Waste Segregation Research Articles

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Associated with the Practice of Dermatology

Purpose: The environmental impact of the practice of medicine including dermatology can be significant, driven by a growing and aging population that increasingly demands medical resources. This review explores the environmental effects of the practice of dermatology and identifies actionable solutions to reduce negative environmental impacts. Methods: A PubMed search was conducted using the terms (“environmental impact” OR “sustainability”) AND “dermatology.” Results were screened to include English-only articles between 2018 - 2024 and excluded duplicates. Further exploration of dermatology’s environmental effects was enhanced through citation tracking and additional PubMed searches. Results: A total of 25 articles were included based on relevance and search terms and an additional 21 were added. Results were categorized into six categories for data representation. Patient travel was the largest contributor to negatively impact the environment, followed by waste management practices, journal publication and written patient material, and traveling to medical conferences. The environmental impact of pharmaceuticals, including topicals, is also notable. Potential sustainable alternatives include teledermatology, more appropriate waste production and segregation, and electronic versus printed formats and more virtual conferences. Additionally, dermatologic disease evolves in response to a changing environment, with new data indicating epidemiological shifts due to climate change. More sustainable practices within dermatology also have the potential to cut total overhead expenses. Conclusions: Clinical and surgical subspecialties, specifically dermatology, can contribute significantly to environmental pollution, leading to environmental and financial impacts, but implementing simple, documented methods can reduce their ecological footprint and provide potential financial benefits.

Automatic Waste Segregation System

The Automatic Waste Segregation System aims to enhance waste management practices by efficiently sorting waste into three categories: wet waste, dry waste, and metallic waste. Utilizing advanced sensor technologies, this system leverages an LM393 IC moisture sensor to detect the moisture content in waste, effectively identifying wet organic materials such as food scraps. Additionally, an infrared (IR) sensor is employed to distinguish dry waste, including paper, plastics, and textiles, based on the reflective properties of the materials. To further enhance the sorting process, a metal detector is integrated to identify and segregate metallic waste, ensuring that recyclables are collected accurately. The automation of waste segregation not only reduces the manual labor involved in traditional waste sorting methods but also increases the accuracy and efficiency of the process. This system is designed to operate autonomously, with real-time monitoring and feedback mechanisms that allow for seamless integration into existing waste management infrastructures. The collected data on waste types can be utilized for further analysis, enabling municipalities and organizations to develop more effective waste disposal and recycling strategies. By implementing this Automatic Waste Segregation System, we aim to address the growing challenges of waste management, reduce landfill dependency, and promote recycling and resource recovery. This innovative approach aligns with global sustainability goals, contributing to cleaner environments and enhanced waste resource management. The project has the potential to significantly improve waste processing efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and foster community awareness regarding the importance of proper waste segregation. Key Words: Arduino Mega, IR Sensor, DC Motor, Rotary Indexer, Container, etc.

Design and implementation of VGD6-NET framework for waste segregation using 3-tier convolutional neural networks

Design and implementation of VGD6-NET framework for waste segregation using 3-tier convolutional neural networks

Smart Waste Management System

Internet of Things (IoT) plays an important role to make the cities greener, safer, and more efficient. Waste collection management solution based on providing intelligence to wastebins, using an IoT prototype with sensors is been presented in this paper. Planning the waste management for all of the garbage produced in the country is an enormous task which involves both logistical planning and scientific knowledge in order to balance the impact on the environment and the people. With speedy increase in population, the issues related to sanitation with respect to waste operation are demeaning immensely. It creates unhealthy conditions for the citizens in the near surroundings, leading to the spread of contagious conditions and illness. In the proposed system, embedded device helps in real time monitoring of checking the status of the waste in waste dustbins. The data regarding the waste level will be used to deliver optimized route for waste collecting vans, which will reduce cost associated with fuels. The load sensor will increase effectiveness of data related to waste status and moistness sensor will be used to give data of waste segregation in a dust bins. Keywords: Internet-of-Things, smart waste management, Arduino, Wi-Fi, Internet.

Beneath the surface: assessing pollution levels near major solid waste dumpsites in Lagos, Nigeria.

Effective solid waste management is a critical environmental challenge, particularly in rapidly growing Global South countries like Nigeria. This issue is exacerbated by burgeoning populations, lax waste regulations, and the widespread practice of open dumping. The deterioration of soil quality and alteration of water quality are major consequences of open waste dumping, posing significant environmental and public health risks. This study aims to assess the environmental risk and pollution status of soil and water resources near major dumpsites in Lagos. It aims to offer insights that can inform targeted interventions and policy measures not only in Lagos but also in comparable urban settings worldwide. Results indicated that important soil parameters, including TN (11.89-13.83mg/kg), pH (6.45-7.35), sulfate (36.71-39.49mg/kg), phosphate (9.31-14.39mg/kg), and electrical conductivity (342-566 µS/cm), were significantly affected by the dumpsites. Additionally, concentrations of heavy metals varied, with some exceeding permissible limits set by international standards, highlighting the environmental challenges posed by improper waste disposal in urban settings like Lagos. The analyzed parameters for water were mostly within acceptable limits, indicating a lesser impact of the waste dump on water resources. Water samples from boreholes and hand-dug wells near three dumpsites showed that pH, TDS, and heavy metal concentrations were mostly within WHO limits, with borehole water deemed safe for drinking and hand-dug wells suitable for cleaning. To alleviate the environmental impacts of open dumpsites, it is recommended to implement effective waste segregation, recycling programs, controlled landfilling, and investment in waste treatment technologies, along with regular water quality monitoring to prevent further pollution and protect public health. While these measures offer opportunities, they also face significant challenges due to financial and land constraints. Therefore, strong public awareness, infrastructure investment, and government commitment are essential, along with coordinated efforts among the government, private sector, and communities.

A Review on EcoBinSense: Smart Waste Management System for Urban Area Using IOT and Android

Continuous urbanization and industrialization has to led to increase in volume and type of waste generated. It is estimated that in 2006 the total amount of municipal solid waste generated globally reached 2.02 billion tones, representing a 7% annual increase since 2003 (Global Waste Management Market Report 2007). This poses a problem for local and national governments to ensure sustainable and effective waste management. Technology always helps mankind in making life easier. In public places, proper disposal of waste is not being followed which causes overflow of waste in dustbins that has become a threat to the environment. Segregation, management, transport and disposal of waste plays an important role to minimize the risk to the public and environment. The economic value of waste is best realized when it is segregated. Currently there is no such system of segregation of dry, wet and metallic wastes at a household level. This paper is an innovative way to revolutionize the waste management system using sensors. Segregation is achieved using respective automated sensors and the level of dustbins are monitored simultaneously. Presently there's no such system for segregation of dry and wet wastes at domestic level or social unit level. This paper proposes an automated sensor based waste management and segregation system. It is designed to sort the refuse into 2 categories: wet and dry (metal).

Application of Building Information Modelling in Construction and Demolition Waste Management: Systematic Review and Future Trends Supported by a Conceptual Framework

The architecture, engineering, construction, and operations industry faces an urgent need to enhance construction and demolition waste management in urban areas, driven by increasing demolition and construction activities and a desire to align with sustainable practices and the circular economy principles. To address this need, a systematic literature review on the building information modelling methodology was conducted, employing a structured protocol and specific tools for the analysis of academic studies, based on PRISMA guidelines and StArt software (version 3.4 BETA). Ninety relevant studies published between 1998 and 2024, were analysed and selected from the Web of Science, Scopus, and Engineering Village databases. Findings indicate that China leads in publications with 34%, followed by Brazil (8%) and the United Kingdom (7%). The analysis emphasises the use of drones and LiDAR scanners for precise spatial data, processed by 3D reconstruction tools like Pix4D and FARO As-Built. Revit excels in 3D modelling, providing a robust platform for visualisation and analysis. Visual programming tools such as Dynamo automate processes and optimise material reuse. The study presents a conceptual framework that integrates these technologies with the principles of the circular economy, clarifying the interactions and practical applications that promote the sustainable management of demolition waste from urban buildings and process efficiency. Although the approach promotes material reuse and sustainability, it still faces barriers such as the need for waste segregation at the source, the adaptation of innovative technologies, like the iPhone 15 Pro LiDAR and thermal cameras, as well as associated costs. These factors may limit its adoption in larger-scale projects, particularly due to the increased complexity of buildings.

Hospital waste management system in Kermanshah: challenges, future and sustainable management with circular economy

Proper hospital waste management poses important concerns due to the risk capacity of hospital waste to health and the environment. Healthcare management approaches have changed in recent years, motivated by the desire to minimize the environmental impact. The review aims to examine the current HCW and considers the local challenges associated with establishing a circular economy (CE) to improve hospital waste management regarding training along Plan, Do, Check, and Act (PDCA). The study found that mean medical and general waste segregation rates in public hospitals were 50.15 and 49.85, respectively. On average, 3.6 kg of waste was generated per bed per day. Analysis revealed a significant correlation between total waste and infectious waste with the number of occupied beds in the hospital (p < 0.05). Updating national laws by the CE approach is necessary. Our insights into circular hospital waste urge establishing a green management team, new training methods, and continuous supervision. Using PDCA to enhance waste segregation, training, and other aspects of hospital waste management is vital.

Environmental Sustainability in Dermatological Surgery. Part 1: Reducing Carbon Intensity.

This two-part review addresses the pressing need for environmental sustainability in dermatological surgery, driven by the NHS's commitment to net-zero emissions. Part 1 focuses on strategies to reduce the carbon intensity of dermatological procedures by adopting low-carbon alternatives and optimising operational resource usage. Key strategies for a system-wide reduction in environmental impact include using leveraging local suppliers to reduce transport emissions, streamlining care models, promoting efficient waste management, and using mindful prescribing practices. Another aspect is integrating sustainability into dermatological education whilst minimising the carbon footprint of surgical education. Additionally, the review provides a comprehensive overview of optimising resource use in dermatological surgery, focusing on efficient management of consumables, equipment, and energy. This includes recycling, waste segregation, transitioning to reusable personal protective equipment and surgical instruments, and applying energy-saving and sustainable water use practices. By implementing these strategies, dermatological surgery can significantly reduce its environmental impact while upholding high standards of patient care.

Waste 4.0: transforming medical waste management through digitalization and automated segregation

Medical waste management is a crucial issue due to its potential health risks to humans and harm to the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises separating medical waste into seven groups based on its type. However, despite the implementation of color-coded bin bags, cases of missegregation still occur frequently, leading to injuries and spreading diseases. Infectious waste such as sharps, human tissue, and body parts are often found mixed in waste bins, posing a severe threat to waste employees. To address this issue, this paper proposes exploring the potential of digitalization in waste segregation. The literature on current segregation methods and technology applications is analysed and compared, and a framework for utilizing barcode tagging and scanning to ensure waste is correctly categorized is presented. The barcodes and scanner will be connected through a monitoring system, which can notify waste generators and collectors of misplacing or mixed waste. This digitalization system is expected to serve as a monitoring agent for segregating waste before it is collected from any health facilities. Additionally, the exchanged data from waste generator bins can inform collectors and other waste stakeholders about the waste's condition, potentially opening up opportunities for recycling companies to purchase used plastics or metals from hospital wastes. By implementing digitalization in medical waste management, waste segregation can improve, reduce the spread of diseases and injuries, and promote the recycling of hospital waste materials.

Promoting Sustainable Household Engagement in Recycling via Blockchain-Based Loyalty Program

Recycling plays a crucial role in impacting national GDP and environmental sustainability. Given the complexities inherent in recycling processes, technology serves as a driving force for advancing and optimizing these practices. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, substantial initiatives are underway to foster a green environment and promote a circular economy. However, at the time of writing this paper, existing regulations mandate recycling primarily for business sectors, with no corresponding requirements for household waste collection or segregation. As a result, a significant portion of recyclable waste remains unprocessed. This paper expands upon earlier studies carried out in Jeddah, analyzing the obstacles and variables impacting sustainable recycling solutions, along with the essential conditions to boost household involvement in recycling. This study explores the potential of blockchain technology to improve household engagement by developing a blockchain-based loyalty program. The proposed system leverages the decentralized, immutable, and transparent features of blockchain technology to reward individuals with tokens for the recycling waste they produce, thereby facilitating token tracking across the recycling value chain and enhancing transparency in the circular economy. This article delves into the technical architecture of the loyalty program, aligning its domain model elements with blockchain design heuristics and integrating it with a mobile application that aims to boost recycling engagement by applying social economy principles. This innovative approach promises to overcome the current regulatory and motivational barriers, as well as promote sustainable recycling habits at the household level.

Normative influence on intention to segregate household waste: Reflections from a low-middle income city in urban Africa

ABSTRACT Household waste segregation is crucial for better domestic waste management, successful material recovery programs, environmental pollution reduction, and the promotion of circular economies. While prevalent in developed nations, global adoption of household waste segregation is lacking, particularly evident in emerging economies where city authorities grapple with mounting volumes of mixed waste. Our study, conducted in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, surveyed 1,245 households using a multi-stage sampling technique. Employing structural equation modeling, we assessed how descriptive, injunctive, and moral norms influence individuals’ intention to segregate household waste, considering sociodemographic attributes and policy effectiveness. Findings underscore the significance of descriptive and moral norms, affirming their impact on pro-environmental behaviors. The study reiterates the influential role of education, age, and neighborhood characteristics in moderating these norms and recommends the implementation of persuasive policies, like waste-for-cash incentives, backed by logistical support, infrastructure, and public education to foster household waste segregation and elevate waste management practices.

Municipal Solid Waste Management System: A Study of Aligarh City, Uttar Pradesh, India

Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is a significant environmental challenge in Indian cities, including Aligarh. Inadequate handling of municipal solid waste (MSW) poses risks to public health and the environment. Studies indicate that approximately 90% of MSW in India is improperly disposed of in open dumps and landfills, leading to various ecological and health issues. A detailed examination of Aligarh's waste management system was conducted to assess the quantity, characteristics, and sustainable management options for its municipal waste. Findings from the study show that private collectors handle about 430 tons of waste per day in Aligarh, but neither residents nor collectors engage in waste segregation at the source. The combined collection efficiency of A2Z Private Limited and the Aligarh Municipal Corporation is estimated to be around 70%. Due to the high organic content in the waste, its energy potential remains untapped. Currently, about 80% of the collected waste is disposed of in open dumps, as Aligarh lacks a sanitary landfill. This study highlights the current state of municipal solid waste management in Aligarh focusing on the quantity, quality, and management strategies in Aligarh. Methodology: For this study, Aligarh, a medium-sized city with a population of roughly 8.7 lakhs, which is located 130 kilometres from Delhi, India's capital, was chosen. A thorough assessment of the literature was done to create a theoretical framework. Visits to fields were carried out to gather basic data and comprehend the city's SWMS, including interaction During interviews with several municipality employees and executives in charge of SWM and citizens of the city. A procedure was created to examine the sources, calculate the amounts, and ascertain the waste streams' makeup. Findings: Despite their best efforts, the local municipality's limited resources do not allow for the effectiveness of the solid waste management system in Aligarh. On the outskirts of the city, waste is frequently disposed of in open or low-lying regions without using the correct scientific or engineering techniques.

A sustainable network design for municipal solid waste management considering waste-to-energy conversion under uncertainty

This research proposes a sustainable municipal solid waste management (MSWM) system to address population growth, consumerism, and resource scarcity. It introduces a two-phase decision structure combining multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) tools. Phase one develops a hybrid risk-oriented fuzzy MADM tool for selecting optimal waste-to-energy technologies, considering environmental and technological factors. Phase two uses a fuzzy bi-objective multi-period mixed-integer linear programming model to design the MSWM supply chain efficiently under uncertainty. A case study in North Tehran demonstrates the framework’s practical applicability and effectiveness in real-world scenarios, highlighting that effective source separation boosts recycling, reduces costs, and provides social benefits. Sensitivity analyses offer insights to enhance waste segregation practices. The study emphasizes integrating economic, environmental, and social sustainability in waste management decision-making. By offering a novel, holistic approach, this research addresses existing gaps in systematic decision-making processes and provides a robust tool for municipalities to optimize strategies under uncertainty.

Critical data studies meets discard studies: Waste data reflectivity in digital urban waste tracking system

The article critically examines the implementation and impact of the Digital Urban Waste Tracking System (DUWTS), a ‘smart’ waste management technology deployed in several towns in Poland to enhance urban waste segregation practices. By integrating critical discard studies with critical data studies, the article introduces the concept of ‘waste data reflectivity’ to investigate how data representation in DUWTS influences perceptions and responsibilities within waste management. The study highlights how DUWTS employs advanced dataveillance technologies to monitor waste disposal, creating distorted reflections that obscure the complexities of municipal waste management. These distortions are analyzed through the metaphorical lenses of three mirrors – concave, kaleidoscopic, and ceiling – which reveal the illusory effects on municipalities, waste disposal companies, and residents. Additionally, the article discusses how DUWTS exemplifies ‘technologies of (un)knowing’, which systematically obscure or misrepresent waste management issues, leading to the marginalization of true responsibilities and challenges. The findings demonstrate that while DUWTS represents a technological advancement, it can also perpetuate the existing challenges in waste management by masking the true nature of waste issues and obscuring the responsibilities of different stakeholders. The article concludes by emphasizing the socio-technological consequences of such systems and the importance of a critical analysis in evaluating the effectiveness and ethics of data-driven waste management technologies.

Perceptions and decision-making of dental professionals to adopting sustainable waste management behaviour: a Theory of Planned Behaviour analysis.

Background High carbon emissions associated with clinical waste disposal in dentistry pose an environmental and public health concern. Current NHS guidelines do not mandate sustainable waste management resulting in recyclable dental waste being incinerated. In the absence of such policies, decision to implement sustainable waste management practices falls upon dental professionals who rely on their own knowledge and beliefs about the environmental impact of dentistry. Literature exploring barriers to sustainable waste management by dental professionals require further insight on dental professionals' decision-making processes. Therefore, this study uses a behavioural decision-making model - the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) - to explore sustainable waste segregation behaviour of dental professionals based on their attitudes and beliefs about sustainable dentistry and climate change.Methods Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with dental professionals between October and November 2022 in dental practices in Fife, Scotland. Interviews were analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic data analysis.Findings Following thematic analysis, eight themes were identified around the participants' attitudes, perceived subjective norms and perceived behavioural control, pointing at the way knowledge gaps and lack of awareness were often linked with attitudes which are associated with low intention to execute sustainable waste management.Conclusions TPB offers a useful framework to understand waste segregation behaviour of dental professionals. Further studies are required to further establish sustainable waste management behaviour.

Reliability Centered Modeling of an Automated Waste Sorting Robotic Arm System

In contemporary society, proper waste management is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. Waste management encompasses the collection, transportation, segregation and disposal of waste material to minimize health risks and environment impact. Manual segregation, along with other methods of waste segregation, is often inefficient and time consuming. To address this challenge, numerous industries have embraced automation in waste sorting to expedite the process through advanced technological interventions. Therefore, the optimal functioning of the components of these automated systems is crucial for rapid and accurate segregation of waste. This work is oriented toward the study of a system which is used to segregation of waste and known as waste sorting robotic arm system (WSRAS). Author used Markov decision process, along with mathematical modeling, to evaluate the different performance measure of WSRAS. Sensitivity analysis have also been done to understand the contribution of different components failure in overall performance of WSRAS.

Identifying Strategies to Cultivate Students’ Attitude Towards Circular Economy

Circular economy (CE) in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) refers to an economic approach that promotes efficient use of resources, material recovery, and waste reduction through vocational education. Despite various activities and programs conducted by TVET instructors to promote the circular economy, reports indicate that students' attitudes towards the environment remain at a moderate level. This paper aims to identify strategies that can be implemented to foster students' interest in practicing the circular economy within the context of TVET. This study uses the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) as an alternative approach to suggest initiatives that can foster students' attitudes towards the circular economy. The process involved silent idea generation, round robin, discussion, two rounds of initial voting, and a final stage survey to determine the priority list. Five content experts participated in the NGT meeting. Initially, 50 strategies were identified. Through the NGT process, 20 important strategies were selected to cultivate students' attitudes towards the circular economy. These strategies include waste management workshops, environmental programs and activities at institutions, conducive public sector ecosystem (EKSA) in institutions, homes and neighborhoods, information boards, simulation outside the classroom, daily routines, campaigns, neighborhood activities, sale of used oil, sale of recycled goods, innovation, waste segregation, cultivating student awareness, application in teaching, motivation, moral support, cleanliness and cheerfulness competitions, environment week, incorporating circular economy in the syllabus, and cross-curricular elements. The identified strategies are expected to assist stakeholders in overseeing the implementation of environmental awareness programs in schools, colleges, and TVET institutions, with the goal of improving student attitudes and transforming TVET education towards greater circular economy awareness.

Role of big data analytics and hyperspectral imaging in waste management for circular economy

The accumulation of waste has a profound impact on the environment, prompting a crucial discussion about effective waste management strategies aligned with Oman Vision 2040’s sustainability goals. The consequences of municipal solid waste generation have multifaceted impacts on the environment, public health, and overall well-being of communities. Addressing these consequences requires a holistic approach that includes the integration of sustainable waste management technologies to foster a circular economy. This paper emphasizes the necessity for a paradigm shift in waste management methodologies, emphasizing the importance of Hyperspectral Imaging and Big Data Analytics into municipal solid waste management processes. This paper explores the synergistic relationship between hyperspectral imaging which is capable of precise material identification, and big data analytics to facilitate comprehensive data analysis. The integration aims to optimize waste segregation, resource recovery, and recycling processes. The utilization of data-driven insights enables predictive modeling and the identification of trends thereby facilitating more efficient and sustainable waste management practices. The harnessing of big data analytics empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions in waste management to achieve long-term environmental, and economic sustainability.

Household Waste Segregation in a Ward of a Budhanilkantha Municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal

The process of urbanization, which is perceived as a sign of progress, results increased number of households and their increased consumption of goods and services. This increases the volume of daily household waste which if not properly managed, can lead to various diseases and epidemics. Segregation of household waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes can make household waste management easier as the biodegradable waste whose proportion is more than 60 % of the daily household waste, can be managed at household or local level. Similarly, a large proportion of non-biodegradable waste can be recycled. This would remove great burden faced by the distant landfill sites where urban wastes are disposed on a regular basis. A study done in a ward of Budhanilkantha Municipality, an urban municipality of Kathmandu valley, which involved 592 households showed that 65% of the total households practiced waste segregation. However, the practice of household waste segregation was not significantly associated with different levels of education status or the monthly income of the family. It was also not significantly associated with the presence of open area around the house.