining the sample size of 200 workers, Out of the sample size of 200 who were given questionnaires in order to provide data for the study, 150 valid mail questionnaires were retrieved and used for analysis. Every questionnaire was verified by validity. There’s also questions related funds, facilities availability, training and personal protective equipment. All of the data were coded and analyzed. The results were calculated based on sums and percentages of variables with SPSS vers.26 software and chi-square analysis with the level significance of p-value less than 0.05 was analyze
 Results: This finding could also indicate that imbibing sustainable biomedical wastes management practices increases with higher experience in the hospital. Furthermore, communal bin disposal of biomedical wastes was the only statistically significant category under disposal method, indicating that waste disposal may be lacking in terms of sustainable practices. [30] also identified biomedical wastes disposal in open dumps among health workers in Saudi Arabia, attributable to poor sustainable waste training and lack of regulatory frameworks. I PCA results indicate that there are two dimensions of prevalent biomedical wastes in the hospital studied, as explicated by the two components retained
 Conclusion: The limited resources and government policies and local councils influences sustainable waste management practices and this paper aimed at identifying some of the solutions towards improving Sustainable waste management policies. The practice of biomedical waste management in the study area was low. Level of education, taking training on biomedical waste management, availability of color-coded three bins, and attitude of health care workers were significantly associated with biomedical waste management practices. Hence, in-service training is recommended to improve biomedical waste management practices.

Relationship between GDP and Municipal Waste: Regional Disparities and Implication for Waste Management Policies

This article analyses the relationship between various economic indicators, such as GDP per capita and socio-economic status, and municipal waste generation in Bulgaria compared to other EU countries. The study analyses how economic and social indicators in Bulgaria and other countries affect waste generation through multiple regression, hierarchical cluster, and comparative analyses. The objectives of the investigation include classifying countries according to the degree of relationship between GDP and municipal waste, comparing countries on these indicators, examining the profiles of different groups of countries according to their socio-economic status and the amount of waste generated, and analysing the relationship between GDP and municipal waste in different countries. Based on the results, sustainable waste management strategies are proposed, applicable not only in Bulgaria but also in other similar countries. This approach provides valuable guidance for formulating sustainable waste management policies and measures while highlighting the importance of economic and social factors in forming such strategies.

Does Personal Innovativeness Affect Sustainable Waste Behaviour? The Mediating Role of Creative Reuse

Purpose – The success of businesses and governments in developing and implementing sustainable waste management policies depends on the habits of individual users. Innovative personality traits, creative reuse, and sustainable waste behaviours of product and service users play a significant role in achieving circular economy practices. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of creative reuse in the effect of personal innovativeness on sustainable waste behaviour. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data was used in the research, and data were collected via questionnaires from individuals living in Türkiye over 18 years old. The research data was obtained by creating a link containing the survey questions in the electronic environment and sending it to the participants via the Internet through various social media platforms. 373 people participated in the research. The structural equation model was applied as the research method. SPSS and SmartPLS 4 package programs were used for statistical analysis. Findings – It has been found that creative reuse has a partial mediating effect between personal innovativeness and sustainable waste behaviour. Research limitations/implications – In future studies, the model can be expanded by including different variables in the research model. Moreover, suppose the survey is applied to a wider audience with more diverse socio-economic characteristics and in different age groups. In that case, strategies can be developed for people at different levels by analyzing according to age groups. Furthermore, similar studies can be conducted in different countries, allowing for cross-country comparisons to be made. Practical implications – The main research results emphasize the importance for organizations to consider boosting users’ personal innovation traits by offering creativity-enhancing practices such as open innovation platforms. Furthermore, it can be suggested that considering the significance of revising sustainable production strategies by innovating through collaboration platforms with users. Originality/value – This study has a unique value that contributes to the field of sustainability by combining personal innovativeness and creativity, which are an essential part of the innovation literature, with reuse, a vital element of the circular economy.

The Plastic Waste And its Management in Tanzania: A Case of Arusha Municipality

This study sought to determine the value of plastic waste management in Tanzania, Arusha Municipality. A survey study was deployed, with a sampled population of 130 respondents from Arusha Municipality obtained through purposive and random sampling methods. Environmental Responsible Behaviour Theory and Waste management Theory guided the study. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. The following results were obtained; lack of resources in the municipal has led to inefficient waste management, the level of awareness on sustainable waste management systems is not substantial due to lack of sources of information and knowledge as they are a key factor in influencing the perception on the value of plastic waste and also putting into practise sustainable waste management systems that are used. In order to effectively practice sustainable waste management policies and increase in resources need to be established along with an increase in formal and informal education on waste management to the society.

Implementation of a More Sustainable Waste Management Policy in the Operating Room.

The waste produced by an operating room represents on average 20 to 30% of the waste of a health institution.1 At the Toulouse University Hospital (Toulouse, France), more than 100 tons of waste are produced per month.In 2020, only noninfectious waste and infectious waste existed within our institution in terms of waste sorting. There was no recycling channel, and nearly 40% of the waste from the operating room was treated as infectious waste (fig. 1, A and B).The treatment of infectious waste is more expensive than that of noninfectious waste in terms of cost (1 ton of noninfectious and infectious waste costs 270€ and 720€, respectively, to treat at the Toulouse University Hospital) and carbon dioxide impact, because the treatment of 1 ton of noninfectious waste corresponds to 362 kg of CO2 compared to 934 kg of CO2 for infectious waste in France.2 We have set up a policy of better waste management within our university hospital with the objective of reducing the proportion of waste treated as infectious waste on the one hand, and, on the other hand, identifying reusable materials by setting up channels for the treatment of recyclable waste.First, to reduce the amount of waste treated as infectious waste, staffs were made aware of the cost of treating this waste, the recommendations of the institution’s health care–associated infectious risk prevention unit were updated, and the members of the green teams accompanied the teams in the field to gradually modify practices and improve sorting.The second objective was to identify reusable waste. To do this, the teams specializing in waste management worked in the operating room to improve their knowledge of the care-related waste generated by the operating room activity. Subsequently, specific partnerships were established with various service providers (copper, laryngoscope blades, cardboard, bottles, etc.), and we reorganized the operating rooms to facilitate waste sorting. As an example, our green dynamic allowed us to reduce infectious waste and total carbon dioxide production with a consequent reduction in costs (fig. 1).The implementation of the recycling channels in 2021 enabled the sorting of more than 60 tons of waste in the first year, with near 2 tons of precious metals (laryngoscope blades, aluminum packaging, and copper cables), 15 tons of plastics, 5.9 tons of paper, and 35.9 tons of cardboard. The perspectives of our work are to continue and extend the green project to the other departments of the university hospital, to reduce the global quantity of waste by setting up “custom packs” specific to each surgical procedure, and to avoid overconsumption by educating the staff and raising awareness on a daily basis.3The authors thank all the green teams who have worked to support the staff of the Toulouse University Hospital (Toulouse, France), and particularly the staff of the operating room, in their efforts to improve waste management practices. The authors also thank Dr. Jean-Marie Conil, M.D., Ph.D., Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Toulouse University Hospital, for his help in reviewing the statistics.Support was provided solely from institutional and/or departmental sources.Dr. Labaste has received funding from SANOFI (Paris, France) unrelated to this publication. The other authors declare no competing interests.

Waste management in urban environments: Insights of the citizens’ views in a densely populated municipality in Greece

<p>Urbanization, industrialization and economic growth have considerable challenged the orientation of waste management policies and practices. Intrinsically, major concerns appear in urban environments, as they receive increased volumes of waste, which in turn pose threats for the environment and public health. Prioritization of waste prevention is proven to be the optimal solution in preserving resources and coincide with international sublime strategies for sustainable waste management. However, the citizens’ awareness and active involvement, in decision making for sustainable waste management policies practices, are preconditions for their implementation. The study examined the citizens’ views on the local waste management policies and strategies in the urban environment of Neapolis-Sykies Greece. The application of factor analysis, hierarchical log-linear analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis provided important correlations regarding the citizens’ demographic characteristics, littering behavior, sources of information on waste management issues, perceptions about quality of life and provided cleanliness services. In particular, collection points and collection system are positively assessed, while the value of recycling is widely acknowledged. Albeit, the citizens are not properly informed about local policies and practices related to existing waste management issues in their municipality. Unfortunately, this is deemed to be a barrier in promoting public participation in decision making processes.</p>

Characterization and Composition Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste for Bioethanol Production

Every unwanted or non-useful solid substance generated in any human population is referred to as solid waste. Globally, the management of solid waste is an enormous challenge for municipalities. Previous studies have indicated that an increase in population with relating attendant urbanization dynamics and growth of continuous aggregation will further aggravate this challenge. This paper aims at determining the potentials of using municipal solid waste as a feedstock in the commercial production of Bioethanol. The research team which was made up of the coordinator, co-coordinators and research assistants carried out a preliminary survey which consist of mapping the study areas and obtaining some information through the observation of the various sites. The study area which was the residential areas of the University of Benin community were then mapped into Senior Staff Quarters (which comprised of Professorial quarters, senior staff quarters and Blocks of flats), junior staff quarters and Student Hall of Residence. A preliminary survey form was originated for this purpose. Printing of questionnaires, sample notes, pamphlets, stickers and tagging of bin baskets and wheelie bins were done. A three (3) Stage sorting and characterization of respondents’ waste were carried out. Composition of waste was determined after which the digital weighing balance was used to determine the mass of the waste which was recorded, before allowing proper disposal of the waste. Samples of sorted waste (organic) were collected into sample bottles and taken to the laboratory for microbial analysis. The solid waste generated is made of nine major components for which color coded bags was used to differentiate them (fruit, food, plastic, paper, glass, metals, combustibles, leaves, and ceramics). The study showed that 58.85% of the total solid waste generated in the residential areas of the University of Benin was made of biodegradable matter (food and fruit) which can be harnessed for the production of Bioethanol. The recyclables (Papers and Plastics) which are 36.34 % of the waste can also be recycled into other useful products. Efforts should be made by stakeholders to evolve sustainable waste management policies for disposal, waste reduction and recycling projects.

Food waste recycling for compost production and its economic and environmental assessment as circular economy indicators of solid waste management

Organic waste management (OWM) currently follows the linear economy principle in most of the Gulf countries. Most CE studies to date revolve around the reduction, recycling, and reuse of the material in a production and consumption chain. In this study, the whole process chain's economic and environmental monetary values were investigated to convert organic food waste (OFW) into compost, following the CE indicators. The monetary savings from macronutrients (carbon and NPK) enrichment by applying compost to the soil and its replacement value of the mineral fertilizer have never been reported in the CE model. The OFW production of Makkah city is estimated to increase up to 1.60 Mt in 2030 because of domestic population growth and an increasing number of pilgrims traveling to perform religious rituals. This massive quantity of OFW can produce 0.23–0.40 Mt of compost in 2015–2030 and reduce 0.043–0.076 Mt of CH4 emission. The implementation of this technology will generate net revenue of 240–419 MSAR from compost selling along with a potential substitute of 124–216 kt of chemical fertilizers during 2015–2030, following the CE. The environmental savings (waste dumping and carbon crediting related to CH4 reduction) can be 618–1078 MSAR, while fertilizer replacement savings will be 74–129 MSAR in 2015–2030. In general, implementing the composting technology following the CE model has the potential to add a cumulative net revenue of 1626 MSAR to the national economy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2030. Implementing the CE model in OFW generates compost, reduces waste management problems by closing the materials recycling loop, generating extra income, and adds net revenue to the national economy. It will also help the decision-makers devise a suitable sustainable waste management policy.

Sustainable Airport Waste Management: The Case of Kansai International Airport

The global air transport industry is predicted to continue its rapid growth. A by-product of air transport operations, however, is the substantial volumes of waste generated at airports. To mitigate the environmental impact of waste and to comply with regulatory requirements, airports are increasingly implementing sustainable waste management policies and systems. Using an in-depth case study research design, this study has examined waste management at Kansai International Airport from 2002 to 2015. Throughout its history the airport has implemented world best practices to achieve its goal of being an eco-friendly airport. The qualitative data gathered for the study were analysed using document analysis. The quantitative data were analysed using t-tests. Statistically significant results were found in the reduction in waste per passenger and aircraft movement (for total waste, incinerated waste, and landfill waste). In addition, a statistically significant increase in the proportion of waste recycled, and a decrease in the proportion of waste sent to landfill was observed. As such, quantitatively speaking, Kansai International Airport has shown significant waste management improvements. The study concludes that Kansai Airport’s waste management approaches and policies can be transferred to other airport facilities. This would greatly improve sustainability across airports, globally.

The role of environmental organisations on urban transformation: The case of waste management in Esporles (Mallorca)

Abstract The study presented in this paper explores and examines the role of grassroots environmental organisations in promoting schemes aimed at reducing the impact of waste production at a local level. Focusing on the Spanish municipality of Esporles, in the Balearic island of Mallorca, the authors investigate how participatory forums can increase involvement and engagement among residents in the implementation of waste management policies. Esporles introduced and implemented the first unit-pricing (UP) scheme in Spain, making the municipality a countrywide icon of environmental-friendly urban transformation. Due to its success, the scheme quickly became a model for other Spanish municipalities with regard to designing and developing local waste management solutions. Findings from this study demonstrate how increasing participation and involvement of local residents in public consultations and debates can effectively support the design and implementation of more sustainable waste management policies. In addition, findings illustrate how local authorities can empower residents in transforming urban environment through changing their behaviours and practices towards waste management. The role of grassroots environmental organisations appears important with regard to developing innovative instruments and delivering effective environmental policies to address waste management at a local level, and to achieve sustainable urban transformation.

Sustainable waste management policy in Bangladesh for reduction of greenhouse gases

The increased amount of waste generation resulting from urbanization, population growth and improved life-style is a major concern for many developing countries like Bangladesh. A major portion (68–81%) of the urban waste of Bangladesh is composed of food waste, which produce CH4 as they decompose anaerobically. The trends of waste generation indicate a growing rate of 0.1343 million tonnes per year. This study estimates that greenhouse gases (GHGs) of 1.29 million tonnes CO2 equivalent (CO2e) is emitted annually because of composting. This study also estimates that CH4 generated from existing solid waste is 250.95 million tonnes CO2e and 2.89 million USD could be saved as part of energy production through recovery of CH4 from landfill. The existing waste management policy neither includes any waste to energy recovery targets, nor does it explain any recycling or reuse targets. Besides, there are no provisions for incentives for waste minimization. Hence, this study proposes to formulate a comprehensive waste management policy considering reduction of greenhouse gas by reviewing existing laws on waste management system. A policy matrix for waste management has been proposed to overcome the flaws of existing environmental policy and regulatory framework.

Lichens as suitable indicators of the biological effects of atmospheric pollutants around a municipal solid waste incinerator (S Italy)

A comprehensive biomonitoring programme should integrate several methods distributed along the biomonitoring chain, allowing to detect exposure, threads and impacts. In the case of a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI), biomonitoring of air pollution can contribute to source attribution, detection of ongoing processes and assessment of environmental effects. Three different methods were used to assess the biological effects of air pollution around a MSWI using lichens as biomonitors: (1) lichen diversity; (2) bioaccumulation of trace elements; and (3) physiological status (photosynthetic efficiency, cell membrane damage, viability). The first method takes into account the native lichen flora, while the other two were applied to thalli of the lichen Evernia prunastri transplanted for 6 months in the study area. Lichen diversity and physiological parameters reflected the effects of air pollution around the incinerator and the surrounding industrial area. High frequencies of non-nitrophilous species corresponded to sites with higher environmental quality, while high frequencies of nitrophilous species corresponded to sites with higher level of eutrophication. Transplanted samples showed increased cell membrane damage and reduced vitality respect to control samples. Bioaccumulation of trace elements pointed at the atmospheric origin of Hg depositions in the area. These results suggest that an integrated use of lichen-based methods along the biomonitoring chain can provide useful biological outputs for decision-makers to establish correct sustainable waste management policies.

REASONS FOR NON-PARTICIPATION IN RECYCLING OF SOLID WASTE IN NORTHERN MALAYSIA: A CASE STUDY

It is widely accepted that public support is vital to the success of most recycling programmes.The actions of householders are paramount to the success of any sustainable waste management policies whether local, regional or national.This paper presents a study of householders' attitudes to recycling of solid wastes in Malaysia, which supports the idea that careful planning and design are critical for the success of a new recycling programme.A postal questionnaire survey was administered to households in Penang state located in north Malaysia. Quantitative analysis of the 417 responses focused on reasons for non participation in current recycling schemes. Statistical analysis showed that many householders refrain from recycling because of their negative perceptions of the distance to the recycling points and the lack of recycling facilities in their neighbourhood.

Biological effects of ammonia released from a composting plant assessed with lichens

In this study, we investigated whether ammonia emissions from industrial composting of organic waste may influence the surrounding environment, using lichens as bioindicators. To this purpose, samples of N-tolerant and N-sensitive lichens, namely Xanthoria parietina and Evernia prunastri, were transplanted for 1-3months along transects at increasing distance (0-400m) from a composting facility in Tuscany, Italy. Atmospheric concentrations of ammonia were measured using passive samplers. The physiological response of lichen transplants was investigated by means of the photosynthetic efficiency (measured as chlorophyll a fluorescence emission), the integrity of cell membranes (measured as electrolyte leakage), and sample viability (measured as enzymatic activity of dehydrogenase). Epiphytic lichen communities were investigated using biodiversity indices. The results showed decreasing concentrations of ammonia, from 48.7μg/m(3) at the composting facility to 2.7μg/m(3) at 400m. The N-tolerant X. parietina was not affected and some physiological parameters even showed a higher performance, while the N-sensitive E. prunastri showed a reduced performance with increasing atmospheric concentrations approaching the source. A shift from lichen communities composed by meso-acidophilous species (actual condition) to more nitrophilous communities in the near future, approaching the composting facility is suggested. It is concluded that lichens can provide useful data for decision-makers to establish correct science-based environmentally sustainable waste management policies.

Waste to energy in the UK: policy and institutional issues

A sustainable waste management policy is necessary to manage the growing stream of municipal solid waste in ecologically sustainable ways. Although landfill has been the dominant form of waste management in the UK there is a need to comply with the European Union landfill directive. Waste to energy (WtE) is a viable waste management option to reduce the reliance on landfills and reap the energy benefits of waste. The first waste-fired power plant was built in the UK in 1885 but several barriers have constrained the use of WtE. This paper assesses the policy and institutional context for the development of WtE in the UK. It discusses how public opinion and choice of technology are important factors in achieving a wider acceptance of WtE in the UK. There is a need to devise coordinated policies on sustainable waste management at the regional and local levels. Furthermore, making all WtE technologies eligible for renewable obligation certificates could support the development of the technology and divert waste from landfills. The absence of efficient heat delivery networks is also a barrier to fulfilling the potential for WtE in the UK.

Drivers of sustainable waste management in Asia

Drivers of sustainable waste management are defined as groups of related factors that influence the development (or lack thereof) of industry. There has been no attempt to reasonably list the drivers that influence sustainable waste management in Asia. In this review, four groups of drivers of sustainable waste management, specifically of Asia, are explained. The four groups of drivers consist of three human elements (human, economic and institutional) and the environment as a single driving group. Typically, the first three groups have been very influential, with the environment driver, noticeably, only considered when preceded by other groups of drivers. The interconnectedness of the drivers and neglect of the environment driver is discussed. It is concluded that while the essence of the four groups of drivers can be found all over Asia, each driving group must be investigated in a local context and all information combined to devise sustainable waste management policies or strategies.

A Comparative Overview Of Recycling In London And Hamburg

The level of recycling for household waste is significantly higher in Hamburg than in London, yet the extent of materials recovery in both cities is well below technically achievable levels. This paper shows that the higher level of recycling in Hamburg can be accounted for by three main factors: a higher density of recycling facilities combined with the use of more sophisticated collection systems such as a dual-bin service for putrescible wastes; a unified administrative structure for waste management under direct control of an elected regional government; and finally, a system of proportional representation in local government allowing environmentalist political demands to be directly translated into public policy. Despite these differences however, both cities face difficulties with the expansion of recycling derived from the weakness of the secondary materials market, the lack of legislative control over the size and composition of the waste stream, the fiscal constraints on local government and the expense of comprehensive recycling programmes in comparison with alternative forms of waste disposal. This paper concludes that the high cost of recycling presents a fundamental political dilemma for sustainable waste management policy in developed economies.

A Comparative Overview of Recycling in London and Hamburg

The level of recycling for household waste is significantly higher in Hamburg than in London, yet the extent of materials recovery in both cities is well below technically achievable levels. This paper shows that the higher level of recycling in Hamburg can be accounted for by three main factors: a higher density of recycling facilities combined with the use of more sophisticated collection systems such as a dual-bin service for putrescible wastes; a unified administrative structure for waste management under direct control of an elected regional government; and finally, a system of proportional representation in local government allowing environmentalist political demands to be directly translated into public policy. Despite these differences however, both cities face difficulties with the expansion of recycling derived from the weakness of the secondary materials market, the lack of legislative control over the size and composition of the waste stream, the fiscal constraints on local government and the expense of comprehensive recycling programmes in comparison with alternative forms of waste disposal. This paper concludes that the high cost of recycling presents a fundamental political dilemma for sustainable waste management policy in developed economies.