Waste Collection Research Articles

Composite Panels from Wood Waste: A Detailed Review of Processes, Standards, and Applications

The global demand for sustainable building materials has fuelled research into composite panels from wood waste. Despite their potential, the widespread adoption of this practice is hindered by the absence of quality standards, inconsistent material properties, and uncertainties about durability and strength. This paper critically reviews existing standards, manufacturing processes, and the suitability of panels from wood waste. A systematic review is conducted to identify the influencing processes and parameters affecting panel performance, from waste collection to the finishing stages. The findings indicate that incorporating 10–30% of wood waste can enhance the mechanical and physical properties, with particularly improved hygroscopic properties and greater dimensional stability. By establishing comprehensive standards and optimizing manufacturing processes, wood waste-based panels can emerge as a viable and eco-friendly alternative. Furthermore, the potential for repeated recycling in a closed-loop process offers promising environmental benefits, though it necessitates balancing resource conservation with product quality. By addressing these challenges, wood waste-based panels can significantly contribute to environmental conservation and resource management.

Neural‑network‑driven approach in optimization of municipal solid waste collection integrated with geo-spatial techniques

<p><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-size:12.0pt;" lang="EN-US">Municipal solid waste (MSW) management is the most important as well as difficult tasking the present context of rapid urbanization. In this study, a comparison has been done using Geographical information system(GIS) and artificial neural network(ANN) to determine optimum route and time for the collection of solid waste during each single trip by each type of collection vehicle; this will reduce the cost involved in collection phase of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).</span> <span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-size:12.0pt;" lang="EN-US">The </span><ins cite="mailto:CIVIL" datetime="2024-07-12T14:12"><span class="msoIns" style="color:teal;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-size:12.0pt;text-decoration:underline;" lang="EN-US">area </span></ins><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-size:12.0pt;" lang="EN-US">selected for the study was Erode city which is located in north west of Tamil Nadu, India. The optimum route analysis have been </span><ins cite="mailto:CIVIL" datetime="2024-07-12T14:13"><span class="msoIns" style="color:teal;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-size:12.0pt;text-decoration:underline;" lang="EN-US">carried out </span></ins><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-size:12.0pt;" lang="EN-US">using both GIS and ANN tools.</span> <span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-size:12.0pt;" lang="EN-US">Multiple structures of ANN have been analyzed by modifying the hidden layers. Based on the results, the optimized structure of the network was found.. The suggested model is validated by the  high value of the coefficient of regression, minimum value of mean square error. Based on these performance parameters, it is found that the ANN model gives optimum results. Implementing these optimum routes will leads to a cost-effective solid waste management system.</span></p>

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES ON BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AMONG MEDICAL INTERNS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH KARNATAKA

Objective: Every health-care personnel is expected to have adequate knowledge, good attitude, safe practice, and capacity to guide others for appropriate biomedical waste (BMW) collection and management. The study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding BMW management among the budding yet responsible doctors- the medical interns in ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Gulbarga. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among all the 81 interns currently posted in ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Gulbarga. Data were collected using pre-designed and semi-structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices on BMW management. Results: The study found that a majority (69.1%) of interns demonstrated fair knowledge regarding BMW management. Majority (93.8–98.8%) of the interns showed a positive attitude towards BMW segregation, self-responsibility, observation of charts at workplace, and training on BMW management. Furthermore, only 12.3% interns viewed BMW management as an extra burden on work. However, only 44.4% of interns were pre-treating liquid waste, and 50.6% were using a needle hub cutter. Alarmingly, 23.3% indicated that they would not report injuries. Conclusion: BMW management practices can be further improved with strict supervision and incorporation of BMW management in the assessment of internship completion in addition to periodic training

Perceived social, economic, environmental and health effects of solid waste management practices in logia town, afar, ethiopia

Improper solid waste management in urban and semi-urban areas has led to adverse impacts on the environment, public health, and the economic well-being of communities. Therefore, this study analyzes the status of household solid waste management practices and their effects in Logia Town, Afar, Ethiopia. To achieve this objective, the study utilizes both descriptive and econometric models (binary logistic regression model). The descriptive results of the study revealed that there is general awareness of the importance of solid waste management (SWM) and its impact on the environment, economy, and human health among the respondents. Regarding respondents’ attitudes, the majority of households understand the responsibility of proper waste disposal and its impact. However, in terms of solid waste management practices, 80% of households do not properly segregate their waste, 59.3% do not separate solid waste (SW) before disposal, and 74% of households engage in improper disposal practices. About 95.9% of respondents were aware that improper waste management can lead to diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera. Around 65% of the sampled households considered solid waste as a source of wealth, and, as a result, 56% of them reuse, recycle, and reduce waste. This indicates that solid waste has economic value for society. Regarding the environmental impact of SW, about 89% of respondents argued that SW adversely affects the environment by polluting rivers, lakes, wells, and air. This environmental impact negatively affects the well-being and economic status of the community. The binary logistic regression model found that having adequate solid waste landfills, access to door-to-door solid waste collection, knowledge of SWM rules and regulations, treating waste as a resource, and understanding the 3Rs (recycle, reuse, reduce) had positive and significant effects on the adoption of proper solid waste management practices in the study area. Therefore, to reduce undesirable effects and improve the value of SW, the relevant authorities should provide adequate solid waste landfills and door-to-door collection services, create awareness about SWM rules and regulations, and promote knowledge of the 3Rs.

Integrated municipal solid waste management using ArcGIS tools: A case of akaki-kality sub-city, addis ababa, ethiopia.

This study aimed to optimize the solid waste collection and transportation system using ArcGIS Network Analyst and location-allocation tools. The generated solid waste was characterized by proximate analysis. The generation rate and composition were determined according to standard methods. The average solid waste generation rates for households, commercial sites, institutions, and recreational places were 0.48kg/c/day, 15.03kg/fac/day, 9.32kg/fac/day, and 22.8kg/fac/day, respectively. The estimated total generation rate of the sub-city is 207,004.03kg/day and 712.13 m3/day as discarded base. Composition analysis revealed that food waste is the major component of municipal solid waste, with estimated weight and volume of 134,696.08kg and 299.46 m3, respectively. Proximate analysis indicated that food and textile wastes have relatively high moisture content and fixed carbon. Candidate pre-collection bin allocations were optimized based on factors such as road network, distribution of solid waste generators, and existing temporary dumping sites, resulting in 1052 potential bin locations. Transfer station allocation was optimized by considering land use-land cover, slope, and geology. Twelve transfer routes and four transport routes were established to efficiently serve the bins and final waste destinations. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that ArcGIS Network Analyst and location-allocation tools can effectively optimize the municipal solid waste collection and transportation system, providing a robust framework for improving waste management efficiency. However, further research is recommended to validate these findings through field application.

Comparative Study of Waste Management and Sampling Practices in Latvia and Estonia

Abstract The study focuses on waste management and sampling practices carried out in two large Baltic cities: Riga (Latvia) and Tartu (Estonia). Even though waste collection schemes are not at the same centralisation level in the two municipalities, certain similarities can be observed in waste collection, management and sampling processes. Governed by provisions of Council Directive 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999 on the landfill of waste, general national waste treatment legislation, and the national waste management plans, waste management practices in Latvia and Estonia are moving towards minimalisation of waste landfilling and maximalisation of waste inclusion into various recycling practices (use in waste biodegradation cells, bioreactors, different waste recycling facilities, in developing modern waste management supporting infrastructure, etc.). Therefore, waste management in two countries can be partly characterised as a vital element of emerging circular economy activities aimed at minimising landfill deposition of waste, hence, a more effective and permanent approach to sustainable waste management problems, on the one hand, and maximising the diversified use of waste in different branches of economy, hence, larger economic and social benefits.

Comparative analysis of the effectiveness and efficiency of formal and informal waste collectors in urban waste management system

Effective and efficient waste collection and management is critical to achieving sustainable cities and communities, public health, and sustainable development. This notwithstanding, the rapid and ever-increasing rate of urban waste generation in developing countries has led to the emergence of a dual system of formal and informal waste collection schemes with unclear effectiveness and efficiency. This study compared the operational effectiveness and efficiency of formal and informal waste collectors in the urban waste management system in Ghana. A case study research design is employed with a focus on households and waste collectors in the Suame Municipality in the Ashanti of Ghana. Data were collected through questionnaire administration and interviews, waste quantification, and field measurements. The findings reveal that 61.5 % of households rely on informal waste collectors, 35 % on formal waste collectors and 3.5 % use indiscriminate dumping. The formal waste collectors were more effective serving 111 households and collecting 11.239 tonnes of waste per trip but utilises 62 % of their collection capacity while the informal sector collects 846.67 kg per trip and uses 106 % of their collection capacity. Formal waste collectors were also more efficient with the use of time. The study unveils an opportunity to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in municipal waste management in low- and middle-income countries with reforms and practices that build upon existing waste management practices and integrate informal waste collectors into formal waste management systems.

A review on digital transformation in healthcare waste management: Applications, research trends and implications.

At present, both emerging and developed economies have faced the challenge of higher healthcare waste generation. Developed countries are using these technologies to manage healthcare waste and cope with the challenge. Emerging economies are still struggling to understand and implement digital technologies in healthcare waste management, posing a danger to partners handling toxic and hazardous waste. The proper handling of healthcare waste is essential for social and environmental sustainability. Digital technologies that drive digital transformation in the healthcare sector impact the traditional way of managing healthcare waste. Digital technologies include artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, sensors, data analytics and radio frequency identification. These technologies can potentially address vehicle route planning and scheduling problems, resource optimisation, real-time tracking and the visibility of healthcare waste management. Apart from economic and environmental concerns, the operational workforce also takes care of societal well-being and implements waste management strategies and policies. Past research has focused on integrating blockchain technology to enhance traceability and transparency in waste collection and disposal activities. However, the application and impact of these technologies for managing different operations of healthcare management with sustainability is a gap bridged by the present study. This study adopts a systematic literature review to identify research trends, applications and implications of digital transformation. It proposes a digital technology-driven framework for healthcare waste management for further research.

Legal analysis of the interaction between the state and citizens in the context of solid household waste regulation in the Republic of Kazakhstan

In the modern world, the problem of waste management is becoming more urgent and requires society to constantly regulate and adopt effective legislative mechanisms. In the article, the authors consider an important aspect in this area — the interaction between the state and citizens in the context of waste management. The interaction of these entities plays a key role in creating an effective solid waste management system aimed at ensuring environmental safety and sustainable development of society through the analysis of regulatory legal acts, statistical data and good practices in this area. The article discusses several key problems related to solid waste management in Kazakhstan, including a lack of information for citizens (for example, it is not enough to publish materials on websites, they must be updated regularly), unavailability of infrastructure (sorting centers are located far from public accommodation, it is not possible to take garbage to specially designated places), low motivation (due to monthly utility bills for garbage collection, many people consider, that the relevant institutions should be engaged in the collection and sorting of solid household waste or do not understand the danger of consequences for the environment), inconsistencies in legislation have been identified (there are no mechanisms for imposing fines for nonsorting garbage, as abroad) and insufficient financing (if we do not have finances, whatever industry we take, we cannot achieve high results). In order to improve the situation in society, the need to develop mass educational programs related to garbage sorting, develop infrastructure related to the sorting of solid household waste, further reform legislation related to environmental and sustainable development, and focus on strategies to attract investors and funds to this industry was justified. In the article, based on the comprehensive directions adopted by the state to support citizens in the collection and sorting of solid household waste, we came to the conclusion of a settlement of the problem associated with waste recycling. A concrete solution to these problems is manifested in the definition of general directions of development in waste management.

IoT-Enabled Street Dustbin Monitoring System Based on Machine Learning

Abstract In this article, a novel method is proposed by using the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine Learning (ML) to monitor and manage street dustbins effectively. The proposed innovative solution aimed at optimizing waste management processes and improper disposing of the waste in street dustbins. The system involves the installation of sensors in dustbins, which collect real-time data about the fill level of the bins. The capability of the proposed model allows for dynamic adjustment of waste collection schedules, reducing unnecessary trips and thus saving time, energy, and resources. In addition to that, the model is also trained in various waste disposal scenario such as improper disposal, massive garbage dumps, and e-waste. The proposed model is able to predict and report the trained conditions with the 100% accuracy. The system is implemented using Raspberry Pi 4, a single-board computer with the necessary hardware interface. A suitable web interface has been developed to oversee the status of dustbins and provide optimum travel route for collection of waste from the street dustbins. The proposed system not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

A two-phase algorithm for the dynamic time-dependent green vehicle routing problem in decoration waste collection

Transportation activities associated with construction waste generate substantial carbon emissions, an issue that is attracting increasing environmental concern. To raise construction waste transportation efficiency and reduce carbon emission, we address the dynamic time-dependent green vehicle routing problem for decoration waste collection (DTDGVRP-DWC). In the existing literature, many deterministic approaches to the dynamic vehicle routing problem are myopic, as they only react to already arrived requests. In this paper, we propose a stochastic sampling method to tackle with uncertain customer request in the real world. The DTDGVRP-DWC is formulated as an 0-1 programming. In the new model, we consider urban traffic congestion and variable speeds over time, and factors that significantly influence both carbon emissions and fuel costs. To quickly solve the complicated optimization problem, we develop a two-phase algorithm. In the first phase, we embed a competitive simulated annealing algorithm to determine visitation schedules for anticipated and early-request customers. In the second phase, we propose an event-trigger mechanism to decompose the dynamic problem into a series of static sub-problems, and an effective heuristic to solve each sub-problem. Computational results show that as long as the prediction accuracy exceeds a threshold, the forecast routing method consistently performs better than reactive routing. A real-world case demonstrates that an early commitment waiting time strategy benefits timely service requirements, whereas a late or hybrid waiting time strategy takes overall efficiency and customer satisfaction into account.

Mapping PM2.5 Sources and Emission Management Options for Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Harsh winters, aging infrastructure, and the demand for modern amenities are major factors contributing to the deteriorating air quality in Bishkek. The city meets its winter heating energy needs through coal combustion at the central heating plant, heat-only boilers, and in situ heating equipment, while diesel and petrol fuel its transportation. Additional pollution sources include 30 km2 of industrial area, 16 large open combustion brick kilns, a vehicle fleet with an average age of more than 10 years, 7.5 km2 of quarries, and a landfill. The annual PM2.5 emission load for the airshed is approximately 5500 tons, resulting in an annual average concentration of 48 μg/m3. Wintertime daily averages range from 200 to 300 μg/m3. The meteorological and pollution modeling was conducted using a WRF–CAMx system to evaluate PM2.5 source contributions and to support scenario analysis. Proposed emissions management policies include shifting to clean fuels like gas and electricity for heating, restricting secondhand vehicle imports while promoting newer standard vehicles, enhancing public transport with newer buses, doubling waste collection efficiency, improving landfill management, encouraging greening, and maintaining road infrastructure to control dust emissions. Implementing these measures is expected to reduce PM2.5 levels by 50–70% in the mid- to long-term. A comprehensive plan for Bishkek should expand the ambient monitoring network with reference-grade and low-cost sensors to track air quality management progress and enhance public awareness.

Willingness to Pay for Solid Waste Collection in Bo District, Southern Sierra Leone: An Analysis of Influencing Factors

This study assesses the willingness to pay for solid waste management services in Bo District, Southern Sierra Leone. The research aims to identify the key factors influencing this willingness. Five semi-urban communities were selected based on their population size, and 60 household heads from randomly selected households were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Using logistic regression analysis, we found that factors such as income, education, occupation, and satisfaction with the current waste management system had varying degrees of significance in influencing willingness to pay. However, variables such as mode of waste collection and age were found to have a significant effect. This study suggests that policymakers in Bo District should consider these factors when implementing fee-based waste collection services.

HE SYSTEM OF COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF HOUSEHOLD MEDICAL WASTE: CURRENT STATE, LEGAL REGULATION AND PROSPECTS OF IMPLEMENTATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

The article is devoted to the study of the problem associated with the uncontrolled release of household pharmaceutical waste accumulated from expired or unused medicines. The authors conducted a review of foreign experience in its legal support, referring to the need to introduce a new method of waste management in the country, in particular, a system for collecting and disposing of household medical waste, which is successfully available in the world, which will reduce environmental damage from these wastes. The existing systems of collection and disposal of household medical waste in European countries are analyzed in depth as successful samples. The authors propose to adopt a special law for the successful implementation of the system and regulation of its functioning and to amend and supplement the codes on the environment and the health of the people and the country's health system. In addition, the authorized bodies consider that the draft law, which should be revised and developed by some regulatory acts, should contain a certificate on household medical waste, be established by the participating entities, and consolidate their rights and obligations. As a result of the study, the authors concluded that this change is necessary today, given that the implementation of the system in the country and its legal support require measures and resources that must be implemented at a large-scale state level. According to the authors, the problem can be solved only by proper utilization of medical waste. For this purpose, the state should have a legal mechanism of appropriate regulation. And legal regulation in Kazakhstan operates only in relation to waste exported from health care organizations. In the era of intensive use of medicines in households, this becomes a big problem that needs to be solved.

Understanding illegal dumping in Ontario: Drivers, barriers, and policy recommendations

Illegal dumping, the unauthorized disposal of waste in public spaces, poses significant environmental, social, and economic challenges, particularly in Ontario, Canada. This study investigates the drivers behind illegal dumping, with a focus on rural and urban communities in Ontario. Using a mixed-methods approach, including household surveys and interviews, we examine self-reported instances of dumping, attitudes towards waste management, and perceived barriers to legal waste disposal. The results reveal that inadequate waste collection infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, and high disposal costs are primary motivators for illegal dumping. Additionally, a lack of awareness regarding proper disposal methods exacerbates the issue. While most respondents recognize the immorality of illegal dumping, rural participants show less guilt and are more likely to engage in the behavior. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers, including the need for improved waste infrastructure, targeted educational campaigns, and increased enforcement efforts. By addressing these key factors, Ontario can mitigate the environmental and public health risks posed by illegal dumping, while fostering a culture of responsible waste disposal.

Divide-and-conquer initialization and mutation operators for the large-scale mixed Capacitated Arc Routing Problem

As cities continue to grow, thus will the size of the routing problems necessary to the functioning of all cities. Applications such as waste collection, road maintenance, or winter gritting span over an entire city, therefore algorithms must be designed to solve large-scale problems. The Capacitated Arc Routing Problem (CARP) is an important combinatorial optimization problem that is typically used to model these applications. Classical algorithms for CARP struggle to find quality solutions for large-scale instances with thousands of services within a reasonable computational budget. To address the issue of scalability, several divide-and-conquer heuristics have recently been proposed. In this paper, we propose to integrate divide-and-conquer heuristics into a memetic algorithm by adapting these as an initialization method and as a mutation operator. The resulting algorithm, which we call Memetic Algorithm with Divide-and-Conquer Mutation (MADCoM), outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms on large-scale instances and new best solutions are found for 17 instances of MCARP, 2 of which are optimal solutions, and for 23 large-scale CARP instances. These results demonstrate the potential of the integration of divide-and-conquer heuristics into metaheuristics as a strategy to efficiently solve large-scale problems.

Individual, household and institutional level predictors of waste sorting: Evidence for Ecuador.

The rapid increase in waste generation in developing countries presents significant challenges, necessitating effective waste management strategies. This study examines the influence of individual, household and institutional factors on waste sorting behaviours in Ecuador, employing an ordered logistic regression model. Data were sourced from the 2019 National Multipurpose Household Survey (NMHS) and the Census of Economic Environmental Information in Decentralised Autonomous Governments (CEEIGAD). The NMHS uses a two-stage probabilistic sampling methodology, with census sectors as the primary sampling units and households as the secondary units. After excluding outliers and selecting individuals aged 15-65 years, the final sample consisted of 8601 households, including 26,175 individuals. The findings reveal that personal attributes such as gender, ethnicity, age, marital status and environmental concern significantly influence waste sorting behaviours. Household characteristics, including urban or rural location, are also critical. Institutional factors, such as municipal regulations, waste collection fees and waste separation at source, play essential roles in promoting waste separation. The study highlights the necessity for targeted governmental policies. Recommendations include improving environmental education, increasing sorting infrastructure in urban areas and ensuring waste collection systems maintain the separation of waste streams.

Urban growth and waste services: exploring scenarios in an inter-municipal cooperative framework in Sogamoso city, Colombia

ABSTRACT The spatial dimensions of city expansion in Latin America reveal the emergence of new urban agglomeration and metropolization phenomena. In this context, the goal is to implement a predictive model of land use change between 1976 and 2047 in the city of Sogamoso and neighboring municipalities in Colombia and to apply its results to a proposal for inter-municipal cooperation in the collection of solid household waste. The methodology used is based on a spatially explicit models using the CA_Markov model in Idrisi Selva software that incorporates Markov chains, multi-criteria evaluation, and cellular automata to identify future areas of urban expansion. The model forecasts urban growth from 2,420 ha in 2021 to 5,278 ha in 2047. The spatial distribution of the new urban areas implies collection routes that are ever farther away from the main urban centers. There is thus a vital need for new regional planning practices (such as inter-municipal cooperation).

Circular Economy: A Network Analysis of the Solid Waste Collection in the City of Rome (Italy)

Solid waste management represents a complex issue involving political, socioeconomic, institutional, urbanistic and environmental aspects. Separate collection of waste in the Municipality of Rome is a matter of particular interest due to the size of the city (with an urban area of 1,287 km²) and the considerable amount of waste produced (approximately 1,690,000 tons/year). In this context, this paper proposes an in-depth analysis with the aim of optimizing the delivery of waste to collection centres. The optimization focuses on several key elements, including the strategic distribution of collection centres within the city to make them easily accessible, particularly in densely populated areas or where waste production is higher. Based on the data provided by the Municipality of Rome, the waste materials that should be advantageously recycled as part of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) have also been identified. This comprehensive approach can improve the city’s waste management system, promoting the efficient use of resources and reducing environmental impact for greater urban sustainability.

Selective waste collection on construction sites: evaluation of the current state, legal requirements and market challenges

Selective waste collection on construction sites: evaluation of the current state, legal requirements and market challenges