Waste Reduction Efforts Research Articles

Waste management practices amongst small businesses in the townships of Gauteng province in South Africa

ABSTRACT This paper investigated waste management practices of small businesses in the selected townships of Gauteng province, South Africa. Surveys were conducted by means of questionnaire-administered interviews and primary data were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated that most businesses generated wastes in the form of plastics (59–75%), cardboards (31–61%), and food remains (21–37%). Approximately 64–68% of small businesses relied on the municipality for waste collection and disposal. By contrast, 10–20% of businesses gave away their recyclable materials to informal waste reclaimers while only a few were recycling (7–14%) or reusing (6–12%) their wastes, respectively. The survey found a significant association between the formality of businesses and certain types of wastes that they were generating, namely, office paper, glass, metals, food items, and other waste materials. Based on these findings, some recommendations are suggested for improving existing waste management practices and maximising waste reduction efforts in the townships.

PLASTIC WASTE, WOOD WASTE, ECONOMICALLY VALUABLE PRODUCTS

This community service program aims to develop creative products with economic value from processed plastic waste and wood waste by students in the school environment. This initiative was implemented to overcome environmental problems due to the increase in plastic waste and wood waste as well as to hone students' skills and creativity in the field of handicrafts. This activity involves collecting, sorting and processing plastic and wood waste available around the school. Plastic waste is transformed into various products, namely various models of decorative flowers and plant pots, while wood waste is processed into functional items such as pen racks and aesthetic baskets. Product evaluation is carried out to ensure quality and market appeal. The results of this activity show that students are able to produce quality products that have marketability for consumers. This program not only provides economic benefits for schools and students, but also increases environmental awareness, waste management skills and student creativity. Apart from that, this program succeeded in fostering a sense of social responsibility and concern for the environment among students. Thus, this community service activity in the school environment succeeded in utilizing plastic and wood waste into creative products with economic value, supporting waste reduction efforts, and making a real contribution to sustainable education that focuses on practical skills and environmental awareness.

Persuasive strategies for encouraging food waste reduction: A study of temporal focus, message framing, and the role of perceived trustworthiness in restaurant

Restaurant and foodservice industry contributes a substantial amount of food waste each year, which makes it a concern to the society. Reducing food waste requires active involvement from consumers, and advertising messages could possibly encourage consumer involvement by increasing their awareness of the food waste issue. To promote restaurant consumers' positive intentions to reduce food waste, this study proposes effective communication strategies by analyzing the relative persuasiveness of two advertising elements: temporal focuses (past versus future) and message framings (attribute versus benefit). By incorporating consumers' perceived trustworthiness toward restaurants' food waste reduction practices, this paper further investigates how these proposed communication tactics can be operationalized. Results reveal that advertisements emphasizing future promises and social benefits of food waste reduction efforts can effectively promote consumers’ intentions, specifically by triggering a higher perceived trust in both ability and integrity. The moderated mediation effects of perceived trustworthiness were confirmed.

Persepsi dan Partisipasi Masyarakat Terhadap Pengelolaan Sampah Rumah Tangga melalui TPS 3R Sulur Berkah dan Makmur Jaya di Kota Jambi

One of the waste reduction efforts carried out by the Jambi City Government is the provision of 3R TPS. The reduction target set by the government until 2030 is 30%. Community participation is really needed to reduce and/or handle waste in an environmentally sound manner, including efforts to sort waste from the source. Waste sorting that is not carried out at the source can result in mixed waste and reduce the economic value of recycled waste. Apart from that, sufficient human resources and a long time are needed to sort the waste at TPS 3R, while the residue must be immediately transported to the TPA so as not to cause a bad smell and discomfort for local residents. Internal conflicts at TPS 3R regarding financial management and several other things resulted in TPS 3R not functioning according to its function. The aim of this research is to examine community perceptions and participation in household waste management through TPS 3R Sulur Berkah and Makmur Jaya in Jambi City. The research method used is descriptive analysis and the main data collection tool is a questionnaire. The research instrument uses a Likert scale with 4 (four) response options. The research results show that 100% of respondents have a positive perception of household waste management through TPS 3R. However, only 62% have high participation in household waste management, the remaining 38% of respondents have low participation.

A model to access the productivity of an agricultural implements consortium: a case study

Purpose This work presents the results of a case study aimed at revitalizing an agricultural equipment manufacturing consortium facing prolonged losses. The purpose of this paper is to enhance productivity and profitability by identifying and eliminating waste within the manufacturing processes. The study uses lean principles and tools to achieve this objective. Design/methodology/approach The study begins with the creation of a questionnaire, administered to the consortium to gather insights. The questionnaire responses serve as a foundation for pinpointing critical areas in need of immediate attention. To tackle the challenge of demand forecasting without customer data, a demand forecasting model is introduced. Value stream mapping (VSM) is used to identify and highlight process inefficiencies and waste. The findings are further analyzed using a Pareto chart to prioritize waste reduction efforts. Based on these insights, the study proposes alternative manufacturing methods and waste elimination strategies. A multiphase lean framework is developed as a step-by-step roadmap for implementing lean manufacturing. Findings The study identifies a broken process flow within the consortium’s manufacturing processes and highlights areas of waste through VSM. The Pareto chart analysis reveals the most significant waste areas requiring immediate intervention. Recommendations for process improvements and waste reduction strategies are provided to the consortium. Originality/value This study contributes to the field by applying lean principles and tools to address the unique challenges faced by an agricultural equipment manufacturing consortium. The integration of a demand forecasting model and the development of a multiphase lean framework offer innovative approaches to enhancing productivity and profitability in this context.

Analysis of Waste Management and Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction (Case Study: Adiwiyata School SMPN 18 Surabaya and Non-Adiwiyata School SMPN 31 Surabaya)

In Surabaya, a city program named "Perilaku dan Berbudaya Lingkungan Hidup di Sekolah" (PBLHS), or Environmental Behavior and Culture in Schools, specifically targets Adiwiyata schools to promote sustainable practices. However, not all schools participate in this initiative. Non-Adiwiyata schools typically send their waste to the Final Waste Processing Site (TPA), which exacerbates the load on these facilities and contributes to increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study aims to compare waste management and GHG reduction efforts between Adiwiyata and non-Adiwiyata schools in Surabaya. We conducted sampling at one Adiwiyata school and one non-Adiwiyata school, analyzing waste generation and management strategies using the SNI 19-3964-1994 method. Our findings reveal that Adiwiyata schools generate less waste, with an average of 0.0103 kg/person/day, compared to 0.0155 kg/person/day at non-Adiwiyata schools. Furthermore, the organic waste composition was significantly lower in Adiwiyata schools at 2.08%, versus 33% in non-Adiwiyata schools. Methane (CH4) emissions from Adiwiyata schools were also lower, measuring 0.123 Gg/year, as opposed to 0.405 Gg/year from non-Adiwiyata schools. These disparities in waste output, organic waste composition, and GHG emissions are significantly influenced by the environmental knowledge, attitudes, and practices within the school communities.

Something to Chew on; Plate-Waste at an Ontario Veteran's Centre.

There is paucity of data assessing levels of food/beverage waste in long-term care (LTC) facilities, especially in Ontario. Observations in the Veteran's Centre (VC) at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Sunnybrook) indicated food/beverage waste may be high, potentially impacting sustainability efforts within our institution. Before proceeding with waste reduction efforts, we conducted a comprehensive 3-day waste-audit of food/beverage items provided to VC residents with the goal of understanding the extent of food/beverage waste at VC, items wasted, and any other factors that may inform future changes. Our results indicate that 28% of items served to residents were wasted. Lunch was the meal with greatest waste at 31% and waste of solid items was 12% higher than that of liquids. We observed a large variability in waste between residents and within each resident, with 15% of residents wasting >50% of items provided. This study provides a deeper insight into the magnitude of food/beverage waste in a LTC population and highlights the importance of considering individualized strategies to address waste to avoid negative impact on residents.

Plastic Waste Identification Using Deep Learning for Adequate Waste Management

Plastic waste management has emerged as a critical global challenge, prompting concerted efforts from conservation authorities and international organizations like the United Nations to enhance detection and classification strategies. This research distinguishes itself by harnessing advanced deep learning techniques to identify plastic materials at the micron level, surpassing traditional macro-level methods. The primary goal is to classify plastics into four major distinctions, addressing a key challenge in plastic segregation by accurately measuring thickness. Leveraging the YOLOv8 architecture, this approach enables precise classification of plastics into Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE0, and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) categories based on thickness. To achieve this, incorporation of hardware components such as ultrasonic sensors and NodeMCU for detecting thickness variations is used. By facilitating effective segregation according to environmental impact, this innovation revolutionizes waste reduction efforts, offering real-time identification and enhancing overall sustainability in plastic waste management.

Unlocking value: circular economy in ngos' food waste reduction efforts in Brazil and Togo

This article delves into the intriguing realm of food waste valorization conducted by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in two distinct locales—Brasilia, Brazil, and Lomé, Togo. The primary focus of this exploration is the lens of the Circular Economy (CE), a concept that emphasizes the sustainable utilization of resources within closed loops. The discourse is further enriched by introducing the notion of upcycling, a complementary force to the Circular Economy, particularly within the intricate web of food supply chains. The ReSOLVE framework, a strategic approach for managing food waste, is a guiding light in this research. Upon dissecting the outcomes, noteworthy limitations come to the forefront, shedding light on the challenges of aligning NGOs from both countries with the principles of the Circular Economy in their food waste management endeavors. These challenges assume heightened significance against the backdrop of the intricate global food security landscape, effectively underlining the intricacies of harmonizing the Circular Economy's ambitions with the pragmatic goal of diminishing food waste. The overarching objective of this study is to galvanize circular-oriented initiatives that can effectively curtail and prevent food wastage on a global scale, with a particular emphasis on developing nations. This pursuit is underscored by the triad of benefits such initiatives confer: economic advancement, social amelioration, and a positive ecological footprint. In an era where sustainability stands as a paramount concern, this research advocates for concerted efforts to harmonize the noble ideals of the Circular Economy with the pressing need for food waste reduction, especially within regions striving for holistic growth and development.

Food Waste Reduction in Europe: Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships Lessons for the Global South.

Food waste is a critical global issue with significant environmental, economic, and social consequences. This paper investigates the efficacy of multi-stakeholder partnerships in addressing food waste, with a specific focus on lessons learned from initiatives taken in Europe for application in the Global South. This study uses qualitative research methods, that involves review of existing literatures and a case study analysis of the initiatives taken by the International Food Waste Coalition (IFWC). This study evaluates the impact of multi-stakeholder partnerships in food waste reduction efforts. Key themes such as collaboration, measurement, innovation, and policy advocacy emerge as critical factors in multi-stakeholder partnerships’ effectiveness. By examining the strategies and outcomes of the IFWC, this paper provides insights and recommendations applicable to regions facing similar challenges. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions on food waste management and sustainable development, emphasizing the pivotal role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in promoting collaboration between different stakeholders from different sectors all around the world and driving meaningful change on a global scale.

Sentiment analysis of the awareness of environmental sustainability

This study examines the sentiment analysis of awareness of environmental sustainability. Environmental sustainability is the responsible management and utilization of Earth's natural resources to meet the needs of the present generation and ensure that future generations will access those resources. The awareness of environmental sustainability has been growing globally as people, businesses, and governments recognize the importance of preserving the planet for current and future generations. Sentiment analysis of environmental sustainability involves evaluating opinions, attitudes, and emotions expressed in texts related to environmental sustainability, and analyzing sentiment can provide insights into public perception, awareness, and engagement with environmental issues. This exploratory study's primary goal is to conduct social media opinion mining in the context of Thai people's environmental sustainability. The paper presented how to build a model of sentiment analysis with linguistic analysis, including data preprocessing steps, feature extraction, and model constructions. The techniques used in this research include Logistic Regression, Random Forests, Support Vector Machine, Word Segmentation and Bag of Words. The result shows that the model is able to categorize sentiment analysis opinions in the sustainability context primarily in positive terms. The positive sentiments suggest a sustained, long-term shift in awareness, or they might be influenced by specific events or trends. However, positive sentiment analysis results are expressed towards environmental sustainability initiatives, such as renewable energy projects, waste reduction efforts, or conservation programs. Moreover, public awareness plays a crucial role in influencing individual behavior, corporate practices, and government policies towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Analisis Strategi Pengelolaan Sampah Berbasis Pengurangan (Reduksi) di Kecamatan Medan Helvetia Kota Medan

This research aims to analyze reduction-based waste management strategies in Medan Helvetia District, Medan City. The method used is qualitative with a survey approach and using SWOT and AHP analysis. This research began by identifying waste reduction efforts that had been carried out by residents of Medan Helvetia District and then a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was carried out which resulted in 3 activity targets to be developed, namely (1) strategies to increase community participation to join environmental care communities; (2) strategy to improve the performance of waste banks, and (3) strategy to implement the circular economy concept in waste management to support the improvement of the people's economy. Based on the results of the SWOT analysis, the appropriate strategy for realizing the first activity target is the integration of the waste management education program with the TP PKK work program as well as providing waste reduction information on social media and banners in each sub-district. The priority target for the second activity is placing outlets receiving segregated waste in strategic location in the sub-district as well as waste bank management training, and the third priority strategy target, namely partner collaboration and capital assistance as well as assistance with composter equipment to produce organic fertilizer. The results of the AHP analysis show that the priority strategy in waste management based on reduction is increasing community participation to join environmental care communities with a weight value of 0.446 with an inconsistency value of 0.00001. This research shows that to increase community participation, continuous education is needed to be able to sort organic and inorganic waste, as well as disseminate information and waste reduction campaigns on social media and banners in each sub-district.

Food Waste Reduction and Sustainable Food Systems: Strategies, Challenges, and Future Directions

Food waste is a pressing global concern with profound economic, environmental, and social implications. This paper explores strategies to mitigate food waste across the food supply chain, from production to consumption. We delve into innovative technologies, policy interventions, and behavioral changes aimed at reducing food waste. Additionally, we address the challenges and complexities of food waste reduction efforts, including the need for systemic changes and the role of consumer behavior. Five subheadings, spanning topics such as food recovery, circular economy approaches, and sustainable agriculture, provide a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted issue of food waste. This paper underscores the urgency of addressing food waste as an integral part of building sustainable food systems for the future.

Assessing Port Harcourt Superstores' Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals via Consumer Waste Management Behaviours

Waste management particularly in Port Harcourt, poses a significant challenge due to the generation of refuse from domestic, commercial, and industrial sources. Globally, superstores generate substantial amounts and diverse types of waste daily, necessitating environmentally friendly practices to align with sustainable development goals. Consumers’ environmental consciousness significantly shapes their shopping and consumption habits. This study aims to evaluate consumer awareness of sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to waste management in Port Harcourt’s superstores and assess consumer involvement in waste management practices during shopping. Employing a descriptive approach, quantitative data was collected through a random sampling method via questionnaires from 112 participants. The tools used were validated, with Statistical Package for Social Science version 26 employed for analysis, encompassing frequencies, percentages, chi-square, and Spearman correlation. The study rejected the null hypothesis, revealing a significant association between consumer awareness of SDGs in waste management and various socio-demographic factors, indicating that heightened awareness correlates with increased engagement. Notably, environmental consciousness drives participation in waste management activities. Importantly, the study underscores that consumer knowledge and awareness, particularly concerning plastic packaging waste, significantly influence waste reduction efforts, indicating the pivotal role of stakeholders, especially superstores, in communicating information and fostering consumer engagement for environmental sustainability.

Psycho-social conditions of urban communities in the complexity of waste management: Are awareness and waste banks the main solution?

Waste management in urban areas is a critical issue in developing countries. As an environmental awareness emergency country, Indonesia faces significant waste production, particularly in its third-largest metropolis, Bandung. With the majority of its population utilizing cell phones or computers, the city has generated approximately 1500 tons of waste per day in 2022. Even though Bandung is one of the big cities in Indonesia, a staggering 54.7% of the total waste finds its way to landfills, exerting adverse impacts on the economic, social, and public health sectors. The government has pursued remedies through initiatives such as waste banks, collection services, and public education through social media. However, when delving into the intricacies of waste management, the psycho-social conditions of the community should be considered, which are often characterized by an ethos of tireless work, colloquially referred to as “crazy to work” or “hustle culture.” Consequently, waste, including its associated health risks, may be perceived as a marginal concern.This research assessed public environmental awareness and the willingness to contribute to diverse waste management endeavors financially. Such endeavors may be in household waste collection or the establishment of government-operated facilities, such as waste banks and waste collection services within the psycho-social conditions of urban communities. By employing a quantitative approach, the study surveyed 74 heads of urban households in Bandung using convenience sampling techniques and analyzed the data using SPSS tools to address the formulated hypotheses. Results demonstrate the effect of household waste management practices on the environmental awareness of urban communities. Nevertheless, the influence of waste management services, the perspectives of waste bank management, or concerns about infectious waste–related diseases on the environmental awareness of urban communities are generally not substantiated. However, the latter two aspects exert an influence on the community's inclination to support waste collection services financially. In sum, this study suggests that cultural and knowledge factors in Bandung may impede progress in the environmental sector. Therefore, recommendations encompass stringent environmental policies and laws, technological integration, and subsidies for waste reduction efforts in Indonesia's urban waste management practices.

Zero-waste initiatives and circular economy in the U.S.: A review: Exploring strategies, outcomes, and challenges in moving towards a more sustainable consumption model

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of zero-waste initiatives and circular economy (CE) models in the United States, aiming to understand their contribution to sustainable consumption. Employing a systematic literature review methodology, the study sourced data from academic journals, government reports, and industry publications, focusing on literature from the year 2015 to 2023. The search strategy involved a combination of keywords related to zero-waste, circular economy, and sustainable consumption in the U.S. context. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to ensure the relevance and quality of the selected literature, which was then subjected to thematic synthesis for data analysis. Key findings indicate that the evolution of zero-waste and CE concepts in the U.S. is driven by increasing environmental awareness, leading to innovative waste reduction strategies and sustainable consumption models. Despite significant environmental, economic, and social benefits, challenges such as institutional barriers, financial constraints, and technological hurdles persist. The study highlights the crucial role of standards, policies, and regulatory frameworks in facilitating the adoption of zero-waste and CE practices. Successful case studies underscore the importance of community involvement and stakeholder engagement. The study recommends that policymakers develop supportive legislative frameworks, businesses integrate sustainable practices into their operations, and communities actively participate in waste reduction efforts. Future research should focus on the long-term impacts of these practices and the role of emerging technologies. The transition to zero-waste and CE models is essential for sustainable development, requiring concerted efforts from all stakeholders.

Examining waste-to-energy technology potential through the pilot project of Bantargebang Waste-to-Energy Power Plant

Municipal waste management in Indonesia, particularly Jakarta, poses a significant environmental challenge. Jakarta has been relying on the Bantargebang landfill to address its waste disposal needs for many years. Due to the persistent accumulation of waste, the Bantargebang landfill nears its maximum capacity. In response, a Waste-to-Energy (WtE) power plant was introduced in Bantargebang, serving as a pioneering initiative for WtE technology implementation in Indonesia. The Bantargebang WtE Plant employs incineration technology to convert municipal waste into electricity. Despite its usefulness, there are general environmental concerns about WtE plants, specifically focusing on their emissions and the potential presence of hazardous substances This research assesses the Bantargebang WtE Plant’s performance based on 2022 operational data, specifically examining waste reduction efforts and comparing incineration byproducts, including FABA (Fly Ash, Bottom Ash), and flue gas emissions, against government standards. The study indicates the plant can reduce waste mass by 96.5%. Furthermore, the WtE plant’s byproducts align with government standards for flue gas emissions and FABA residue. These results emphasize the potential of large-scale WtE power plants to achieve sustainable waste management goals in Indonesia. Nonetheless, there are opportunities for maximising waste accumulation reduction performance and enhancing operational value of WtE plant.

Potensi Reduksi Sampah Domestik PT. X Surabaya Berdasarkan Komposisi Sampah

Waste reduction efforts need to be made to reduce the burden of landfill in processing waste. The absence of a study on the potential for reducing domestic waste at PT X is an obstacle for the company to determine the right waste management scenario. PT X's waste management still adheres to the collection, transportation, and disposal system. The test of this study is to analyze the potential waste reduction that can be done by PT X. This study was carried out by collecting waste transportation data and waste composition data obtained through the SNI 19-3964-1995 method. Waste transportation data will be reduced by waste composition data that has the potential to be used for kembai. The average waste transported to landfill is 6480 kg / month with the composition of waste dominated by 26.09% of food waste and plastic waste. Total waste that can be reduced by 52.07% by managing organic waste into compost and collecting and selling waste that still has a selling value. By carrying out this management, the average waste disposal of PT X can be reduced to 3374 kg / month.

Estimasi Kapasitas Daya Tampung Landfill dan Umur Pakai TPA Gili Trawangan

This research aims to calculate the estimated landfill capacity and the remaining operational life of the landfill on Gili Trawangan. The condition of the pile of rubbish in the landfill area, which is becoming increasingly mountainous day by day without any compaction and stockpiling process, has resulted in the operational lifespan being reduced over time. Limited land on small islands such as Gili Trawangan is a significant obstacle that must be considered with more intensive waste reduction efforts and integrated waste management. By knowing the remaining operational life based on the projected waste volume for the next 20 years and also the height of the waste pile at the Gili Trawangan TPA, it is hoped that it will be an early warning, especially for the Regional Government, the local community of Gili Trawangan and stakeholders related to waste management to take quick steps in managing the waste pile. The method used in this research is a descriptive, evaluative method starting with a geometric equation approach to calculate projections of waste generation, the carrying capacity of the landfill on Gili Trawangan and estimates of the remaining operational life. The results of this research are that the remaining operational life of the landfill is 3 years. It represents an alarming condition because it will contribute to the increasing vulnerability of small islands, especially Gili Trawangan, especially the decline in environmental conditions.

Consumers Mapping and Green Marketing Design for Products with Reusable Packaging

Hepi Circle products use reusable plastic packaging. Hepi Circle needs to know consumer behavior to develop an appropriate green marketing strategy. This study aims to map Hepi Circle consumer behavior and design a green marketing mix strategy to address this issue. This study used interviews and 102 purposive sampled data for cluster and crosstab analysis. Cluster analysis classifies consumers by greenness into four clusters: Greenback Green, True-Blue Green, Grousers, and Sprout. For each cluster, crosstab analysis describes gender, income, occupation, and information source. This study designs 8-Ps internal and 7-Ps external green marketing. Hepi Circle’s products should use fewer chemicals and be cheaper than those with single-use packaging. Besides online shopping, Hepi Circle can collaborate with small stores and local resellers. It should also effectively maintain Instagram and upload consumer reviews to attract new consumers. It can develop standard operating procedures and have the products certified. It can also cooperate with environmentally conscious groups to conduct green activities and collaborate with restaurants to wash dirty dishes using Hepi Circle products. Hepi Circle supports government plastic waste reduction efforts by doing these activities. The findings of this study can provide a reference for how small and medium enterprises in developing countries design holistic and attractive green marketing strategies