Fly-tipping is the illegal disposal of waste onto land and can range from a bin bag of household waste to copious quantities of domestic, commercial or construction waste. A decade after the Paris Agreement 2015 on climate change, there is increased urgency to implement inclusive policies that can contribute to sustainable waste management services and reduce the environmental impacts of fly-tipping. This study explores the characteristics of bulky waste kerbside collection services through analysis of website disclosures from local authorities across Scotland. A database was constructed to identify potential barriers to service uptake and provide insights for policy makers and waste managers. It is crucial to ensure that materials from this discrete waste stream do not leak out of the circular economy approach being pursued by the Scottish Government. The findings highlight underlying factors that may influence resident engagement with bulky uplift services and emphasise the importance of effective communication and inclusive policies for local authorities and waste managers. Our findings reveal critical gaps in accessibility, affordability, and operational design that may inhibit service uptake and contribute to fly-tipping. Recommendations include the adoption of inclusive booking and payment methods, progressive pricing policies, and coordinated digital solutions such as a unified smartphone app. These measures could support legitimate disposal behaviours, reduce environmental harm caused by fly-tipping, and strengthen Scotland's circular economy outcomes. Mitigating fly-tipping and improving bulky item disposal routes can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfill and support Scotland's climate targets by retaining products and materials in circulation.
In the present study, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of banana peel waste, showing a moisture content of 85 wt%, was carried out in a 500 mL stirred stainless steel autoclave at a temperature ranging between 180 and 250 °C, for a residence time of 0.5 h. The reaction solid residue was recovered via vacuum filtration and washed with distilled water before drying it in a ventilated oven at 105 °C, until constant weight, and stored in 50 mL plastic vials, before analytical characterization. Banana hydrochars were characterized in terms of proximate, elemental analysis, FTIR and high calorific value (HHV). Hydrochar mass yield showed a maximum at 220 °C (32 wt%), while gas and liquid mass yields increased monotonically with reaction temperature, up to 70 and 2 wt%, respectively. HHV increased with reaction temperature up to 27.13 MJ/kg, corresponding to an energy densification ratio EDR of about 169%. Mass yield and energy properties of banana hydrochar prove that a HTC treatment carried out at 250 °C for 0.5 h is able to produce a valuable solid biofuel showing the characteristics of lignite.
Aluminum, a critical mineral in modern industry and energy transition, presents substantial environmental and economic burdens when produced through primary methods due to its high energy consumption and associated emissions. Although secondary production through recycling offers significant energy and emissions savings, it is widely believed that a large volume of aluminum still ends up in Municipal Solid Waste Landfills, particularly in the form of used beverage cans (UBCs) and other post-consumer products. This paper explores the feasibility and challenges of recovering aluminum from landfills through landfill mining (LFM). It presents an in-depth review of the historical and current state of aluminum waste generation in the United States, highlighting the growing accumulation of aluminum in landfills and the limitations of existing recycling practices. The study evaluates the physiochemical conditions of landfills affecting aluminum stability and outlines key technologies for material recovery, including air classification, magnetic separation, eddy current separation, electrostatic separation, sink-float techniques, and optical sorting. Despite technological advances, the recovery of aluminum from landfills remains hindered by numerous barriers such as technical inefficiencies, contamination, oxidation, high operational costs, regulatory ambiguity, and public opposition. The findings emphasize the importance of pre-landfill aluminum recovery as a more viable and sustainable strategy. By diverting aluminum from disposal before landfilling, the environmental, economic, and logistical burdens of post-disposal recovery can be substantially mitigated. This review advocates for upstream integration of aluminum recovery into waste management systems as a pathway toward resource efficiency, landfill space conservation, and reduced reliance on energy-intensive primary production.
Recycling plastics is an energy intensive process, but entomoremediation (the use of insects to transform environmental contaminants), and insect-driven plastics degradation (plastivory) may offer a natural, low energy, cost effective approach to plastics waste reduction. Polystyrene and some polyethylene materials are amenable to degradation by darkling ground beetle (Tenebrionidae) adults and larvae, and a wide range of polyethylene can be degraded by waxworm moth larvae. Mandibular activity of the insects chewing on plastics serves to increase the surface area of the polymers that can be attacked by insect digestive enzymes and gut bacteria that can degrade the polymers into individual monomers and other low molecular weight compounds. The objective of this work was to determine the feasibility of an innovative solution to the plastics waste problem using a holistic, low technology, low cost, and low maintenance technique. Plastivory by ground beetle mealworm larvae was tested using small batch, mixed food and plastics waste compost bins. Different combinations of food waste and plastics were assessed and ultimately modeled through a continuum model of mealworm population dynamics. Our idealized, coarse-grained continuum population model suggests that a modestly-sized compost bin, can support a steady population of ~1100 mealworms that can degrade plastic at a rate of ~2 g of polystyrene foam per week. It is anticipated that this model will allow for assessing the extrapolation of empirically derived plastics degradation rates at various scales such as individuals and households, to industrial scales that would comply with municipal regulations.
Waste generators, particularly at the household level, waste collectors, and local governments play pivotal roles in municipal solid waste management (MSWM) systems worldwide, especially in developing countries. In the Indian state of Kerala, waste collection has been formalized through a predominantly female workforce known as the Haritha Karma Sena (HKS), which undertakes door-to-door collection of non-biodegradable waste from households. This initiative has significantly enhanced the efficiency of MSWM in the state. To systematically evaluate the performance of HKS and other key stakeholders in the MSWM system, this study proposes a comprehensive scoring system developed using the Delphi method. The framework encompasses twenty parameters across three primary stakeholders: waste generators, Haritha Karma Sena waste collectors, and Local Self Government Institutions (LSGIs). The scoring system is designed to identify critical performance gaps and guide improvements, ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency of MSWM in Kerala. Moreover, this model holds potential for adaptation in other developing countries with similar waste management challenges.
ABSTRACT: Catadores in Brazil, reclaimers in South Africa, diverters in Canada, recyclers (recicladores) in other South American countries, waste pickers in India and all over the world. Who are informal workers acting at the core of the circular economy? Identifying and acknowledging their role in the economic, social and political system is not merely a semantic exercise but a critical intervention in transforming waste governance, changing our understanding of waste and waste production, and doing justice to a population whose rights have historically been denied. Focusing on Brazil, where catadores are formally recognized as a professional category by law and in official job classifications and statistics, this study supports the recognition of catadores’ work as a political work, and the need to overcome a charity-driven, paternalistic perspective that reproduces marginalization rather than supporting integration. A research agenda is put forward to advance the debate on integration and reclimers from a transformative (i.e., systemic change) perspective.
Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) accounts for approximately one-third of the industrial waste generated in the European Union, posing significant environmental challenges. The building sector may significantly increase sustainability through effective CDW management and the production of good quality recycled aggregates (RAs). The construction sector is one of the main sectors involved in achieving environmental sustainability through the application of circular economy principles. In Europe, CDW recovery rates generally exceed regulatory target; only few countries don’t reach 70% recovery by weight outlined in Directive 2008/98/EC. ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research) data shows that the CDW recovery rate in Italy is over 81%. However, diverging perspectives exist; reports shows illegal CDW dumping in some Regions, compromising environmental and public health efforts. Despite progress, RAs still present challenges, mostly because of its heterogeneity. To safeguard the recovery, the End-of-Waste regulation for inert waste was introduced in Italy: the requirements introduced by Ministerial Decree 152/2022, replaced by the Ministerial Decree n.127/2024, could involve several issues to promote the CDW recovery. The aim of this study is to illustrate the characteristics of RAs with respect to the requirements set by the EoW regulation, in order to evaluate the effect of its implementation on the recovery feasibility. About 2500 laboratory certificates (chemical analysis and leaching tests) are collected; they referred to CDW and RAs quality monitoring in 2020-2022 carried out by 28 Italian recycling plants. These data were analyzed in order to statistically verify the compliance of RAs with the EoW requirements.
Waste generation has increased drastically worldwide in recent decades. Less than 20% of waste is recycled each year, and one-third of all food is wasted. While a fair level of knowledge exists concerning the general risks, there are notable gaps in understanding specific aspects of human health risks related to improper waste disposal and recycling, such as plastics in all types of wastes, and metallic nanoparticles from urban and sanitary wastewater, representing both emerging pollutants with a broad range of human health impacts. Although general environmental risks associated with waste mismanagement are well recognized, significant knowledge gaps persist regarding the specific human health impacts linked to emerging particulate pollutants. In particular, microplastics and metallic nanoparticles represent critical contaminants of growing concern due to their persistence, mobility, and broad toxicological profiles. This narrative review synthesizes the current scientific understanding of microplastic and metallic nanoparticle pollution, particularly through urban and sanitary wastewater, their toxicological profiles, and the limitations of current recycling and circular economy strategies in addressing these issues. It examines the environmental occurrence, release pathways, and health effects of these particles, highlighting how improper waste disposal, recycling processes, and wastewater treatment inefficiencies contribute to their dispersion. The findings highlight the need for innovative waste treatment technologies and a more comprehensive approach to risk assessment, particularly within life cycle assessments (LCA). Overall, the review underscores the urgency of integrating particle‑specific metrics into monitoring frameworks and LCA methodologies to better protect environmental and human health.
This paper presents the development and comprehensive characterization of recycled polypropylene (rPP) composites reinforced with recovered sisal fibers sourced from secondary agricultural waste streams. The rPP matrix was obtained from post-industrial waste generated during the manufacturing of household appliances at Hisense GORENJE company (Slovenia). To enhance the interfacial compatibility between the hydrophobic polymer matrix and the lignocellulosic reinforcement, maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was incorporated at a constant concentration of 3 wt.% as a compatibilizing agent. Composite formulations containing 10, 20, and 30 wt.% of sisal fibers were systematically investigated through mechanical testing (tensile strength, tensile modulus, and impact resistance), morphological analysis (SEM), spectroscopic characterization (FTIR), and thermal analyses (TGA-DTA and DSC). FTIR analysis suggested the interactions between the functional groups of MAPP and the lignocellulosic fibers; however, no distinct absorption band attributable to ester carbonyl formation was detected. SEM observations revealed improved fiber-matrix adhesion in the compatibilized systems, supporting the effectiveness of MAPP in promoting the interfacial bonding. The addition of sisal fibers significantly enhanced the mechanical performance of the rPP, with increases of up to 45% in tensile modulus and 92% in tensile strength at 30 wt.% fiber loading. Nevertheless, the composite containing 20 wt.% sisal fibers exhibited the most favorable balance between stiffness, strength and impact resistance. Overall, the results demonstrate the strong potential of rPP/sisal composites as lightweight, sustainable materials, enabling the dual valorization of industrial and agricultural waste streams and supporting circular-economy-oriented applications in the white-goods sector.
The paper discusses the role of biogenic waste and residues in a climate-neutral world, highlighting their potential for sustainable energy production, climate protection, and resource conservation. The authors conclude that a significant amount of biogenic waste and residues can be utilized to produce biofuels, biomethane, and other bio-based products, contributing substantially to greenhouse gas reduction and a circular economy (Carrillo-Rodriguez et al., 2025). In Germany, the use of biofuels from waste and residues already prevented emissions of 11.6 million tonnes of CO2-eq in 2022. The paper also emphasizes the importance of a National Biomass Strategy (NABIS) to steer biomass flows and ensure the optimal use of this valuable resource.
This study introduces the integrative concept of Temporary Material Hubs (TMHs) as a newly adapted approach to enhance long-term improvement in circularity by storing prospectively valuable waste, under current conditions not feasible or possible to recover, for future recycling capabilities. TMHs aim to optimize resource recovery by prolonging the lifespan of materials in anthropogenic cycles and avoiding premature disposal. Unlike landfilling with subsequent landfill mining (disposal and later excavation), TMHs proactively store such materials in controlled "hubs" to preserve value and enable future high-quality recovery. The conceptual framework is complemented by the known final sink concept to maintain clean material cycles. Given the lack of a clear definition of recyclability, this paper further proposes recycling pillars as guiding principles in the context of TMHs: environmental and health protection, availability of adequate recycling technologies, and economic feasibility including the availability of markets. Exemplary candidate materials for TMHs currently envisage, e.g., end-of-life wind blades and incineration residues. A SWOT analysis was used to discuss the strengths of TMHs in promoting resource optimization through postponed recycling, while identifying weaknesses such as uncertain costs and current lack of accurate technical implementation concepts. Opportunities lie in supporting European circularity goals and reducing primary material extraction, whereas threats include future regulatory uncertainties and inaccurate estimations of future waste recyclability. This study prepares the ground for future research and risk-assessment on technical, economical, and societal factors necessary for implementing TMHs on an industrial scale to ensure better functioning of the circular economy and a sustainable future.
In August 2019, one of Brazil's largest environmental disasters occurred as a result of a crude oil spill from an oil tanker between August 2019 and March 2020, reaching the northeastern and southeastern coastal regions of the country, known as the Blue Amazon. Eleven states, 130 municipalities, and 1,009 localities were affected, in addition to 10 ecosystems, more than 57 protected areas, and 34 animal species. Despite the extreme circumstances, the disaster did not receive a timely response from the federal government, and this inaction led to more significant long-term consequences, such as the compromise of preservation areas and the temporary suspension of artisanal fishing, damaging the livelihoods of thousands of residents in the affected localities. The waste was mostly collected by volunteer citizens and reused for energy recovery in co-processing as an alternative fuel in cement kilns. Around 5,379.76 tons of waste were collected, most of which were sent to cement industries. It was found that a large amount of the collected oil was reused energetically as fuel in co-processing industries. The present article is a descriptive case report and aims to analyze and offer an overview of the energy reuse of oil collected after spills in co-processing activities. Primary data were obtained from official reports, while secondary data were acquired through a literature review. The results showed that reusing oil collected from spills in the cement industry was considered alternative for waste destination instead of disposal in landfills, and new destinations could be implemented by the official environmental organisms.
Artists seldom provide an interpretation of their own work; they leave this to the observer. Each of us will have his/her own individual view of a specific piece of art, seeing different contents and experiencing a range of own feelings and emotions. Bearing this in mind, I created this page where you will find regularly selected masterpieces from different epochs and I express my thoughts on what the work conveys to me personally. My interpretation will refer specifically to the theme “Environment”. Any comments or suggestions regarding this column should be addressed to stegmann@tuhh.de.
Micro and nano plastics (MNPs), originating from environmental pollution, consumer products and industrial processes, are being detected increasingly across numerous ecosystems and food chains. Their pervasive nature elevates the possibility of human and animal exposure through ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact, underscoring the need for scientific investigations into their presence and effects on “One Health”. With a view to consolidating the current state of knowledge, identifying similarity between humans and animals, research gaps and paving the way for evaluating the potential toxicological and health implications of these particles, a crucial systematic literature review has been conducted to study the detection of MNPs in specific mammalian (human and animal) tissues, whilst also examining experimental models assessing their toxicological effects. By synthesizing findings across biomedical and environmental research, the review elucidates the pathways through which these particles enter and accumulate in the body. Furthermore, it highlights the potential health risks posed by chronic exposure, including inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and tissue damage. However, the current evidence remains insufficient to establish a quantitative balance across exposure routes and body tissues due to the lack of harmonized exposure data, heterogeneity in methodologies, inconsistent reporting, and lack of biological/clearance data. Recognition of this constraint is crucial to a more accurate contextualization of current findings, which is key for the purpose of shaping public health policies and regulatory frameworks to mitigate exposure to microplastics. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the topic, the review bridges diverse fields to create a robust foundation for future research
TThe agribusiness production model follows the linear economy model and generates waste, which, if not properly managed, causes economic, environmental, and social challenges. In this context, a substantial body of research indicates that there are sustainable alternative solutions that transform waste materials into raw materials, thereby reducing the amount of pollution. This article presents a systematic review of the use of agro-industrial waste as a sustainable solution, with a particular focus on its role in the transition to a circular economy. The significance of this work lies in identifying trends and opportunities for the use of agro-industrial waste, which contributes to sustainability through alternative uses that minimize environmental impact. In addition, it provides ideas for the development of value-added business units. The results are useful for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and researchers interested in implementing sustainable practices. A systematic analysis of 100 research articles published between 2017 and 2024 was conducted using the PRISMA tool to identify trends, progress, and benefits associated with the circular economy in relation to agro-industrial waste. The findings demonstrate the potential for repurposing these by-products, with applications in the production of bioenergy, the development of materials, and the extraction of compounds with utility across a range of industries, including agriculture, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food production. In conclusion, the use of agro-industrial waste materials encourages the adoption of responsible practices and makes a substantial contribution to a sustainable future.
