Waste Management Objectives Research Articles

Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Mitigating Environmental Degradation through Anaerobic Co-digestion of Palm Oil Mill Effluent and Solid Residues

The utilization of palm oil mill residues for sustainable biogas production presents a promising avenue to mitigate environmental challenges associated with waste disposal and energy demand in palm oil processing. The study explores the use of palm oil mill residues for sustainable biogas production, focusing on the impact of mixing ratios of POME and three raw milled residues on biogas yield through anaerobic co-digestion. Results indicate that co-digestion significantly enhanced biogas production compared to mono-digestion of POME alone. The highest biogas yield of 370 ml was recorded in the digester with 40% residues followed by 50% with a cumulative biogas of 190 ml. The two digesters were higher than 80 ml recorded for POME alone. The findings underscore the potential of integrating palm oil mill residues into biogas systems to achieve dual objectives of waste management and renewable energy generation

Challenges and Remediation Strategies for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Contamination in Composting

Abstract: Municipal solid waste (MSW) is projected to rise to 3.4 billion tonnes by 2050, with only 33% undergoing environmentally friendly management practices. Achieving a circular economy involves sustainable approaches, among which diverting waste from landfills to composting plays a crucial role. However, many of the products society uses and discards in MSW daily contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), raising concerns that composts may inadvertently introduce PFAS into the environment, posing a significant challenge to waste management and environmental sustainability. PFAS have been detected in compost at concentrations ranging between 1.26–11.84 µg/kg. Composts are therefore a source of PFAS contamination, posing risks to human and ecosystem health. Impactful technologies are therefore required for PFAS remediation during the composting process. This review examines the composting process as a sustainable organic waste management technology, examining the various systems employed, compost quality, and uses, particularly emphasising the challenge posed by PFAS contamination. The review provides novel insights into possible PFAS remediation technologies. A comprehensive understanding of PFAS origin, fate, and transformation during the composting process is lacking, creating substantial knowledge gaps regarding the inputs processes contributing most to PFAS accumulation in the final product. Addressing these gaps in future studies is crucial for minimising PFAS discharge into the environment and developing an effective remediation approach. This review highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to mitigate PFAS contamination in compost and the importance of advancing research and technology to achieve sustainable waste management objectives.

Thermochemical Conversion of Animal-Derived Waste: A Mini-Review with a Focus on Chicken Bone Waste

Food waste, particularly animal-derived waste, presents a significant challenge globally, prompting the need for sustainable management strategies. In 2022, the amount of food waste per capita reached 131 kg/capita in the EU (European Union), which is why the search for environmentally friendly ways to manage food waste through thermochemical conversion processes has gained momentum in recent years. Animal-derived waste is a good source of organic matter (proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides) and mineral compounds (calcium phosphate, mostly hydroxyapatite). This composition makes animal-derived waste valuable for the extraction of chemical compounds, such as hydroxyapatite (HAp), which constitutes up to 70 wt% of animal bones; keratin; collagen; and hyaluronic acid (HA), to produce pharmaceutical, medical, or industrial by-products. The thermochemical conversion of chicken bones through pyrolysis and gasification creates a new opportunity to valorize this type of waste by reintroducing valuable by-products into the economy and thus achieving sustainable waste management objectives. The results of this study showcase the multiple applications of the pyrolysis of chicken bone waste products (as adsorbents in aqueous mediums, catalysts, fertilizers, and biomedical applications) and the necessity of a better exploration of the gasification process of chicken bone waste. Therefore, this study explores the properties of animal-derived waste and discusses the pyrolysis and gasification of chicken bone waste, the influence of process conditions on product yields, and the catalytic enhancement of these thermochemical processes.

Developing a new sustainable eco-adsorbent film from flexographic printing plate waste to remove cationic organic and inorganic pollutants.

Although climate change poses a threat to the future of the world, we still have time to adapt and lessen its effects. However, the incineration of polymeric waste materials has increased the release of carbon-containing gases called greenhouse gases (GHGs) and tiny particles called 'black carbon', leading to global warming, which is the cause of the worst environmental crisis in history. Flexography is an advanced printing technique and is widely used in the packaging industry as well as in the printing of various functional films and coatings. In general, the polymeric waste produced from this industry poses a grave environmentally sustainable problem; thus, due to the fact that this waste's primary component is carbon, it has attracted our attention towards converting it into carbon-based value-added products such as graphene, which can be used in water treatment processes. The prepared material was tested as a potential coated film in a batch adsorption system for the removal of lead (Pb) and methylene blue (MB) after being supported on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) film. Furthermore, contact time, solution pH, and starting pollutant concentrations were studied and used in the response surface methodology (RSM) model for optimization. The adsorption kinetics were more clearly depicted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. To meet the objectives of waste management and water treatment, waste-derived materials can be used in wastewater treatment, based on the "wastes-treat-wastes" approach.

Assessing the Outcomes of Circular Economy and Waste Management Partnerships between Indonesia and Denmark

In the pursuit of sustainable environmental solutions, the bilateral collaboration between Indonesia and Denmark has emerged as a focal point of study, particularly within the spheres of the circular economy and waste management. This research, anchored in a qualitative descriptive methodology, delves deep into the intricacies of this partnership, shedding light on its commendable strides in fostering the exchange of best practices and pioneering waste reduction techniques, notably waste incineration. The collaboration, rooted in a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, has not only aimed at diminishing the adverse environmental repercussions of waste but has also sought to catalyze opportunities for both nations to achieve their waste management objectives more efficiently. However, the journey has not been devoid of challenges. A significant impediment identified is Indonesia's constrained reservoir of expert resources, which has had tangible repercussions on the effective implementation and scaling of circular economy initiatives. This limitation underscores a broader challenge faced by many emerging nations, emphasizing the critical need for capacity building and resource augmentation. The research's implications are manifold, extending beyond policy formulation to influence practitioners and academics in the environmental and sustainable development sectors. By offering a nuanced perspective on the dynamics of international collaborations, the study underscores the potential and challenges of such partnerships in addressing pressing global environmental issues, thereby serving as a beacon for similar endeavors in other developing contexts.

Recognizing and Detecting the Effectiveness of Policy Implementation Waste Management in Indonesia

The volume of waste generation in Indonesia is 65.8 million tons/year in 2018 and will continue to increase to around 70 million tons/year in 2022. To overcome this problem, the government has established several policy products, but the implementation of these policies has not been able to making Indonesia free from waste problems. This study aims to determine and detect the effectiveness of the implementation of waste management policies in Indonesia for the 2019-2022 and 2023-2025 periods. This study uses qualitative methods through a literature review approach with secondary data collection techniques. The results of the study show that (1) the implementation of waste management policies in Indonesia for the 2019-2022 period has not been effective because the targets and objectives of waste management have not been achieved, and the waste management system has not been optimal from the aspects of resources, institutions and law enforcement; and (2) the implementation of waste management policies in Indonesia in 2023-2025 is predicted and has the potential to not be effective. This is because the targets set in the regional government's RPJMD for the 2021-2026 period are much smaller than the targets set in the Jakstranas/Jakstrada. Recommendations that can be given so that the implementation of waste management policies can be more effective is to improve the regulatory system for waste management in Indonesia through harmonization between policies.

BIO-WASTE MANAGEMENT LEGISLATION REGULATIONS AND POLICIES: A CASE STUDY OF PAKISTAN

The twenty-first century's rapid urbanization, industrialization, modernization, and digitalization cause an increase in wastes including household, commercial, mining, radioactive, agriculture, healthcare, and electronic wastes, among others. The management of these wastes is evolving into a global problem. Waste management is the collection, transportation, separation, destruction, processing, recycling, management, supervision, and control of rubbish, sewage, and other waste products. The protection of people's health from negative effects and the preservation of the environment from negative effects are the main objectives of waste management. Around the world, a variety of modern techniques are being applied to manage these wastes. They include waste to energy, composting, bioremediation, incineration, immobilization, plasma combustion, ocean/sea disposal, and recycling of biological materials. The effectiveness of these waste management techniques increases the environment's appropriateness for supporting life. Additionally, it makes it possible for future generations to live in a secure and safe environment. Finding and putting into practice the best waste management plan is urgently needed for both global population health and environmental sustainability. The process for managing waste will improve greatly in both effectiveness and success. In various parts of the world, a variety of waste management techniques have been employed. The qualitative research methodology has been applied to the following article.

Sustainable Chromium Encapsulation: Alkali Activation Route

This article highlights recent experimental advances in the use of inorganic substances in the encapsulation of pollutants and, in particular, discusses the potential applicability and constraints of the geopolymerization process for the treatment of wastewater containing chromium. A great percentage of waste containing chromium salts is produced by the leather industry during the tannery process. Such industrial waste is in the form of liquor containing almost 40% of the initial chromium combined with many other pollutants. The stabilization/solidification (S/S) treatment of this type of waste must be combined with chromium encapsulation in an economic, environmentally friendly and efficient process to be industrially feasible. Here we present a novel process in which the wastewater is used as a component of the formulation together with a clay by-product and with the addition of NaOH pellets with the goal of a no-water plus no-waste technology approach. The final solidified “ceramic-like” material successfully immobilized the heavy metal cations as well as anions and macromolecules of surfactants, avoiding environmental damages to soil and groundwater. The article is completed by mentioning other S/S processes where wastewater has been treated and the resulting sludge encapsulated. The future of the S/S technologies in the tannery industry should progress in the direction of significantly reducing the amount of wastewater directed to the treatment plants, with associated reductions in transport and their CO2 emissions. This article intends to be a contribution in the direction of preventing waste, aligning circular economy and waste management objectives.

Analysis of changes in waste generation and management in Poland against the background of EU waste management objectives

One of the environmental problems of the current generation is the increase in volume of waste generated, which has a negative impact on the environment and human health. Therefore, it is important to reduce the amount of waste generated and to manage it rationally. Waste management is one of the areas of environmental protection. The article examines the changes in the amount and structure of waste generated in Poland in the period 2017-2020. An analysis of the size and structure of funding sources of the main forms of waste management was also carried out. The aim of the article was to present, compare and evaluate the changes occurring in waste management and its sources of financing. The research considered the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the volume of waste generated and on waste management. The analysis shows that the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic affected the decrease in the volume of total waste generated and the increase in the volume of municipal waste. There was also some variation in the area of generated waste and its management in individual provinces.

Analisis Pelaksanaan Pengelolaan Sampah di Kabupaten Aceh Barat

The ratification of West Aceh District Regulation (Qanun) Number 4 of 2017 concerning waste management has become a guideline for the West Aceh District government to achieve solid waste management objectives. The regional regulation guarantees legal certainty, clarity of responsibility of the authority of the regional government, the participation of the community and the business sector / private sector so that waste management can run effectively and efficiently. The purpose of this study was to determine the implementation of Qanun Number 4 of 2017 Article 10 concerning waste management in West Aceh Regency in 2019. The method used in this study was to use a qualitative descriptive approach. Data collection techniques used are documentation and interviews. The informants in this study were 8 people. Data analysis was performed using qualitative data analysis techniques. The results showed that the implementation of Qanun Number 4 of 2017 Article 10 concerning waste management in West Aceh District Year 2019 in waste reduction was still not optimal, this was due to the lack of effort and management of the government in managing waste in the community environment such as lack of facilities and infrastructure in management garbage. There are still many piles of rubbish on the edges of the highway that make West Aceh District still look dirty and dirty. For the handling of waste carried out by the Office of Environment of West Aceh District Head is not optimal, this is because the lack of cleaners is also a major factor in the failure of waste management. There has been no firm action from the government on waste management efforts such as the implementation of West Aceh District Qanun Number 4 of 2017 Chapter XVII on Article 63 Criminal Provisions and lack of socialization from the government on waste management so that public awareness in managing waste is still reduced

Environmental and economic implications of U.S. postconsumer plastic waste management

With only 8.4% of end-of-life plastics collected for recycling in 2017, management of postconsumer plastic waste in the U.S. has raised significant concerns. We present an integrated approach to assess the environmental benefits and economic implications of plastic waste management by interfacing collection and sorting with process-based treatment models for energy recovery, fuel recovery and mechanical recycling. Three composite treatment scenarios are analyzed under various techno-economic contexts to understand the key drivers of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions/savings and economic viability. At current collection volumes, both net GHG savings and net annual revenue are unfavorable. Scaling collection rates from the current level to a hypothetical 100% exposes inefficiencies beyond the collection bottleneck and results in net GHG emissions. We find that a business-as-usual increase in collection volume alone would be insufficient to offset GHG emissions and is uneconomical. We quantify the potential found in improving waste-to-energy efficiencies, developing high-yield plastics-to-fuel pathways and incorporating design for recycling considerations. From an economic standpoint, external market factors such as sale price of electricity, fuels and virgin resins are critical to financial viability of treatment processes. This analysis also allows us to appropriately assess the magnitude of investment and type of policy efforts needed to address the problem. To effectively collect and treat 100% of all U.S. postconsumer plastic waste, an upfront investment of 17–21 Billion USD is estimated. This approach underscores the importance of a systems perspective that acknowledges the complexity of the postconsumer plastic waste stream to sustainably achieve plastic waste management objectives.

The objectives and legal instruments of Municipal Waste Management in the Slovak Republic

In particular, two types of data are important for assessing the state of waste management in each Member State of the European Union — first, the amount of the waste generated per capita annually and waste recovery rate, second, the rate of waste disposal in accordance with the waste hierarchy. The latest available statistics on the amount of waste generated per capita are for 2018. While the European Union average is 492 kg of municipal waste produced per capita for 2018, the Slovak Republic’s waste production is slightly less than that, with an average of 414 kg of municipal waste produced per capita for 2018. On the other hand, Denmark with 766 kg of municipal waste produced per capita annually is at the bottom of the European Union ranking. The Czech Republic with 351 kg and Poland with 329 kg of municipal waste produced per capita on the average annually for the same period are in better position than Slovak Republic. Another important data for the evaluation of the state of municipal waste management is the rate of recovery of municipal waste, alternatively — the municipal waste recycling rate. Within this scope, the Slovak Republic performs considerably worse, both regarding the waste management objectives and in comparison with the European Union average, or in comparison with remaining Member States. While the average recycling rate of municipal waste in the European Union was 47.0% in 2018, the Slovak Republic recycled only 36.3% of municipal waste in 2018. The situation within this scope in the Czech Republic/Czechia (34.5%) and Poland (34.3%) were similar. Germany achieved the highest municipal waste recycling rate in 2018, up to 67.3%. Directly related to the rate of the municipal waste recovery is the high rate of waste disposal, especially in the form of landfill, which was in the Slovak Republic in 2018 amounted to 55.0%. Despite the high rate of landfill, we can speak of a reduction in the landfill rate of municipal waste compared to previous years. From the foregoing data of selected indicators of the average recycling rate of municipal waste, it can be deduced that the system of municipal waste management in the Slovak Republic is obviously flawed, in as much as municipal waste management lacks long-term management in accordance with the waste hierarchy. The said deficiency may result either from insufficient legislation pertaining to this area or failure in terms of its enforcement.

NURSING STUDENTS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE TOWARDS E – WASTE MANAGEMENT

Introduction The 21st century or “The era of information” is rapidly and silently leading towards a major challenge regarding solid waste management and public health, recognized as E- waste. Aim: To study assess Nursing Students Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards E – Waste Management Objectives: 1. To study assess the knowledge status of E waste and its environmental and health hazards. 2. To study the mindfulness with respect to the presence and current disposal practices of E waste. 3. To study the knowledge related to E waste rules and proper disposal methods. Methodology This cross sectional study was conducted at Faculty of Nursing Sciences, Karad, on nursing students. Institutional ethical committee clearance was obtained. Informed consent was obtained before a questionnaire was administered. Sample size was150 included. Results In this study, subjects who had heard term E waste were 92.7% and amongst them 70.66% were below 20 years. Internet (36%), newspaper (16.7%) and media (12.7%) were the major sources of information about E waste amongst these subjects. they knew about dangerous nature of e waste 58 0% they know about effect of inappropriate removal of e waste 84 7% and its ecological and wellbeing risks 73 3% and its environmental and health hazards (73.3%). They know that there are rules and regulations about E waste disposal (69.3%). 124 subjects think that their unused EEE’s are not waste. They prefer to buy new gadgets for newest technology (38%), and need for greater technology. Conclusion It seems subjects only know the term E waste, but they don’t understand how E waste is generated around them which contribute to more generation of E waste and its improper disposal. Raising awareness about this might help to control E waste generation at its origin and its segregation from regular waste.

Packaging recycling and using of recycled raw materials in the production of packages, with an emphasis on hazardous chemical substances

Permanent growth of packaging waste has a negative environmental effect. Moreover, various chemical substances are one of the resources used for packaging production so it can affect people health in various ways. For these reasons legislation is tightening up, waste management objectives are increasing, packaging recycling is encouraged and so on. This paper presents implementation of the recycling process for packaging streams in relation to the chemicals they contain. Consider the problems, which is encountered in the recycling of packaging, while special attention is given to packaging recycled raw materials. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.74.4.22148

ASSESSMENT OF SOLID WASTE GENERATION AND MANAGEMENT IN SELECTED SCHOOL CAMPUSES IN PUDUCHERRY REGION, INDIA

Among all the prominent contributors of municipal solid waste (MSW), schools have been chosen for the study since the rate of solid waste generation and its respective composition has not been reported or rather has been underestimated in the schools of Puducherry region. Hence, the present paper is an attempt to fill up this gap in our knowledge. The existing waste management system in selected schools was unsystematic and relatively scarce to meet the waste management objectives in precise manner as specified in Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, India. During the study it was found that the average per capita waste generation rate in the selected schools was 0.092 ( 0.025) kg/capita/day varying from a high of 0.117 ( 0.021) kg/capita/day in higher secondary schools to a low of 0.059 ( 0.020) kg/capita/day in primary schools. The mean composition of school waste was made up of 39% food waste; 33% paper; 11% silt, soil and mud (combined); 8% plastic; 2% wood, glass, metal and textile (combine); 2% clinical and sanitary wastes; 1% E-waste; 4% other wastes. Approximately, 70 -80% of generated solid waste was burnt or dumped openly in the premises, 10 -15% collected by municipal authorities and the remaining 6 - 8% recovered through informal recycling and composting facilities. On the basis of the findings, recommendations for developing practices for preventing the wastes generation and efficient management of the generated wastes were suggested. Establishing waste avoidance, handling and recovery policies and programs for food, paper, plastic and soil wastes could significantly influence the success of sustainable solid waste management system at the institute level.

Facilitators & barriers to organic waste and phosphorus re-use in Montreal

AbstractCities have the capacity to play a key role in resource and pollution management through their decisions about organic waste. Often overlooked, but nevertheless essential, is the role that cities can play in increasing phosphorus (P) recycling because cities are consumers of large amounts of P-dense food and producers of vast amounts of P-rich waste. Most cities do not take advantage of this potential, seeing P as simply another part of organic waste to be disposed of elsewhere. For example, in Montreal, Canada, only 6% of P in waste is currently recycled. We used semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (19), participant observation (over 1.5 years), and document review to identify key barriers and facilitators for Montreal to achieve a high level of organic waste recycling through composting. We found that a provincial law mandating 100% recycling of organic matter has great potential to facilitate increased P recycling. However, lack of a shared vision about the role of government, private sector, and citizens in producing high quality compost from waste products is a barrier that inhibits this potential. Cultural inertia, lack of knowledge, and lack of infrastructure also act as barriers to increasing composting in Montreal. Urban agriculture could be a means to overcome some of these barriers as it currently benefits from strong citizen support and is both a consumer and producer of compost. However limited access to potential garden space and training and diversity in desired fertilizer qualities among gardeners somewhat limit this potential. Investing in increasing social capital, and specifically in connecting urban agriculture to waste management objectives, and in linking key stakeholders to co-create shared visions about how to produce high quality compost may act as a stepping stone towards increasing Montreal citizens’ knowledge about, and support for, increasing organic waste and thus P recycling.

Assessment methods for solid waste management: A literature review.

Assessment methods are common tools to support decisions regarding waste management. The objective of this review article is to provide guidance for the selection of appropriate evaluation methods. For this purpose, frequently used assessment methods are reviewed, categorised, and summarised. In total, 151 studies have been considered in view of their goals, methodologies, systems investigated, and results regarding economic, environmental, and social issues. A goal shared by all studies is the support of stakeholders. Most studies are based on life cycle assessments, multi-criteria-decision-making, cost-benefit analysis, risk assessments, and benchmarking. Approximately 40% of the reviewed articles are life cycle assessment-based; and more than 50% apply scenario analysis to identify the best waste management options. Most studies focus on municipal solid waste and consider specific environmental loadings. Economic aspects are considered by approximately 50% of the studies, and only a small number evaluate social aspects. The choice of system elements and boundaries varies significantly among the studies; thus, assessment results are sometimes contradictory. Based on the results of this review, we recommend the following considerations when assessing waste management systems: (i) a mass balance approach based on a rigid input-output analysis of the entire system, (ii) a goal-oriented evaluation of the results of the mass balance, which takes into account the intended waste management objectives; and (iii) a transparent and reproducible presentation of the methodology, data, and results.

Zero waste in Los Angeles: Is the emperor wearing any clothes?

This article asks how effectively and to what extent contemporary urban solid waste management systems can effect sustainable materials use. To assess this we first trace the origins of waste management in the U.S., identify the existing federal regulatory framework, and examine trends in waste generation and composition. We then describe waste management in Los Angeles, California, including identifying the city's waste management objectives and current programs, a long-range “zero waste” planning process, and an overhaul of waste collection and processing infrastructure currently underway. We find that, although aggressive, Los Angeles’ efforts to achieve zero waste are insufficient for addressing resource conservation challenges. The main reasons for this are continued reliance on waste management approaches that have proven inadequate to address the increasing complexity of solid waste and limited data quantifying and characterizing waste generation patterns. The paper concludes by suggesting that addressing resource conservation in the U.S. will require renewed federal leadership as well as redoubled local efforts to improve waste flow accounting.

Heterogeneous Preferences for Community Recycling Programs

This paper examines household preferences for community recycling programs, which have both public and private good dimensions. The data come from a survey conducted in Seattle (WA) which elicited stated preference-contingent ratings for different recycling programs relative to status quo, with experimental variation in the overall community recycling rate achieved and expected household cost. The recycling rate is interpreted as capturing the public benefits of recycling programs and constitutes the most common measure used by policy agencies for setting waste management objectives and evaluating policy initiatives. The analysis begins with fixed parameter models that explore different ways of handling rating data and mixed logit estimations that capture household preference heterogeneity both within and across different recycling programs. This analysis yields unique estimates of willingness to pay for an increase in the community recycling rate. Predicted individual-specific utility parameters are then regressed on household background information to explicitly examine the nature of preference heterogeneity. Overall, this paper generates interpretable policy-relevant insights into the public and private good dimensions of community recycling programs.

Scenarios of Waste Management for a Waste Emergency Area

SummaryIn the Campania region, an area in the south of Italy with 5.7 million inhabitants and a production of about 7,900 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day, an emergency situation was created by inappropriate waste management policy and practice. In order to support decisions regarding future solutions for this crisis, reliable, transparent, and impartial strategies and concepts are needed. For this purpose, six waste management scenarios have been defined and quantitatively assessed by means of substance flow analysis (SFA). The scenarios are based on firm objectives and recent legislation for waste management and take into account regional waste production and composition as well as existing waste treatment infrastructure. They are evaluated and compared with the status quo in view of reaching the goals of waste management. For each scenario, the following material flows were quantified: wastes that would be sent to different processes, such as those of mechanical‐biological treatment, incineration, or anaerobic digestion; treatment residues (in mass and volume) to be diverted to landfills; materials recoverable by recycling processes; and energy obtainable by waste‐to‐energy and anaerobic digestion plants. The results demonstrate that a future waste management system that is based on a combination of more recycling, thermal treatment, anaerobic digestion, and improved landfilling reaches the objectives of waste management much more closely than the present, inadequate system.