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Sustainable Waste Management and Recycling for Achieving a Circular Economy
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Sustainable Waste Management and Recycling for Achieving a Circular Economy

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2025 | Viewed by 11023

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jeongsoo Yu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of International Politics and Economics, Graduate School of International Cultural Studies & Environmental Studies, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
Interests: waste plastic issues; end-of-life vehicle recycling; plastic sorter using terahertz wave; urban mining; end-of life battery; recycling cooperative behavior; integrated waste management; international resource recycling; SDGs education; disaster waste treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Kazuaki Okubo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of International Politics and Economics, Graduate School of International Cultural Studies, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
Interests: integrated waste management using information science; environmental economics; plastic sorting using learning machine technology; recycling cooperative behavior; containers and packaging waste recycle
Dr. Xiaoyue Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of International Politics and Economics, Graduate School of International Cultural Studies, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
Interests: recycling cooperative behavior; household solid waste management; recycling policy; recyclable resources collection; collection stations; recycling company; waste recycling; consumer behavior

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Increasing attention is currently being directed towards issues related to circular economy. These issues, which are transboundary by nature, and thus require transboundary solutions, are becoming increasingly interwoven. In the absence of sustainability, circular economy, which encompasses waste management, resource recycling, and carbon neutrality, each of which addresses a single issue, is crucial. However, these issues inevitably complicate effective resource allocation and generate conflicts. For instance, rare-metal scarcity and ocean pollution can be attributed to improper waste management and a lack of recycling technology and environmental awareness. Ocean pollution and resource nationalism have led to regional conflicts, especially in the developing world. The necessity for policy coordination at the global and local levels is indisputable, hence the establishment of sustainable waste management and recycling. Today, the diversification of waste management and recycling issues, as is true with other global issues, has clarified the roles of stakeholders.

This Special Issue considers waste management and resource recycling based on circular economy with a focus on the roles of policy, advanced technology, each actor, and the SDGs. This Special Issue calls for contributions from various cross-border academic fields, including case studies on global environmental issues, international efforts to address these issues, and policy proposals for achieving a circular economy and carbon neutrality. Specifically, this Special Issue aims to provide international organizations, governments, municipalities, private companies, citizens, and scholars with useful knowledge on how to solve circular economy issues.

Prof. Dr. Jeongsoo Yu
Dr. Kazuaki Okubo
Dr. Xiaoyue Liu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • waste management
  • circular economy
  • recycling
  • carbon-neutral
  • SDGs
  • eco-design
  • sharing
  • reuse
  • data science
  • international cooperation

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 4247 KiB  
Article
New Management Strategy Framework for Effectively Managing Microplastic in Circular System Form Plastic Product Manufacturing to Waste Treatment Facility
by Namil Um, Soo-Jin Cho and Young-Sam Yoon
Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 10054; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162210054 - 18 Nov 2024
Viewed by 392
Abstract
In recent years, concerns regarding the environmental impact of microplastics (MPs) have led to increased international attention on these pollutants. Although the initial focus was largely directed toward marine environments, land-based pollution sources, including MP release, have been recognized to directly affect marine [...] Read more.
In recent years, concerns regarding the environmental impact of microplastics (MPs) have led to increased international attention on these pollutants. Although the initial focus was largely directed toward marine environments, land-based pollution sources, including MP release, have been recognized to directly affect marine ecosystems. Therefore, soil-, atmosphere-, groundwater-, and river-based research is ongoing. However, when considering sources of MP, it is necessary to examine the circular system of plastic in terms of raw materials, production, consumption, discharge, and disposal (recycling). Accordingly, the present study proposes a strategy to effectively manage MPs using this circular system. First, the factors influencing MPs in the circular system were identified, and MPs at the system’s final stage, i.e., at the waste treatment facility, were subsequently investigated. Using the concept of MP waste (MPW), strategies were then developed for effective MP management within the circular system. Applying the proposed theoretical strategy to the Korean waste management system revealed that the new policy framework improves the current MP management system. Overall, this study provides fundamental data for establishing new or improved MP management schemes from a waste sector perspective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Recycling for Achieving a Circular Economy)
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13 pages, 452 KiB  
Article
An Economically Sustainable Glass Recycling Business Model in Puerto Rico: A Conceptual Solution for Regions Without Government Recycling Programs
by John-Michael Davis, José Bauza-Mora, Douglas Cain, Leah Harnisch-Weidauer, Claire Matthews and Priyankha Sunil
Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9916; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229916 - 14 Nov 2024
Viewed by 476
Abstract
In Puerto Rico, less than 5% of glass waste is recycled annually compared to a US national average of 25%. In regions like Puerto Rico, where government glass recycling programs are absent, glass presents a challenging waste stream to profitably recycle due to [...] Read more.
In Puerto Rico, less than 5% of glass waste is recycled annually compared to a US national average of 25%. In regions like Puerto Rico, where government glass recycling programs are absent, glass presents a challenging waste stream to profitably recycle due to high transportation costs and low market prices, with few scalable models identified in the literature. This study emerged from a multi-year shared action learning partnership between Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Puerto Rico Project Center and the Corporación del Proyecto ENLACE, a community development NGO serving the Caño Martín Peña communities in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Based on online research and interviews with 16 key stakeholders, we describe an economically sustainable glass recycling business model designed for the Caño Martín Peña communities that offers broader applicability for similar contexts. The business model achieves three goals: (1) it offers a free and convenient glass-collection service for the Caño Martín Peña communities; (2) it generates local employment opportunities in a low-income region; and (3) it operates in an economically sustainable manner. The viability of the glass-recycling business model is premised on strategic partnerships with government agencies, recycling companies, glass-sand markets, and local businesses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Recycling for Achieving a Circular Economy)
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13 pages, 1544 KiB  
Article
Recycled Content for Metals with Refined Classification of Metal Scrap: Micro-Level Circularity Indicator in Accordance with Macro-Level System
by Taichi Suzuki and Ichiro Daigo
Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 6933; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166933 - 13 Aug 2024
Viewed by 791
Abstract
Transitioning from a traditional linear economy to a circular economy occurs at the micro-level system, encompassing products and companies, which should be monitored. For metals, recycled content as an input-side indicator of recycling quantifies the ratio of metal scrap consumed during production and [...] Read more.
Transitioning from a traditional linear economy to a circular economy occurs at the micro-level system, encompassing products and companies, which should be monitored. For metals, recycled content as an input-side indicator of recycling quantifies the ratio of metal scrap consumed during production and fabrication. However, conventional methodology struggles to evaluate recycled content uniquely due to the ambiguous classification of new scrap derived from industrial processes. Additionally, the input and output of new scrap between micro-level systems are often inadequately counted, causing inconsistencies in the recognition of secondary input between macro- and micro-level systems. This study introduces a refined classification for metal scrap, precisely distinguishing new scrap by its originating processes. Furthermore, we propose a novel perspective on new scrap, viewing it as a mixture of old scrap and primary raw materials, with only the portion of old scrap being considered secondary raw material. This stance navigates past the binary classification—whether new scrap should be classified as secondary—eliminating ambiguity and allowing for clear identification of secondary raw materials. The developed methodology ensures that all inputs of scrap are accounted for without leakage, and the recycled content of a specific metal is uniquely determined, maintaining consistency with macro-level systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Recycling for Achieving a Circular Economy)
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16 pages, 5259 KiB  
Article
Waste or Raw Material? Perlite Concrete as Part of a Sustainable Materials Management Process in the Construction Sector
by Justyna Dzięcioł and Olga Szlachetka
Sustainability 2024, 16(16), 6818; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16166818 - 9 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1033
Abstract
Recent advancements in sustainable building practices include the integration of waste materials from various industries into construction materials. This approach is currently being evaluated, allowing us to view recycled material not as waste but as a valuable resource and raw material. Such an [...] Read more.
Recent advancements in sustainable building practices include the integration of waste materials from various industries into construction materials. This approach is currently being evaluated, allowing us to view recycled material not as waste but as a valuable resource and raw material. Such an approach involves viewing this material as a separate resource with its own distinctive properties. This article investigates the use and environmental safety of perlite-based concrete. The research focuses on the properties of immobilizing potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil and plants, and it examines the impact of adding activated carbon to different types of perlite concrete on these properties. Initial tests varied the content of perlite concrete (3%, 5%, and 10%) to better understand the immobilization process in soil, roots, and aboveground plant parts. The results after adding 10% activated carbon provide insights into the nature and direction of the immobilization process and in determining the optimal amount of perlite concrete to enhance this process. The soil analysis revealed that the application of PPC at a rate of 10% led to a notable elevation in soil zinc content, reaching 96.6 mg/kg—a considerable 304% increase. Similarly, the amendment of PBFC at a rate of 10% resulted in a significant enhancement in copper content, reaching 21.7 mg/kg—an 112% increase. This study also evaluates the environmental safety of using perlite concrete and activated carbon in construction projects, such as earthworks and road subbases, where the materials interact with the water–soil environment. The novelty of this research lies in its examination of the remediation potential and environmental safety of modified perlite aggregate, offering a fresh perspective on the impacts of these modifications on previously studied materials. By applying varying concentrations of the amendments, the research provides a deeper understanding of their effects, yielding significant findings that support the advancement of sustainable construction practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Recycling for Achieving a Circular Economy)
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17 pages, 4973 KiB  
Article
Possibilities to Recycle Thermal Power Plant By-Products in Refractory Castables
by Jelena Škamat, Renata Boris, Jurgita Malaiškienė, Valentin Antonovič, Rimvydas Stonys and Andrius Kudžma
Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6349; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156349 - 24 Jul 2024
Viewed by 711
Abstract
The current research focuses on the analysis of fly ash cenospheres (FACs), a waste generated in coal-fired power plants, and the possibilities of using them in refractory castables. Cenospheres are micro-scale (~50–400 µm) spherical structures derived from fly ash, predominantly composed of silica [...] Read more.
The current research focuses on the analysis of fly ash cenospheres (FACs), a waste generated in coal-fired power plants, and the possibilities of using them in refractory castables. Cenospheres are micro-scale (~50–400 µm) spherical structures derived from fly ash, predominantly composed of silica and alumina oxides (86.7%). Their distinctive morphology and characteristics make them highly advantageous for a diverse array of applications, notably as lightweight fillers and nondegradable pore-forming agents. Furthermore, cenospheres have the potential to contribute significantly to the performance of refractory castables when incorporated into compositions with calcium aluminate cement (CAC). FAC XRD analysis revealed that FACs mainly consist of mullite along with cristobalite, which forms at higher temperatures. Furthermore, the study examined the impact of FACs on the properties of medium cement castable (MCC), especially durability, when 3%, 5%, and 7% of fine fireclay were replaced by FACs; 5% of FACs were found to reduce the density of refractory castables and decrease the cold crushing strength by approximately 6%, but it increased the resistance to thermal shock by approximately 75% and 43%, depending on the thermal treatment temperature, 950 °C and 1100 °C, respectively, and improved resistance to alkali corrosion. A higher FAC content (7%) does not have any positive effect on the MCC properties tested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Recycling for Achieving a Circular Economy)
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16 pages, 1988 KiB  
Article
Circular Economy Approach: Recycling Toner Waste in Cement-Based Construction Materials
by Rocio Peralta Ring, Gisela Cordoba, Natalia Delbianco, Carla Priano and Viviana Rahhal
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4707; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114707 - 31 May 2024
Viewed by 841
Abstract
Based on a waste generated survey by companies in the area of the city of Bahia Blanca (Argentina), the possibility of incorporating part of them in a Portland cement matrix was examined. Among the waste is toner (TW), which is obtained from cartridges [...] Read more.
Based on a waste generated survey by companies in the area of the city of Bahia Blanca (Argentina), the possibility of incorporating part of them in a Portland cement matrix was examined. Among the waste is toner (TW), which is obtained from cartridges used in photocopiers, laser printers, and faxes. This paper aims to analyze the physical and mechanical properties of cement pastes and mortars using toner as a Portland cement replacement compared to a reference sample without toner. The mixes were made with 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 wt.% replacement of cement by toner, and it was measured the flow, normal consistency, setting time, calorimetry, and Frattini test in pastes and mechanical strengths in mortars employing standardized tests. Also, an analysis of the leachate in the curing water was carried out after 56 days to look for contaminating materials. The replacement of up to 5% cement with toner did not produce substantial alterations in the final setting time or mechanical properties. No heavy metals were found in the leachate, so TW can be immobilized in a cementitious matrix as it does not cause leaching above the established limits. Therefore, TW from a local industry can be used in construction materials and could contribute to a reduction of up to 14% of CO2 emissions with a cement replacement of 15% in cement-based materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Recycling for Achieving a Circular Economy)
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13 pages, 3221 KiB  
Article
Application of Flotation for Removing Barium(II) Ions Using Ionized Acyclic Polyethers in the Context of Sustainable Waste Management
by Agnieszka Sobianowska-Turek, Katarzyna Grudniewska, Agnieszka Fornalczyk, Joanna Willner, Wojciech Bialik, Weronika Urbańska and Anna Janda
Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4665; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114665 - 30 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 819
Abstract
Energy transition is one of the basic actions taken to counteract and prevent climate change. The basic assumption of energy-related changes is its sustainable use according to the closed-loop model, as well as moving away from fossil fuels, in particular from coal, the [...] Read more.
Energy transition is one of the basic actions taken to counteract and prevent climate change. The basic assumption of energy-related changes is its sustainable use according to the closed-loop model, as well as moving away from fossil fuels, in particular from coal, the combustion of which contributes to excessive harmful carbon dioxide emissions. One of the most popular solutions towards green energy is nuclear energy. Its use allows for a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions harmful to the environment and climate, but it also involves the generation of radioactive waste that requires appropriate processing. This paper presents the results of the flotation removal of barium(II) ions from a dilute aqueous solution using ionized acyclic polyethers. The basic factors determining the efficiency and kinetics of the process were defined. It has been shown that as the acidity of the attached polyether molecules increases: the flotation rate constant 1 (0.1667 min−1) < 3 (0.2468 min−1) < 2 (0.3616 min−1) and the separation degree Ba2+: 1 (86.8%) < 3 (99.3%) < 2 (99.4%). The presented results of ion flotation tests may facilitate the collective or selective separation of radioactive isotopes, i.e., Cs-137, Sr-90, Ba-133 and Co-60, from radioactive wastewater in the future. The results of the experimental work described in the article can also be used to develop individual processes for separating mixtures of radioactive isotopes (radioactive wastewater) into individual components (isotopes) and subjecting them to subsequent transformation processes. The obtained results allow us to claim that the tested organic compounds can be used in the future in the selective treatment of hazardous wastewater, which will translate into a reduction in unit costs of industrial processes. The selective recovery of individual pollutants is the basis for the next step in waste management, i.e., designing a cheap method of waste disposal, which also directly affects the economics of the process and its use in industrial conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Recycling for Achieving a Circular Economy)
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32 pages, 7379 KiB  
Article
How Indonesia’s Cities Are Grappling with Plastic Waste: An Integrated Approach towards Sustainable Plastic Waste Management
by Yunisa Zahrah, Jeongsoo Yu and Xiaoyue Liu
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3921; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103921 - 8 May 2024
Viewed by 3160
Abstract
In Indonesia, plastic constitutes the second largest component of municipal solid waste; however, 58% remains uncollected. Most plastic recycling depends on informal sectors, accounting for only 10% of the total, leaving the remainder to potentially harm the environment. This paper analyzes how cities [...] Read more.
In Indonesia, plastic constitutes the second largest component of municipal solid waste; however, 58% remains uncollected. Most plastic recycling depends on informal sectors, accounting for only 10% of the total, leaving the remainder to potentially harm the environment. This paper analyzes how cities in Indonesia have tackled their plastic waste problems from the perspective of the integrated sustainable waste management framework. This study focuses on plastic waste management (PWM) in three cities: Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Magelang. Data were collected from 41 semi-structured interviews, a plastic waste composition data analysis, and site visits. The research outcomes include a comprehensive analysis of stakeholder roles, plastic waste flow, plastic waste composition data, and various challenges in PWM. This study identifies three main stakeholders in collecting plastic wastes: the Department of Environment as the main local government body, community-based waste banks, and private waste management companies. Most recyclable plastic waste is recovered through waste banks and private collection services. In 2022, the predominant types of plastic waste in Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Magelang City were soft plastics, thick plastics, and hard plastics, respectively. The challenges for the PWM stem from various aspects in political, legal, and institutional; environmental; financial and technical; and socio-cultural spheres. Positive trends towards an integrated system are observed, although full integration has not yet been achieved. The research recommends a multi-stakeholder cooperative approach involving municipal authorities, waste banks, and private collectors, responsive to local conditions and emphasizing sustainability aspects throughout waste management stages for a sustainable resource recycling in developing countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Recycling for Achieving a Circular Economy)
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14 pages, 9151 KiB  
Article
Waste Management of Red Mud and Fly Ash to Utilize in Road Subgrade Material
by Ali Sinan Soğancı, Yavuz Yenginar, İlyas Özkan, Yusuf Güzel and Adnan Özdemir
Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2987; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072987 - 3 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1758
Abstract
Red mud (RM) is a waste material obtained during the production of aluminum from bauxite minerals. RM causes environmental pollution due to its high alkaline properties. Therefore, RM materials are stored in waste reservoirs. As production continues, the number of required waste reservoirs [...] Read more.
Red mud (RM) is a waste material obtained during the production of aluminum from bauxite minerals. RM causes environmental pollution due to its high alkaline properties. Therefore, RM materials are stored in waste reservoirs. As production continues, the number of required waste reservoirs increases day by day. This study aims to utilize RM waste material in construction structures to contribute to the economy. The research investigates the potential use of RM waste material as road fill material. RM was improved using another waste material of fly ash (FA) since RM has low strength. Atterberg limit tests, compaction tests, unconfined compression tests, CBR tests, and SEM analyses were conducted on stabilized RM samples. In the physical properties of stabilized RM, Atterberg limits and optimum moisture content increase and density decreases since FA content increases. In the mechanical properties of stabilized RM, unconfined compressive strength, initial and secant modulus of elasticity, and California bearing ratio increase and maximum peak strain decreases since FA content and curing period increase. SEM images prove the increase in mechanical properties due to the cementation products (CSH and CAH gels) formed in the microstructure of stabilized RM. The results showed that RM waste stabilized with FA can be used as road subgrade material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Recycling for Achieving a Circular Economy)
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