Waste Recovery Research Articles

Does the Novel Dual Source Heat Pump (DSHP) Out-Perform the Ideal DSHP? Experimentation Versus Simulation of DSHP Based Thermodynamic Irreversibility of the Throttle Valve

Purpose: The air-source heat pumps are associated with continuous frosting problems. To ensure a more energy efficiency technology, the novel dual-source heat pump (DSHP) was developed. This article aims to confirm and compare the energy performance of the novel dual-source heat pump (DSHP) with the performance of an ideal heat pump. Methods: We applied an experimental analysis from an installed DSHP system with converters and other components to obtain the energy performance of the DSHP, while the performance of an ideal pump was obtained from simulation based on the theoretical algorithm of the basic principle of the thermodynamic irreversibility of the throttle valve. Results: We found that the Ideal (simulated) DSHP has a higher coefficient of performance (COP) than the installed (experimented) DSHP. The Ideal DSHP’s COP of 4.52 is higher than the Novel DSHP’s COP, which range from 1.78 (day 3) to 2.01 (day 1). The DSHP are power efficient, which reduces carbon emission from whatever power source that is been used. Implications: Energy efficiency in buildings has severe implications for global warmings and the need for sustainability. Because the modern ventilation system utilise energy from waste and heat recovery to power heating and cooling systems, the DSHP remains promising for future generations of building ventilation design. Originality/Value: The value of the study is because it completes an experiment that analyse the performance of the DSHP, comparing the outcomes with results from a simulation based on an Ideal system.

A comprehensive review of current approaches on food waste reduction strategies.

Food waste is a serious worldwide issue that has an impact on the environment, society, and economy. This comprehensive review provides a detailed description of methods and approaches for reducing food waste, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive strategies to tackle its intricate relationship with environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic prosperity. By scrutinizing the extent and impact of food waste, from initial production stages to final disposal, this comprehensive review underlines the urgent need for integrated solutions that include technological advancements, behavioral interventions, regulatory frameworks, and collaborative endeavors. Environmental assessments highlight the significant contribution of food waste to greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, water scarcity, and energy inefficiency, thereby emphasizing the importance of curtailing its environmental impact. Concurrently, the social and economic consequences of food waste, such as food insecurity, economic losses, and disparities in food access, underscore the imperative for coordinated action across multiple sectors. Food waste can also be effectively reduced by various innovative approaches, such as technological waste reduction solutions, supply chain optimization strategies, consumer behavior-focused initiatives, and waste recovery and recycling techniques. Furthermore, in order to foster an environment that encourages the reduction of food waste and facilitates the transition to a circular economy, legislative changes and regulatory actions are essential. By embracing these multifaceted strategies and approaches, stakeholders can unite to confront the global food waste crisis, thereby fostering resilience, sustainability, and social equity within our food systems.

Temporal Behavior of Glacially Induced Stresses and Strains at Potential Sites for Long‐Term Storage of Used Nuclear Fuel in Canada

AbstractContinental‐scale glaciations cause deformation, geopotential, rotation and stress changes of the Earth. Subsurface stress changes have implications to future activities such as carbon capture and storage, enhanced oil recovery and deep geological disposal of nuclear waste. We model glacially induced stresses, strain changes and deformation for North America, with emphasis on the two potential sites for long‐term storage of used nuclear fuel in Canada (Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON)‐South Bruce area in southwestern Ontario and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON)‐Ignace area in northwestern Ontario). We apply a revised, high‐resolution ice history of the past glacial cycle from the University of Toronto Glacial Systems Model, assumed to be representative for future glacial cycles, together with a set of seven different one‐ and three‐dimensional earth structures. We find that glacially induced stresses and strains can vary strongly throughout a glacial cycle, whereas especially the horizontal components can change from tensional to compressive in nature. Such changes can happen within a few 1,000 years, caused by drastic and rapid ice thickness increase or decrease above the potential site. Despite SON‐South Bruce being located further away from the ice sheet center than WLON‐Ignace and temporarily in the forebulge of the developing ice sheet during glaciation, stresses and strains are very similar in magnitude and range at both sites. We also see the potential that the glacially induced stresses can alter the direction of the pre‐existing maximum horizontal stress at SON‐South Bruce. These results will be incorporated in the site safety and site selection process.

Waste Generation and Recovery in a Developing Country: A Case Study of Western Province, Sri Lanka

The study’s findings serve as a crucial foundation for policymakers, environmentalists, and stakeholders to take necessary actions and develop sustainable waste management strategies tailored to the specific challenges faced in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, contributing to broader global efforts to mitigate the growing waste crisis. It’s a significant concern that the volume of waste is expected to triple by 2050, and the current waste management practices seem insufficient to handle this growth sustainably. The study indicates a per capita waste generation of 0.43 kg in Sri Lanka, with the Western Province at a higher rate of 0.53 kg. This data points to the urgency of addressing waste management practices in this region, especially considering its significance in the country’s GDP. The results also show that the total municipal waste generation in the Western Province is 3248 kg per day whereas the recovery is only 25% (803 kg) in terms of recycling and composting. Burning, burying, and open dumping are highlighted as other prevailing practices for managing waste, which have adverse impacts on the environment and public health. Further research is recommended to identify and address these unaccounted waste streams, especially those at the household level.

Ecotoxicological assessment of waste foundry sands and the application of different classification systems.

The application of a battery of bioassays is widely recognized as a useful tool for assessing environmental hazard samples. However, the integration of different toxicity data is a key aspect of this assessment and remains a challenge. The evaluation of industrial waste leachates did not initially undergo any of the proposed integration procedures. This research addressed this knowledge gap. Twenty-five samples of waste foundry sands were subjected to a leaching test (UNI EN 12457-2) to evaluate waste recovery and landfill disposal. The leachates were evaluated using a battery of standardized toxicity bioassays composed of Aliivibrio fischeri (EN ISO 11348-3), Daphnia magna (UNI EN ISO 6341), and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (UNI EN ISO 8692), both undiluted and diluted. Daphnia magna and P. subcapitata were the most affected organisms, with significant effects caused by 68% and 64% of undiluted samples, respectively. The dilution of samples facilitates the calculation of EC50 values, which ranged from greater than the highest concentration tested to 2.5 g/L for P. subcapitata. The data on single-organism toxicity were integrated using three methods: the Toxicity Classification System, the toxicity test battery integrated index, and the EcoScore system. The three classifications were strongly similar. According to all applied systems, three samples were clearly nontoxic (from iron casting plants) and two were highly toxic (from steel casting plants). Moreover, the similar ranking between undiluted and diluted leachates suggests the possibility of using only undiluted leachates for a more cost-effective and time-efficient screening of waste materials. The findings of this study highlight the usefulness of integrating ecotoxicological waste assessment. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-18. © 2024 The Author(s). Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

On The Potential Use of Copper-Modified Geopolymer Incorporating Lead-Smelter Slag for Thermal Energy Storage

Thermal energy storage (TES) system has been widely employed in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants to ensure the system efficiency. With excellent thermal characteristics, electrolytic copper powder (ECP), graphene oxide (GO) and lead-smelter slag (LSS) aggregate – a mining waste material, have been utilised in this study, aiming to fabricate metallurgical geopolymer material as a storage medium in the TES system. This paper investigated the effect of ECP contents (0, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%) on the strength, specific heat, thermal conductivity and thermal stability of GO-engineered geopolymer mixes incorporating LSS aggregate. With 10% ECP inclusion, the flow rate and compressive strength improved significantly. Increasing ECP content improved the thermal conductivity but reduce specific heat of geopolymers. The results revealed that ECP was a promising component to be incorporated into geopolymer to enhance its physio-mechanical characteristics and thermal stability. The combination of ECP, GO and LSS to produce geopolymer materials for TES system can provide an eco-friendly solution to the CSP plants and the industry waste recovery.

Strategies for the Sustainable Management of Solid Waste from Sinfra's Urban Hotel Establishments

Located in the Marahoué region in the central-west of Côte d'Ivoire, the town of Sinfra is a victim of inappropriate hotel waste management. This poor management of solid waste from hotel establishments has repercussions on the environment of this urban area, which is exposed to an abundance of rainfall. The aim of this study is to propose actions and strategies to mitigate the impact of poor hotel waste management. The methodology used is based on documentary research and field surveys supported by semi-directive interviews, questionnaires and direct observation.Systematic random sampling was used, which made it possible to include half of the city's hotel establishments. The reasoned choice method was used to target the hotels to be surveyed on the basis of certain criteria. The results showed that in the town of Sinfra, 45% of hotels dispose of their waste in unauthorised dumps and collection sites, 33% of hotels entrust their waste to pre-collectors and 22% of hotels have their waste collected by municipal services. This situation has given rise to environmental problems affecting people's quality of life. In response, solutions have been proposed for the sustainable management of hotel waste. These include supporting hotel managers in changing their practices, setting up and encouraging waste recovery channels and creating appropriate solid waste management infrastructures.

Effect of interaction between different plastics and polyvinyl chloride on the chlorine transformation behavior in volatiles during low-temperature pyrolysis

To reduce the pollution during the pyrolysis recovery of chlorine-containing plastic waste from different sources, effects of the interaction between different plastics and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on the transformation of chlorine at low temperature were investigated by thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared (TG-FTIR) and fixed-bed pyrolysis experiments. Results showed that the proportions of chlorine in chars were all <0.04 %, indicating that almost all chlorine was released after pyrolysis. However, the chlorine forms in volatiles were significantly changed with mixing different plastics. HCl production was significantly inhibited due to the addition of other plastics, while the organic chlorinated compounds (OCCs) formation was promoted, which increased the distribution of chlorine in liquid products. During PVC pyrolysis, chlorine was mainly distributed in gas (93.09 %) in the form of HCl, only a small amount of aliphatic chlorides were generated and distributed in liquid (6.89 %). After the addition of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the chlorine distribution in liquid increased to 8.86 %, 11.98 % and 25.99 %, respectively. The formation of OCCs was significantly affected by the difference in thermochemical reaction characteristics of plastics. Specifically, the production of aromatic chlorides was promoted by PS, while the generation of aliphatic chlorides and aromatic chloroesters was significantly promoted by PE and PET, respectively. Therefore, the release form of chlorine could be significantly altered by the interaction between PVC and other waste plastics, which provides a reference for the regulation of chlorine-containing pollutants in the recovery and utilization of plastic waste.

Preparation of silicoaluminophosphate-34 zeolite on different macroporous supports for permeability and selectivity of CO2/CH4

In this study, the zeolite silicoaluminophosphate-34 (SAPO-34) was synthesized using Al(OH)3 and SiO2 obtained from waste recovery as sources of aluminum and silicon. Tablets of compacted crystals were prepared and the crystal growth of SAPO-34 was promoted through several steps of hydrothermal treatment on non-conventional macroporous supports such as pumice stone and 500 mesh stainless steel. Homogeneous crystal growth was achieved on the surface of the supports after three treatments of 24 h. The CO2/CH4 separation selectivity was evaluated using the three aforementioned materials. A permeability of 5.4 × 10−7 mol/m2 s Pa and a CO2 selectivity of 47.55 were obtained with SAPO-34 supported on 500 mesh stainless steel. The pumice/SAPO-34 samples showed a permeability of 19.6 × 10−7 mol/m2 s and a selectivity of 52. Furthermore, this work demonstrated the potential of pumice stone supports for gas separation.

Nucleobase-mediated hydrogen bonding crosslinked highly sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) electrodialysis membranes for efficient waste acid recovery

Electrodialysis is a promising technology for waste acid recovery with the advantages of low energy consumption and high efficiency. In this work, two nucleobase-modified highly sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) with adenine (SPEEK-50A) and thymine (SPEEK-50T) were successfully synthesized. Then, a series of blending SPEEK-50Ax/50Ty membranes with varying molar ratios of these two functionalized SPEEKs were fabricated by solution casting. The hydrogen bonding crosslinked structure of ‘A-T base pairs’, as well as the acid-base interactions between the incorporated nucleobases and SO3H groups of the polymer backbone, not only enhanced the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the blending membranes, but more importantly, it successfully addressed the over-swelling issue of highly sulfonated SPEEK membrane. The SPEEK-50Ax/50Ty membranes exhibited tensile strengths between 59.3 and 72.3 MPa, which is 2.2–2.6 times that of the pristine SPEEK membrane. And the water uptake of the blending membranes reduced from 116 % to 14.6–19.2 %, while the swelling ratio decreased from 27.1 % to 5.86–6.60 %. The proton affinity of the multiple basic N atoms in nucleobases, as well as the ‘A-T base pairs’ hydrogen bonding network and acid-base interactions between nucleobases and SO3H groups, all can serve as effective proton transport channels. Additionally, the charge repulsion effect of protonated nucleobases and the crosslinking structure is beneficial to the permselectivity. Therefore, the fabricated blending SPEEK-50Ax/50Ty membranes exhibited superior H+ flux (1.66–1.73 mmol m−2 s−1) and enhanced H+/Fe2+ permselectivity (40.3–43.2). The SPEEK-50A0.5/50T0.5 membrane demonstrated a H+ flux of 1.70 mmol m−2 s−1 and a H+/Fe2+ permselectivity of 43.2, which is 2.8 times that of the pristine SPEEK membrane, surpassing both commercially available and recently reported membranes. Therefore, the nucleobase-modified blending SPEEK-50Ax/50Ty membranes might be potential candidates for the efficient recovery of acid from pickling wastewater.

Transforming sorted and performance of waste recovery companies: Circular Economy, Sustainability Technology and SDGs

Waste management is now a major global concern. Therefore, the circular economy (CE) and sustainable technology have become the necessary means of achieving sustainable business development. In this study, we conduct an analysis of the waste recovery sector in Spain to determine whether the most innovative and socially aware companies complied with sustainable development goal (SDG) 5 (gender equality) and SDG 8 (decent work and growth) during the period 2019–2021 (pre-Coronavirus Disease 2019, (pre-COVID-19), during COVID-19, and post-COVID-19). To this end, based on factors comprising economic and financial variables, the companies were grouped via a cluster analysis using the k-means method; they were linked to the SDGs (5 and 8) in order to determine the compliance of this sector. The results indicate that the technological transformations carried out by the waste valorization companies were reflected in their financial performance, with an increase in revenues of 61 % between 2019 and 2021; all clusters complied with SDG 8. However, despite promoting business transformation, social change, sustainable technology, and CE, these companies are far from compliant with SDG 5; indeed, a setback in social development was observed, with a significant decline in the number of women in positions of power after COVID-19. This therefore constitutes one of the greatest challenges for companies in this sector.

Characterization, potential valuable metals recovery and remediation of historic wolframite mining waste

The understanding of tungsten (W) mineral weathering and mobilization in nature remains limited due to W being a transition element with a wide range of oxidation states, which enables it to form a variety of complex chemical compounds. This study examined W mining waste at the abandoned Wolfram Camp mine in North Queensland, Australia, to address this gap. The mineralogical analysis showed the W tailings primarily consisted of silicates, including quartz, illite/mica, plagioclase, and K-Feldspar, with low WO3 content. Static acid mine drainage (AMD) tests indicated most tailings were non-acid forming, while groundwater samples exhibited acidification, with pH ranging from 3.8 to 5.2. The reprocessing trials using gravity separation and bioleaching demonstrated promising results, suggesting both techniques could effectively recover resource and decontaminate the mining waste. The gravity separation reprocessing test has successfully recovered 48.4% W from the tailings, with the resulting W concentrate achieving a 21.6% WO3 grade. On the other hand, the bioleaching reprocessing exhibited a remarkable 44-fold enrichment of W from the tailings, with 2.2% W in the AMD sediment. Synchrotron-based XFM/μ-XANES imaging analysis revealed significant wolframite weathering in reprocessed W concentrates. This study proposed a comprehensive approach, integrating environmental remediation and resource recovery technologies, to repurpose abandoned W mining waste. Passive treatment appears to be an economical option for remediating abandoned W mine sites. The findings provide valuable insights for sustainable W mining waste management and the rehabilitation of the abandoned Wolfram Camp W mine site.

South Africa’s food system: An industry perspective on past, present and future applications of science and technology

The South African food system is facing severe challenges as increasing hunger, rising food costs, lack of dietary diversity, child stunting, foodborne illnesses, food waste and an obesity epidemic coupled with malnutrition are observed. In this study, we aimed to establish the application of science and technology advances in the food and beverage industry in South Africa in response to food consumption pattern changes since 1994 and how they could be used to address food security challenges. We found that food consumption shifts have been towards sugar-sweetened beverages, processed and packaged food, animal-source foods and added caloric sweeteners, and away from vegetables. These dietary shifts are concerning as they relate to public health. Most commitments to improve the nutritional status of South Africans have been limited to corporate social investment strategies and should be extended into core business strategies. Furthermore, although the South African food and beverage industry has kept pace with developments in food manufacturing practices, there has been little experimentation with non-commercial novel technologies. The expert survey revealed that indigenous African crops and food waste recovery are the two most promising emerging food sources that could be available to South Africans in the shortest time frame. South Africa has many enabling drivers to become a global leader in food technology advances. However, many barriers need to be overcome for industry, academia and government to collaborate to advance novel food science and technologies to reach commercialisation.

Enlisting the work of boundaries and boundary objects in shaping apartment waste

Recycling in apartments has been problematised around the world, as this housing typology is associated with relatively low resource recovery rates. Rather that assuming that occupant behaviours are the key concern, this paper starts with the observation that apartments are sites of unevenly distributed spatialities and responsibilities. They co-shape material and infrastructural affordances and call upon diverse knowledge of waste management in collective and shared arrangements. This paper analyses data from an in-depth qualitative study involving apartment waste and apartment households in Melbourne, Australia. It shows that boundaries and boundary objects help define waste and its relationships, mutually shaping and being shaped by material flows and reconfiguring responsibilities. The co-production of these boundaries and boundary objects is correlated to mechanisms of governance, regulations, assumptions associated with verticality/shared living, and seasonality. In the context of post-consumer waste recovery policy ambitions, the paper illustrates how a) shifting boundaries to redistribute responsibility b) engaging with somatic work to bridge boundaries that challenge material flows, and c) harnessing boundaries that nurture and normalize sustainable waste practices, can be potential sites of intervention. As a theoretical contribution, it draws upon boundary work and social practices as a novel way to inform interventions to promote sustainability.

Modeling the impact of plastic oil obtained from xlpe cable wastes on diesel engine performance and combustion parameters with the response surface method

The world's expanding population requires alternative energy sources to meet its energy needs. One such alternative is the efficient recovery of plastic waste through pyrolysis. The liquid produced from waste plastics via pyrolysis is a valuable commodity that may serve as fuel substituted for internal combustion engines. In this study, waste plastic oil (WPO) and diesel fuel (D100) blends (10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% by volume) obtained by pyrolysis of waste XLPE cables were experimentally investigated and analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM) to determine their effects on the combustion parameters of a four-stroke, single cylinder diesel engine at different engine loads (750, 1500, 2250, 3000, 3750 and 4500 W). A response surface model was constructed using a two-factor central composite complete design and analysis of variance based on the experimental results obtained. The model determined the optimum values of WPO ratio and engine load that correspond to one of the finest brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and smoke emission levels. The study's optimization findings indicated that the optimal WPO ratio is 19.6%, and the optimal engine load is 2600 W. The BTE, BSFC, CO, HC, NOx, and smoke were found to be 22.3%, 332.3 g/kWh, 0.033%, 31.5 ppm, 397.9 ppm, and 1.63%, respectively, at the optimal WPO ratio and engine load. The R2 (correlation coefficient) values for BTE, BSFC, CO, HC, NOx, and smoke emissions were determined to be 99.95%, 97.76%, 98.10%, 99.74%, 99.74%, 99.79%, and 95.67%, respectively. The mean error rates, ranging from 0.64% to 4.27%, were deemed satisfactory when comparing the replies to the experimental data. The findings of this study demonstrated that the response surface method is a very efficient approach for forecasting and enhancing a diesel engine's performance and emission characteristics by using waste plastic oil.

Analysis of Odor Nuisance Emitted by a Rendering Plant Processing Animal By-products, Which is Located in the Center of a Several-thousand Population Village

The constantly growing need for livestock production for food purposes generates huge amounts of animal by-products unfit for human consumption. Therefore, the number of rendering plants that facilitate the recovery of animal waste in the form of fat and protein flour constantly grows. Odors emitted from rendering processes can significantly impact air quality, causing nuisance for humans, especially when the plant is close to residential areas. This research focuses on the concentration of odour emission from thermal rendering operations determined by dynamic olfactometry and removal efficiency in the 3-stage water scrubber used in the investigated plant. Among the 6 process air stream emitters investigated, 3 presented the major odorous contributions according to their high odorant concentrations. The elimination of odour nuisance by a 3-stage water scrubber revealed a low removal efficiency of less than 55%. Such an outcome suggested inappropriate conditions such as alkaline pH and low odorant solubility in water. Thus, other removal methods need to be implemented to achieve satisfactory results.

Optimizing Masonry Mortar: Experimental Insights into Physico-Mechanical Properties Using Recycled Aggregates and Natural Fibers

The European Green Deal establishes the efficient management of construction resources as one of its main lines of action. In this sense, the recovery of construction and demolition waste for its reincorporation into the manufacturing process of new sustainable materials has become necessary for the industry. This work deals with the physical and mechanical characterization of cement mortars made with recycled concrete aggregates and reinforced with natural fibers. The reinforcement fibers used (abaca, coconut, and toquilla) are more environmentally friendly compared to traditional synthetic reinforcements. The aim of this research is to analyze the main physico-mechanical properties of these sustainable cement mortars. The results show that mortars made with recycled sand have a lower density and better thermal performance than traditional mortars. In addition, with the incorporation of these natural fibers, the flexural strength of the mortars with recycled aggregate increased by up to 37.6%. Another advantage obtained from the incorporation of these natural fibers is the reduction in shrinkage in the masonry mortars during the drying process, giving them greater dimensional stability and making their behavior similar to that of traditional mortars. Thus, this work shows the potential application of masonry mortars produced under circular economy criteria and their application in the building sector.

Effects of massive desiccation of olive waste residues on air quality

New industries are proliferating in the recovery of agri-food wastes, such as those involved in the revaluation of alperujo, generated in the production of olive oil. Despite the potential environmental benefits, their activity is not exempt from new forms of emissions, aggravated by the massification of waste treatments.This work reports a six-month field campaign carried out in an alperujo desiccation plant which can serve as a proxy for these emerging industries in the Mediterranean countries. The study focused on air quality parameters, covering criteria pollutants, metals and microbiological load of particulate matter and the characterization of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).The results show a slight contribution of the factory to the NOx levels in the surroundings (3.0–12.5 μg/m3). Statistically significant effects were not observed for ozone, CO, SO2, or PM10. Concerning the levels of metals, concentrations were low and calculated health risk indexes indicated safe conditions in the area. The most abundant elements were Na (6.5 × 102 ng/m3), K (4.0 × 102 ng/m3), Al (2.7 × 102 ng/m3), Zn (2.1 × 102 ng/m3), Ca (2.16 × 102 ng/m3), Fe (3.6 × 101 ng/m3) and Mg (3.2 × 101 ng/m3).Bacterial counts, with a mean value of 15.9 CFU/m3, showed a seasonal shift, mainly explained by weather (air moisture and temperature) and PM2.5 concentration. The genomic analysis showed Cutibacterium as the dominant genus during the cold months while Bacillus predominated in the warm season.The VOCs with higher average concentrations were acetic acid (130 μg/m3), nonanoic acid (124 μg/m3), benzoic acid (29.7 μg/m3), octanoic acid (19.9 μg/m3) and nonanal (4.70 μg/m3), with the rest of compounds in concentrations below 4 μg/m3. Odorant pollutants with the greatest contribution to olfactory nuisance were aldehydes (from pentanaldehyde to decanaldehyde), acetic acid and phenol.Although the observable effects of the waste treatments were low, several parameters showed an influence on the environment which should be assessed to foresee and prevent long-term consequences.

Legal Framework of Plastic Packaging and Labelling in Sri Lanka: A Comparative Analysis

Plastic packaging plays a pivotal role in delivering quality products to consumers but poses significant waste management challenges once discarded. Landfilling, the primary method for solid waste disposal in Sri Lanka, exacerbates plastic pollution due to poor waste separation, leading to environmental contamination and health hazards. Mismanaged plastic packaging waste also threatens key industries like tourism, fisheries, and agriculture, endangering the country's economy and biodiversity. This research utilized secondary data to examine plastic packaging waste regulations, incorporating expert strategies such as the circular economy and extended producer responsibility. An extensive literature review, including German and EU directives, identified effective waste management practices, while primary data on food packaging was collected through observation to propose improved labelling regulations for Sri Lanka. The findings recommend mandatory labelling by manufacturers to inform consumers about the recyclability and quantity of plastic packaging, promoting awareness and sustainable consumption. Additionally, implementing eco-labelling and legislation for plastic packaging in Sri Lanka will enhance waste separation, recycling, and recovery, reducing plastic pollution and mismanaged waste.

Co-Treatment of Food Waste and Municipal Sewage Sludge: Technical and Environmental Review of Biological and Thermal Technologies

To face the ongoing issues related to global warming, a circular economy approach should be pursued, rethinking the waste management system and the recovery of organic waste. The main organic waste streams are Food Waste (FW) and municipal Sewage Sludge (SS). In the spirit of circularity, a commingled treatment of FW and SS could be a viable solution. To this end, the present work aims to review the technical and environmental aspects of the co-treatment of FW and SS through biological and thermal processes. Firstly, a detailed characterization of the two substrates is presented as well as the current and future treatment technologies. Then, the technical feasibility and the environmental impacts of conventional biological co-treatments of FW and SS (i.e., composting, anaerobic digestion, and a combination of them), as well as innovative thermal ones (i.e., incineration, gasification, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal carbonization), is summarized. The outcomes of this work could contribute to achieving a more sustainable way to approach organic waste treatment and to help policy-making authorities move toward sustainable planning.