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Sustainable Waste Management in the Context of Circular Economy

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Waste and Recycling".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (11 October 2024) | Viewed by 21153

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Namil Um

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Guest Editor

Environmental Resources Research, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 404-708, Republic of Korea
Interests: waste management; waste policy and regulation; circular economy; circular resources; environmental impact assessment; recycling and reuse; minimization; disposal method; field monitoring
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. JungKeun Oh

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Guest Editor

Environmental Resources Research, National Institute of Environmental Research, Hwangyeong-ro 42, Seo-gu, Incheon 22689, Republic of Korea
Interests: waste policy and management; plastic waste recycling; e-waste recycling and management; environmental monitoring of hazardous chemicals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Changes in living patterns due to COVID-19 have significantly impacted the type and the characteristics of generated waste. These wastes are causing difficulties in terms of their disposal and they are imposing a serious burden on the environment; thus, the treatment of rapid waste in pursuit of sustainability has emerged as a major concern.

Therefore, the purpose of this Special Issue is to focus on the effective management of recyclable and sustainable wastes on a circular system with product, consumption, discharge, and disposal parts, with the aim of reducing the amount of wastes generated and our dependance on natural resources. After all, recyclable and sustainable wastes are reused as a circular resource in the context of the circular economy. In addition, sustainable waste management (SWM) is the practice of pursuing a safer environment through policy planning, designing, and developing a framework before applying it as a technical or methodological action.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Policy plan, design, and framework for SWM within the context of the circular economy.
Technology and its application for SWM.
Improved method and its application for SWM.
Environmental impact assessment assessing the environmental consequences of the policy, technology, and the method.
Field monitoring to four parts with production, consumption, discharge, and disposal on a circular system.
Country report introducing success stories.
Additionally, other topics related to the keywords of waste; sustainable management; circular system; recycling and reuse; minimization; environmental assessment; policy and regulations; planning, design, and program; storage; collection; transport and transfer; landfill disposal; economic analysis, etc., are welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Namil Um
Dr. JungKeun Oh
Guest Editors

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Keywords

waste
sustainable management
circular economy
recycling
reuse
minimization
environmental assessment
waste policy
regulation

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 2768 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Environmental Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste Management Strategies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Comparative Life Cycle Analysis

by Mohammed Almansour and Mohammad Akrami

Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 9111; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16209111 - 21 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1435

Abstract

The environmental implications of various municipal solid waste (MSW) management systems in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, were analysed considering the Riyadh Green Initiative through a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This study evaluates five distinct scenarios: unsanitary landfilling (Sc0), incineration (Sc1), and a combination of technologies such as anaerobic digestion (AD) and a material recovery facility (MRF) in scenarios Sc2–Sc4. These scenarios were assessed using GaBi 9.2.1 software, employing the impact methodology outlined by CML (2001) to evaluate eight impact categories, including Global Warming and Acidification Potentials, among others. The findings indicate that scenarios incorporating the treatment of 100% of recyclable and organic waste through AD exhibited substantial environmental benefits. Additionally, Sc2 demonstrated the lowest environmental burdens across all impact categories. In contrast, Sc0 ranked the worst in all categories due to the absence of gas and leachate treatment. The results were shown to be reliable when compared qualitatively to previous studies. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess this study’s system boundaries and the impact of the MRF rate. Overall, this research provides valuable insights for optimising MSW management practices in Riyadh, aiming to reduce their environmental impacts and align with the goals of the Riyadh Green Initiative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management in the Context of Circular Economy)

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18 pages, 1397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Applying Material Flow Analysis for Sustainable Waste Management of Single-Use Plastics and Packaging Materials in the Republic of Korea

by Hyeong-Jin Choi, Donggun Hwang, Young-Sam Yoon, Tae-Wan Jeon and Seung-Whee Rhee

Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 6926; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166926 - 13 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1643

Abstract

This study involves a material flow analysis (MFA) of single-use plastics (SUPs) and packaging materials in the Republic of Korea, focusing on their short lifespans and significant contributions to plastic waste. Based on the MFA results, recommended policies for managing packaging materials and SUPs were proposed. In 2021, 6.340 Mt of synthetic resin were produced, with 39.7% (2.518 Mt) utilized for packaging materials and SUPs. The per capita consumption of these materials was 48.7 kg/year, surpassing global averages. The separate collection rate was 54.6%, with films (26.2%) and manufacturing facilities (10.6%) exhibiting the lowest rates. The overall recycling rate was 52.7%, and 981 t of recycled waste was directly placed in soil. The reliability of the MFA results was estimated to be 83.1%, which is an improvement compared to previous studies. Recommendations include reducing plastic use, expanding recycling infrastructure, raising public awareness, and implementing stricter regulations to control soil contamination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management in the Context of Circular Economy)

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20 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pharmaceutical Waste Management: A Comprehensive Analysis of Romanian Practices and Perspectives

by Ana-Maria Ionescu and Cristina Cazan

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6571; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156571 - 31 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1634

Abstract

Pharmaceutical waste management represents a global issue. There is a significant gap in consumers’ education regarding the proper disposal of pharmaceutical waste. A significant amount of pharmaceutical waste is generated in health care facilities, including expired medicines, unused doses, and contaminated materials. Inadequate disposal of pharmaceutical waste can have effects on human health and on the environment. Managing pharmaceutical waste requires coordinated efforts from policymakers, health care providers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, waste management companies, and consumers. The purpose of this paper is to examine the current state of activities that may impact the efficiency of Romanian pharmacists in collecting and disposing of pharmaceutical waste, as well as the intentions of pharmacists/technicians to recycle this type of waste. Furthermore, this paper aims to identify institutional and behavioral barriers that affect effective waste management. This research was conducted using quantitative and qualitative research methods. An exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the elements of satisfaction and their attribution levels in the pharmaceutical industry. The statistical significance of the differences across different occupations regarding satisfaction with pharmacists’ activities to reduce waste at each stage was tested using an analysis of variance. Cross-tabulation and a Pearson’s chi-square test were used to analyze the relationship between occupational segments and intention regarding recycling and reusing pharma waste. This research was augmented using qualitative analysis based on the Delphi technique, focused on the barriers to waste management in the pharmaceutical sector. This study presents a general perspective on the current situation of pharmaceutical waste in Romania. The results indicate that the selection of appropriate pharmaceutical waste practices is primarily determined by the attitude of individuals and organizations, followed by regulatory, economic, and technical criteria. In developing sustainable pharmaceutical waste policies, this research provides practical implications for governments, organizations, and citizens. A comprehensive approach to overcoming barriers in pharmaceutical waste management was developed by combining institutional strategies that focus on organizational policies and infrastructure with behavioral strategies that target individuals and communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management in the Context of Circular Economy)

13 pages, 3161 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Improved Strategy to Effectively Manage Healthcare Waste after COVID-19 in Republic of Korea

by Min-Jung Kim, Yoon-Soo Park, Taesung Kim, Hyo-Hyun Choi, Young-sam Yoon, Tae-wan Jeon and Namil Um

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2696; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072696 - 25 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1679

Abstract

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, 24,289 tons of infectious waste was generated in 2021 in Korea, a 320% increase compared to that generated in 2020 (5788 tons). The disposal of other healthcare waste has been delayed because COVID-19 infectious waste must be disposed of first, leading to long-term concerns related to the lack of healthcare waste disposal capacity. To solve this problem, this study investigated healthcare waste classification systems in Korea and overseas. We analyzed the current state of healthcare waste in Korea and compared the treatment methods and healthcare waste treatment systems by country. The results showed that Korea has a strict healthcare waste management system compared to other countries, which relies on dedicated incinerators and transport. It is difficult to expand incinerators exclusively for healthcare waste due to site selection issues because they incinerate infectious waste. Therefore, to solve the healthcare waste disposal problem, Korea should improve its management system to reduce treatment amounts. This study suggests that general healthcare waste that is considered less infectious should be excluded from healthcare waste-exclusive treatment and that sterilization/grinding as an intermediate treatment method should be allowed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management in the Context of Circular Economy)

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22 pages, 19285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Amount of Plastic Waste and Alternative Materials in the Context of the Circular Economy

by Longina Madej-Kiełbik, Jagoda Jóźwik-Pruska, Radosław Dziuba, Karolina Gzyra-Jagieła and Nina Tarzyńska

Sustainability 2024, 16(4), 1555; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041555 - 12 Feb 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2197

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic was first reported on 31 December 2019, in Wuhan. Since then, the rapid spread of the virus has directly impacted various aspects of people’s lives, including culture, society, education, and the economy. The environment has also been affected, as the disposal of thousands of tons of single-use personal protective equipment has resulted in a significant increase in waste. The challenge was to create environmentally friendly materials for personal protective equipment. One of the alternatives to polypropylene materials is a biodegradable nonwoven produced using spun-bonded technology. The article discusses various physical and mechanical parameters, the biodegradation process, and the distribution of molar masses during the weeks of nonwoven biodegradation. Additionally, the paper presents the results of in vitro cytotoxicity tests conducted on the material. Biodegradable materials are a viable solution to the challenges posed by a circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management in the Context of Circular Economy)

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14 pages, 1167 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Incinerator Performance and Policy Framework for Effective Waste Management and Energy Recovery: A Case Study of South Korea

by Younghyun Kwon, Suyoung Lee, Jisu Bae, Sein Park, Heesung Moon, Taewoo Lee, Kyuyeon Kim, Jungu Kang and Taewan Jeon

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010448 - 4 Jan 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3318

Abstract

Waste incineration is a crucial component of waste management as it is the final stage of circular utilization and the initial phase of disposal. Effective waste management prioritizes energy recovery from waste and substantial waste volume reduction while committing to minimizing air pollutant emissions, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx). This study involves an in-depth analysis of operational data from 44 incineration facilities in South Korea spanning 5 years, supplemented by empirical measurements from 14 sites. This study aimed to assess three key aspects of these incineration facilities: (1) waste volume reduction characteristics, (2) energy recovery capabilities, and (3) NOx emission reduction performance. We examined how these elements interact within the policy framework governing incinerator management in South Korea. Quantitatively, incinerating 100 tons of municipal waste resulted in a gain of 338.7 m³ in landfill capacity and recovery of 637.5 GJ of energy in the form of heat or electricity. Notably, South Korean incineration facilities significantly extend the lifespan of landfill sites, aligning closely with the objectives of the South Korean Ministry of Environment’s “No More Direct Landfilling of Household Waste Policy”. This positive outcome is further reinforced by the “Incineration Tax Reduction Policy”, which incentivizes active efforts toward energy recovery during incineration. Our study provides decision-makers with valuable insights for achieving a harmonious equilibrium between environmental sustainability and resource utilization, thereby contributing to the continuous improvement of policies aimed at South Korea’s vision of achieving a circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management in the Context of Circular Economy)

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12 pages, 2046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resource and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Effects through Recycling of Platinum-Containing Waste

by HyeonJeong Hwang, Tackkwan Kweon, HongYoon Kang and YongWoo Hwang

Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010080 - 21 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1812

Abstract

When disposing of waste metal resources in landfills, environmental issues such as soil contamination may arise. Recycling these resources not only recovers valuable metals but also mitigates environmental pollution. Platinum (Pt), a valuable metal used in fuel cells for its high water production activity, will see increased future demand as a fossil fuel alternative. This study analyzes the environmental and resource reduction effects of recycled Pt, considering the growing emphasis on its recycling for stable supply and demand of Pt. The environmental impact and resource consumption of recycled Pt with primary Pt (from natural mines) were compared and analyzed using the Life Cycle Assessment technique. The results revealed that resource consumption for primary Pt was 8.25 × 10¹ kg Sb-eq./kg, significantly more than the 5.45 × 10⁰ kg Sb-eq./kg for recycled Pt. This represents an environmental reduction effect of approximately 93%. In the case of greenhouse gas emissions, primary Pt emitted 1.35 × 10⁴ kg CO₂-eq./kg, while recycled Pt emitted 6.94 × 10² kg CO₂-eq./kg, resulting in an environmental reduction effect of approximately 95%. In conclusion, recycling Pt, compared to primary extraction, offers substantial environmental and resource reduction benefits. This study underscores the significance of recycling and highlights the potential environmental improvements achievable through sustainable practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management in the Context of Circular Economy)

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20 pages, 3450 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrolysis Optimization of By-Products from the Potato Processing Industry and Biomethane Production from Starch Hydrolysates

by Dimitra Theodosi Palimeri, Konstantina Papadopoulou, Apostolos G. Vlyssides and Anestis A. Vlysidis

Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 14860; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152014860 - 13 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1624

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the use of Fenton reagents for the efficient hydrolysis of starch, an industrial by-product obtained from the potato processing industry. A full factorial design experiment (FFD) was conducted and a statistical model was developed for simulating the hydrolysis process. The most important factors were the hydrolysis temperature and the amount of H₂O₂ followed by the interaction of FeSO₄·7H₂O and temperature. At maximum levels of FeSO₄·7H₂O (1.00g/L), H₂O₂ (0.51 g/L), and temperature (70.0 °C), a 99.5% hydrolysis yield was achieved, with a carbohydrate content of 28.65 g/L. Furthermore, analysis of hydrolysis kinetics demonstrated that an increased concentration of FeSO₄·7H₂O results in a decelerated rate of starch hydrolysis. Moreover, biodegradability tests were carried out to estimate the methane production potential from the produced hydrolysates. The specific methanogenic activity (SMA) was reached at 0.669 ± 0.014 g CH₄-COD g⁻¹ VSS day⁻¹ proving the effectiveness of the hydrolysis process and highlighting the potential of industrial starch for bioenergy production. A preliminary cost analysis showed that a small investment for utilizing the starch in an existing wastewater treatment facility of a potato processing company becomes profitable before the end of the 3rd year, obtaining a net present value (NPV) 37.5% higher than that of the current utilization scenario. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management in the Context of Circular Economy)

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15 pages, 804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reverse Logistics of Packaging Waste under the Conditions of a Sustainable Circular Economy at the Level of the European Union States

by Adriana Scrioșteanu and Maria Magdalena Criveanu

Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 14727; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152014727 - 11 Oct 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2111

Abstract

The efficient use of natural resources and the quality of the environment are the main priorities of sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the role of reverse logistics in the context of sustainable development, starting from the premise that it combines environmental and economic objectives and aims to minimize the wastage of resources through the reuse of products and packaging. In the current context, the circular economy must be approached by considering the methods of waste collection and reuse, with reverse logistics playing an essential role in creating environmental, economic, and social benefits. The growing population obviously determines the increase in the consumption of resources, which inevitably leads to the increasing generation of packaging and packaging waste. This study aimed to highlight the evolution of recycling rates at the level of the EU member states, starting from the stability objectives of the European Commission for the years 2025–2030. Starting from the Eurostat database, for the 27 member states of the European Union, regarding the recovery rate, recycle rate, and waste generation kg_per_capita related to the period of 2009–2020, we extrapolated the trends of the recycling rate of packaging for the period of 2021–2030 with the help of the Prophet model. Using the Prophet forecasting program, we identified states from the European Union that will meet the stability targets set by the European Commission for the years 2025 to 2030, considering the need to develop a circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management in the Context of Circular Economy)

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Review

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30 pages, 2081 KiB

Open AccessReview

State of Knowledge on the Effects of Tire-Derived Aggregate (TDA) Used in Civil Engineering Projects on the Surrounding Aquatic Environment

by Jae K. Park, Isabella G. DeNooyer and Jack H. Wahl

Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 15141; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152015141 - 23 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2747

Abstract

Tire-derived aggregate (TDA) is an entirely recycled material created by processing scrap tires, which are shredded into a fundamental geometric shape, typically measuring from 5 to 30 cm in size. TDA possesses desirable properties such as low earth pressure, improved drainage, and a lightweight structure, making it an ideal material for numerous civil engineering applications. Unfortunately, the environmental suitability of TDA use has previously been questioned. This article outlines that TDA does not release a significant amount of potentially toxic compounds, the leaching rate in surrounding water environments is low, and TDA can even be a medium to remove nutrients and toxic organic and inorganic compounds commonly found in agricultural land and urban runoff. This study aims to collect the most up-to-date scientific data on the environmental impact of scrap tires and evaluate the data specifically for TDA applications in civil and environmental engineering applications. TDA has been proven to be an environmentally safe, long-lasting, cost-effective, and sustainable resource with many potential applications in civil engineering. Guidelines should be developed for specific projects to achieve a circular economy for end-of-life tires in the form of TDA to avoid potential environmental issues and problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management in the Context of Circular Economy)

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