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Collection, as the first stage of the recycling process, and pre-processing to increase waste stream purity constitute key operations for achieving high recycling rates and a closed loop in the circular economy. For wastepaper recycling in Hong Kong, it is the semi-formal-informal recycling (SFIR) sector that plays a central role in both stages. This study analyses the so far little explored SFIR stakeholder network in Hong Kong and sheds light on value chains, recovered waste paper quantities and the impact of policies on the sector. The findings show that SFIR stakeholders reclaim 55.6 t/recycling station/month of wastepaper and thereby achieve about a 5.7 times higher reclaim rate than the formal-private recycling system. Critical to this achievement is the SFIR transaction network, which enables its stakeholders to develop a value chain and thereby generate an added value of around 1900 HKD (243.9 USD/t) for wastepaper. Given limited circular structures in Hong Kong, financial subsidies are critical to sustain the SFIR's operations over the short-term. However, over the long-term legalization and integration of its stakeholders are necessary to ensure an economically and socially sustainable wastepaper recovery system in Hong Kong. [Display omitted] • Qualitative & quantitative analysis of the semi-formal-informal recycling (SFIR) sector. • The SFIR's wastepaper value chain achieves a cumulative added value of 1900 HKD/t. • The SFIR recovered 5.7 times higher capacities than the formal system in 2021. • Financial support can enhance the SFIR sector's recovery capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ecological Footprint (EF) model is an effective tool for determining the resource consumption demand of human activities and whether natural assets are overutilized. The EF calculation method has certain theoretical and methodological importance for low-carbon campus construction. With the development of science and technology, some parameters in traditional EF calculation methods need to be modified. Based on the definition of fossil energy land and the latest average grain yield, this paper revised the calculation parameters of the EF method in six aspects: absorbed gas, electricity, agricultural products, aquatic products, livestock products, and paper. This paper applied the calculation method before and after improvement to Henan Polytechnic University. The EF of the campus according to calculations was 28,358.41 gha, and the per capita EF was 0.657 gha/person using the improved calculation method. Compared with the unimproved method, the improved method resulted in a substantial decrease in EFs, which can be explained by three reasons. First, the fossil energy land was divided into forestland and pasture land. Second, the average yield was recalculated using the latest statistical database of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Finally, the utilization of waste pulp in the paper industry was considered. The calculated results were also analyzed and compared with those of other universities, Worldwide Fund for Nature and Enhancing Universities'Sustainability Teaching and Practices through Ecological Footprint. The improved calculation results can better reflect the actual situation of the campus, improve the rationality of EF calculation, and provide a reference for EF at the campus level. Accordingly, the current situation of campus resource consumption can be explained, further providing a basis for proposing an EF reduction scheme for green campus construction. [Display omitted] • Some parameters have been modified in the improved ecological footprint calculation method. • The fossil energy land was divided into forestland and pasture land in the improved calculation method. • The latest average grain yield used in the improved calculation method. • The calculated results were analyzed and compared with those of WWF and EUSTEPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incinerated sewage sludge ash (ISSA) and waste glass (WG) produced in large quantities from municipal solid wastes are either not recycled or are used in relatively low-value applications. Here, we reported a scalable strategy to rapidly convert them, along with waste paper (WP), into novel foamed glass-ceramics (FGCs) by low-temperature sintering, considerably reducing environmental impact and manufacturing cost. The Fe 2 O 3 in ISSA and cellulose in WP were used as precursors to trigger the self-foaming process at low temperatures by carbon-enhanced ferric reduction when WG formed the softened matrix without chemical additives. This study analyzed the foaming mechanism, physical properties of FGCs, and variable importance assisted by thermodynamics and machine learning. The resulting FGCs with 20 wt% ISSA content and 10 wt% WP addition exhibited the excellent properties of a geometric density of 0.76 ± 0.02 g/cm3, volume water absorption of 14.35 ± 2.48%, and compressive strengths of 7.15 ± 0.88 MPa by a short holding (5 min) at a low firing temperature of 850 °C. The successful synthesis and mechanistic study provide new insights into the development of waste-derived high-performance FGCs. [Display omitted] • A scalable strategy was proposed to efficiently upcycle municipal solid wastes into porous glass-ceramics. • Carbon-enhanced ferric reduction supported self-foaming process at low temperatures. • High-temperature viscosity and surface tension aided the design of process conditions. • Contribution of experimental variables to physical properties was quantified by machine learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Food waste paper reviews are still scarce. • The paper presents a systematic mapping study on household food waste. • 190 papers were selected and analyzed to propose a conceptual framework. • The study proposes a conceptual framework extending the Theory of Planned Behavior. • Thirteen food waste predictors were found to evaluate consumer behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-based electronics offer a simple and cost-effective means to fabricate flexible devices. Here, we report an efficient pen-on-paper approach to construct metasurfaces on paper with silver units. Further, paper-based metasurfaces are employed to shield the electromagnetic interference which create new opportunities in turning waste paper into a solution for eliminating electromagnetic pollution. Experimental measurements and simulations show that waste paper-based metasurface manufactured in this way exhibits remarkable electromagnetic shielding properties with small thickness (thickness reduced more than 90% compared with that of traditional shielding materials), which makes it an ideal candidate for specific frequency electromagnetic filters. In addition, it can be readily extended to other regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, widened the shielding band by simply scaling the silver units' sizes and utilizing appropriate three-dimensional structures. Having taken performance into consideration, production is also taken into account. Paper-based shields offer both economic and energy benefits when considered on electronic printing, in addition, environment friendly nature and pliability of paper as well as simple fabrication procedure make paper-based metasurfaces promising candidates for the future 'green' electronics. • Shielding frequencies band can be readily extended in three-dimensional configuration of paper-based metasurfaces. • Paper-based metasurfaces exhibit remarkable electromagnetic shielding properties at small thickness. • Paper-based metasurfaces not only solve the electromagnetic pollution, but also effectively utilize the waste paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuing increase of the popularity of mobile phones generates a large volume of waste mobile phones. The efficient collection of this waste has become a focus and frontier of both academic research and related business. This paper reviews the waste mobile phone collection in Dalian, China. The findings show that several challenges currently impede the implementation of collection, including unsmooth collection channels, poor convenience, and low environmental awareness of residents. A new joint collection mode is put forward to increase the waste mobile phone collection rate. In the mode, the responsibilities of each stakeholder (including the collecting enterprise, the third-party logistics company, the government, and the resident) are clarified. Moreover, a conjoint analysis method is applied to identify residents' willingness for collection. The obtained results show that compensation mode, collection price, and convenience degree are the three factors that influence the prevailing preferences of residents. Collection services with high market share must satisfy the concourse of three conditions. The collection price exceeds 30% of the mobile phone's original price, the compensation mode is cash and information service is provided. These results can provide a reference for the service design of collection mode and the formulation of relevant corporate strategies. • Waste mobile phones are an environmental problem if not handled appropriately. • Collection is the critical bottleneck of waste mobile phones managements. • A new joint collection mode aiming at increasing collection rate was put forward. • Conjoint analysis was applied to investigate residents' willingness for collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The global demand for bio-plastic particularly polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) have been increased in the last few decades as a substitute of petrochemical-based plastic. Utilization of waste paper, the primary constituent of municipal solid waste (MSW), as a carbon source for polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production is not only an alternative, environmental friendly route of waste management but also helps to valorize the waste. In this study, hydrogen peroxide pretreated waste paper saccharification has been optimized using central composite design (CCD). The maximum hydrolysis (88.18%) occurred at paper loading 5.0 g/L, agitation 242 rpm, working volume 20%, cellulase 49.82 U/g, β-glucosidase 20.9 U/g and hemicellulase 29.5 U/g. PHB synthesis and biomass accumulation by xylose-utilizing Burkholderia sacchari using waste paper hydrolysate were studied using different nitrogen sources and carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios. Maximum PHB and dry cell weight (DCW) occurred with ammonium sulfate and a C/N ratio of 20. The highest biomass (3.63 g/L), the maximum PHB accumulation (44.2%) and the maximum reducing sugar utilization (92.1%) were observed after 48 h of cultivation using diluted hydrolysate. The physicochemical properties of the extracted PHB were compatible with the standard PHB. Hence, the waste paper could be exploited as a renewable feedstock for the sustainable production of PHB. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • The maximum enzymatic hydrolysis 88.18% was achieved by response surface method. • PHB produced from waste paper hydrolysate using xylose utilizing B. sacchari. • Maximum PHB and dry cell weight occurred with (NH 4) 2 SO 4 and C/N ratio of 20. • High thermostability of PHB with a maximum degradation rate around ∼ 300 °C. • PHB production using waste paper is cost effective and ecofriendy approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing separation materials for rapidly oil absorption and emulsions separation is urgently needed and remains a great challenge. Here, a biomass-derived banana peel/waste paper (BPWP) hybrid aerogel with hierarchical porous structure has been successfully fabricated via combination of freezing-cast, freeze-drying and pyrolysis approach, for application in oil adsorption and water-in-oil emulsions separation. In this hybrid system, the microsheets that derived from banana peel immobilize were immobilized on surface of the waste paper fibers, forming a hierarchical structure. The resulting BPWP aerogels exhibit a compression strain of 75%, high-hydrophobicity (WCA of 149.3°)/underair superoleophilicity (OCA of 0°), and high porosity, which can absorb of free oils in water with high oil sorption capacity of 35–115 times its own weight. Moreover, these aerogels effectively separate various surfactant-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions driven solely by gravity, with high separation efficiency above 99.6% and higher fluxes of up to 8550 L m −2 h −1 than traditional filtration membranes with pressure driven, even the sizes of emulsified droplets are smaller than the pore size of the BPWP aerogels. More importantly, the BPWP aerogels exhibit a superior antifouling property and regenerability for emulsion separation, which match well with the requirements for treating the real emulsions. Due to the advantages of banana peel/waste paper aerogels in rich source and high oil separation efficiency, the obtained banana peel/waste paper aerogel can be a potential candidate in industrial applications and environmental protection. This work opens up a new avenue for design new hierarchical biomass-derived aerogels for a variety of applications including energy storage, sensors and pressure-sensitive electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, considerable efforts have been devoted to developing waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies that can reduce the volume of waste and mitigate its negative effects on the environment. Waste is usually classified as municipal solid waste (MSW) or industrial solid waste (ISW). Both types (without hazards) can be treated by WTE technology, and both offer high potential rates of energy recovery. In Taiwan, five categories of general ISW—wood, cooking oil, plastic, lubricants, and rubber—are routinely recycled as auxiliary fuels in WTE plants. This study examined the potential for energy recovery and the extent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from MSW and general ISW to evaluate the environmental performance of WTE technology using data normalization. Totals of 7,394.13 × 10 9 kWh/y and 340.15 × 10 9 kWh/y were recovered from incinerating MSW and general ISW, respectively, from 2014 to 2015. For MSW, the incineration of plastic waste produced the most GHGs (874.66 Gg CO 2 -eq/y), followed by paper waste (53.92 Gg CO 2 -eq/y) and textile waste (12.61 Gg CO 2 -eq/y). Of the various types of general ISW, rubber waste had the highest potential to emit GHGs (11.42 Gg CO 2 -eq/y). The incineration of MSW made a far greater contribution to total GHG emissions than did that of general ISW. Plastic MSW had the greatest environmental impact, and it should thus be treated carefully due to its greater potential for GHG emissions. The WTE technology has shown to improve waste management to treat both MSW and general ISW in Taiwan. These findings may be extrapolated for use in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was the valorization of paper sludge waste from paper industry in designing one-part geopolymer cement using ground granulated blast furnace slag as main precursor. The effects of increasing the amount of paper sludge pretreated with a constant amount of sodium hydroxide (2% of slag) on mechanical strength, heat evolution, setting time and durability were analyzed. The reaction products were characterized using X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The findings showed that paper sludge can successfully be used as a secondary source of calcium carbonate in the one-part (“just add water”) geopolymer. The compressive strength of the cured geopolymer increased with increasing the amount of paper sludge, and the non-reacted sludge acted as a filler. The maximum strength (42 MPa, 28 d) was reached at 18 wt-% paper sludge addition. The main reaction products were calcium aluminate silicate hydrate and hydrotalcite-like cementitious gels. From the perspective of its blast-furnace slag content, strength properties, water absorption and setting time, the one-part geopolymer cement could be classified as a CEM IIIC and Type 32.5N class cement under the European standard EN-197. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formal scavenging grants material circularity, but its potential contribution to the sustainability of a Supply Chain (SC) is far from being a trivial issue. Thus, this paper aims to understand what is the impact of formal scavenging on the sustainability of an SC and quantify it. Accordingly, a case study in an Italian Pulp and Paper circular SC was developed through the lenses of the Triple Bottom Line. This SC consists of five groups of stakeholders and a formal scavenger that collects and redistributes wastepaper. The findings show that, in a one-year time window, the formal scavenger generated an economic value of over €3 million and led to saving 718 tCO 2 e and an energy equivalent to that consumed by 1000 average Italian families every year. In addition, it created new stable jobs and directly contributed to decreasing the waste tax in the geographical area in which it operates. Furthermore, formal scavenging proved to be effective in building up SC resilience in the face of unexpected changes in the prices and volumes of wastepaper. The results contribute to framing formal scavenging as a collaboration-based solution to enable the achievement of sustainability benefits in closed-loop SCs and provide actionable suggestions for SC managers and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-recyclable municipal solid waste (MSW) can be used as feedstock for liquid fuel production via gasification followed by Fischer-Tropsch (FT) processes. Given the heterogeneity of MSW material composition and variation in material properties, its convertibility to liquid hydrocarbon fuels could vary widely, affecting the sustainability of utilizing non-recyclable MSW for fuel production. This study evaluates the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (carbon intensities [CIs]) of FT fuels from non-recyclable MSW. Key issues that could greatly affect the CIs were examined, including fossil carbon content of the MSW, emission implications of diverting non-recyclable MSW from landfills to fuel production, and conversion efficiency. Results show that the CIs of fuels produced from various waste streams range 80–105 gCO 2 e/MJ, which may exceed the CI of petroleum fuels. Higher fossil carbon content in the MSW feedstock tends to incur higher GHG emissions as biogenic carbon emissions are considered carbon neutral. Meanwhile, diverting different fractions of non-recyclable MSW, such as food waste and low-quality paper, from landfills may result in GHG emissions that may include the potential avoidance of methane emissions and potential sequestration of biogenic carbon that is foregone. To reduce GHG emissions, a carbon capture and sequestration option in the fuel production stage is considered, which could reduce the CI by 53–64 gCO 2 e/MJ. Carbon fates of different non-recyclable MSW in landfills are further evaluated to determine how they vary and impact the CIs of MSW-derived fuels. • Evaluated carbon intensities of liquid fuels produced from municipal solid waste. • Considered the impact of avoided business-as-usual (BAU) landfill cases. • Waste-derived fuels may not present emission reduction compared to fossil fuels. • Fossil carbon emissions and avoided BAU contribute to the carbon intensities. • Carbon capture and sequestration reduces the carbon intensity of MSW-derived fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling of waste paper was investigated with the aim of boosting the use of recycled materials and reducing the impact of waste paper on environment. Commercially important cyanoethyl cellulose product from waste paper was synthesized successfully through a cycle of chemical treatments. Waste paper was functionalized to cyanoethyl cellulose in an alkaline heterogeneous reaction environment with acrylonitrile under different reaction conditions with respect to degree of substitution. The variables studied were: Sodium Hydroxide and acrylonitrile concentration, reaction time and temperature for alkalization and cyanoethylation. All the cyanoethyl cellulose products were assessed for solubility, degree of polymerization and degree of crystallinity. The optimum conditions for cyanoethyl cellulose synthesis comprised of 8.34 M/anhydro glucose unit aqueous sodium hydroxide concentration, 30 °C alkalization temperature, 60 min alkalization time, 70 M/anhydro glucose unit acrylonitrile concentration, 60 min reaction time for cyanoethylation and 50 °C cyanoethylation reaction temperature. The optimized cyanoethyl cellulose product was characterized with fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. This investigation helped to find the proper cleaner production approach towards sustainable environment management by synthesizing valuable cyanoethyl cellulose product and demonstrated that waste paper have the capacity to produce upgraded and high quality cyanoethyl cellulose for variety of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LCA studies on waste management have been promoted as they can help policy makers choose the best environmental options. However, the increasing globalization of raw materials and waste makes the optimization of waste management strategies and policies quite challenging. Therefore, new approaches are needed in order to identify the consequences of markets on the waste management systems. This paper concentrates on the quantification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of recycling processes. The aim is to generate a comprehensive assessment of GHG emissions as a consequence of increasing the amount of material collected for recycling. Consequential life cycle assessment (CLCA) is an effective methodological framework for addressing GHG quantifications within market, but to properly perform and assess all of the market links between raw materials and waste, it is necessary to determine the cause-effect chains made up of physical flows. Thus, we propose integrating the methodologies of material flow analysis (MFA) and CLCA. We applied these methodologies to the paper and cardboard recycling system in Spain. The GHG results varied between −36 kg CO 2 eq. and −317 kg CO 2 eq. per ton of waste paper collected, depending on the quantity of waste paper exported and the source of marginal pulp considered. The cumulative energy demand (CED) was also calculated as complementary indicator. Similar trends as for GHG emissions were obtained. The future GHG quantifications should be based on the flows described by MFA analysis and should be quantified using CLCA because methodologies that accurately account for GHG are necessary for decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work prepared a double-cross-linked biohybrid aerogel (DCBA) bead biosorbent from waste bamboo paper and chitosan by sequential physical (hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction between -COO- and -NH 3 + groups) and chemical (polymerization reaction between -COOH and -NH 2 , dehydration condensation between Si-OH and -OH) cross-linkings. The resulting DCBA bead was applied to remove cationic (Methylene blue, MB) and anionic (Congo red, CR) dyes in both single and binary systems. The MB and CR adsorption capacities of DCBA bead increased with increasing adsorbent dosage, contact time, temperature and initial dye concentration. With increasing solution pH, the MB adsorption capacity increased, while that for CR increased first and then decreased. The maximal adsorption capacities for MB and CR were 653.3 and 559.6 mg/g, respectively, in the single system. The thermodynamic analysis results showed a spontaneous and endothermic adsorption process. DCBA bead had a good stability and reusability with the removal efficiencies of 49.4% and 60.6% for MB and CR, respectively, after five cycles of adsorption-desorption. In the binary system, the adsorption of MB was inhibited by CR, while the removal of CR was enhanced by MB. • DCBA biosorbent was prepared using double cross-linking method. • The DCBA bead exhibited excellent stability and recyclability. • The maximum adsorption capacities of MB was 653.3 mg/g. • The maximum adsorption capacities of CR was 559.6 mg/g. • The adsorption mechanisms in single and binary systems were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-structured and porous foams derived from crosslinked cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were designed and tailored as highly efficient aerosol filters. The lignin-containing CNF was prepared from a recycled milk-container board using deep eutectic solvent pretreatment and mechanical grinding. The nanofoams or aerogels were formed in different densities (initial CNF concentration of 0.2–1.0 wt%) with a freeze-drying process using two silane compounds for strengthening the structure. The filtration performance of nanofoams was studied with a Differential Mobility Particle Sizer (DMPS) setup using 10–500 nm NaCl aerosol particles. DMPS determines particle number size distribution of particles passing through nanofoams which is used to calculate the filtration performance. All nanofoams, which possessed porosity from 99.1% to 99.8% and specific surface area from 5.9 m2 g−1 to 18.6 m2 g−1, achieved good filtration performance (>96%) in the measured particle size range. Very high filtration efficiency (>99.5%) was achieved with the 0.7 wt% nanofoam sample for particles smaller than 360 nm. Based on the quality factors (QF), 0.3 wt% nanofoam produced the lowest pressure drop yet with relatively high filtration efficiency and resulted in the highest QF value that met the N95 standard requirements of respirator face masks. The structure and thickness of the nanofoam filter makes possible high particle bearing without loss on its performance. • Highly porous nanofoams of cellulose nanofibers were prepared from recycled board. • The nanofoams consist of a biodegradable material that is readily disposed. • Very high filtration efficiency was achieved with the particles smaller than 360 nm. • The nanofoams can potentially be used in indoor air purification and face masks. • The nanofoams met the N95 standard requirements of respirator face masks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste paper, one of the major components of municipal and industrial wastes, has considerable potential as a low-cost inductive feedstock for enzyme production. In this study, four kinds of waste papers were used for simultaneous production of cellulase and xylanase by Trichoderma longiflorum. The highest FPase activities (3.21 IU/mL and 2.97 IU/mL) were achieved using waste office paper (WOP) and corrugated board (CB), respectively, followed by magazine paper (MP, 2.51 IU/mL) and tissue paper (TP, 2.34 IU/mL). The maximum β-glucosidase activities (0.51 IU/mL) and xylanase activities (382.59 IU/mL) were obtained from CB substrates, which were higher than that in the reported literature using waste paper. Correspondingly, the soluble protein concentrations and SDS-PAGE profiles from CB fermentation revealed that more enzymes were secreted during fermentation compared with other waste paper. Moreover, the structural features of different waste paper were characterized by using SEM and XRD technique and revealed that the structural variations were mainly caused by the raw wood sources and papermaking processes, and further affected the fermentation capacity. In addition, a higher β-glucosidase activity of 0.80 IU/mL were obtained from the mixed carbon source of CB and wheat bran (WB), which were significantly improved and increased by 56.86% when compared with the CB as single carbon source. This study confirmed that the waste paper without pretreatment could be efficiently utilized as an inductive feedstock for simultaneous production of cellulase and xylanase by T. longiflorum. Therefore, these findings obtained from this study will provide a more widely insight into investigating the low-cost inductive feedstock for enzyme production, which were of great benefit both for the economy and environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a circular economy, extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a regulatory approach that accounts for all environmental costs associated with a product throughout its life cycle. When considering the EPR, the regulator must (1) design an integrated framework for different stakeholders and (2) provide effective policies to create financial incentives to accelerate the circular system. Recycling funds and subsidies are the most prominent financial strategies that can either encourage or curtail the flows of recycled products. In Indonesia, a few companies provided recycling bonus s to their customers as incentives to increase the recycling rate. However, the recycling rate was not as effective as expected by the enterprise because recycling was practiced by a limited number of companies, rendering it economically unviable. The enterprises hope the government could develop a recycling fund system. In order to develop the recycling fund system, a system dynamic model was proposed and simulated to optimize the recycling funds and subsidies based on decentralized reverse supply chains. Although it is not a novelty model; however, the research show a very significant results for the government in Indonesia. This enabled a more precise, well-planned, and sustainable decision-making process for the EPR. In addition, by utilizing the system dynamic model with different scenarios in a real case study (aseptic paper packaging waste), we found that the capacity of the recycler could become the reference for the funds to be paid by the importer-producer group, wherein the recycling rate will increase with an increase in the recycling fund. • When formulating an EPR scheme, two points must be considered: framework and policies. • A system dynamic model was proposed and simulated to get the optimal solution. • A related case study involving aseptic paper packaging (APP) was considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this study was to define a procedure useful to evaluate the potential environmental, social and economic benefits contained in paper and cardboard (or other recyclables), which are wasted in the unsorted fraction of municipal solid waste (MSW). To give a practical example, the procedure was applied to the 550 municipalities of the Campania region, in Southern Italy, but the developed procedure is applicable in any context in an 'urban mining' perspective. The procedure consists of five phases and uses two methodologies: one for the estimation of the composition analysis of the unsorted residual waste and another for the calculation of sustainability indicators able to measure the benefits wasted in the unsorted residual MSW. Six indicators were defined: two for the environment (carbon footprint and ecological footprint), two for the society (health footprint and occupational benefits) and two for the economy (economic profit and economic saving). The first methodology was developed by the regional environmental protection agency to update the MSW regional management plan. The second methodology is based on the use of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) through which it was possible to calculate the reference parameters useful for the calculation of the impacts (i.e., loss of benefits) for recycling, mechanical and biological treatment (MBT), incineration and landfilling of paper and cardboard contained in the unsorted residual waste. The obtained results confirmed the presence of such an enormous deposit of recyclable materials contained in the unsorted residual waste, which is a potential source, but not exploited, of environmental, social and economic benefits. For instance, the paper and cardboard 'urban mine' of Naples was greater than 16 million of euro (economic profit + economic saving), with a potential saving of around 11.4 million of kgCO 2 eq. (carbon footprint), 207 million of m2 (ecological footprint), 44 Disability Adjusted Life Years (health footprint), with a creation of 30 job positions in the waste management sector (occupational benefits). [Display omitted] • A procedure consisting of five phases was developed using two methodologies. • One methodology estimates the composition analysis of the unsorted residual waste. • Another methodology used a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. • Two indicators for the environment, two for the society and two for the economy. • The paper and cardboard 'urban mine' of Naples was greater than 16 million of euro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recycled paper industry produces tons of waste whose disposal is a cost for industry and the environment. This research examines the suitability of de-inked paper sludge (DPS), after pelletization, as a sustainable alternative component to a peat-based growing media, creating ideal root conditions for tree development (e.g. high water storage, low compaction). DPS, tested on Lepidium sativum L. germination, did not show toxicity effects. Three species, Quercus ilex L., Lagerstroemia indica L. and Prunus serrulata "Kanzan", were planted in 40 cm Ø pots filled with a control (peat, pumice and zeolite) and the experimental substrate (compost, DPS pellets, pumice and zeolite). After two years in the nursery, the trees were planted in situ. The physical and chemical properties of substrates were analyzed. Plant morphological and physiological parameters were monitored: trunk diameter, leaf dry matter, leaf nitrogen, chlorophyll, and photosynthetic efficiency. The new substrate showed higher C org (+135%), total N (+73%) and easily available water (+19%), compared to the control substrate used in the nursery. In this new substrate, the trees showed similar radial growth values to the control in the nursery and after transplanting in situ improved their photosynthetic performance in terms of quantum yield of photosystem II (+36%, and +29% in P. serrulata and L. indica , respectively) and electron transport rate (+39%, +25%, and +32% in P. serrulata , Q. ilex and L. indica , respectively). Pelletization represents an attractive amendment for growing media, which enhances the plant's physiological health status. This study proposes alternative recovery methods for paper industry waste with low environmental impact. As the process is developed locally, it should also contribute to reducing energy-related CO 2 emissions from transport. Pelletization represents an attractive novelty in the use of DPS as amendment for growing media, which enhances the plant's physiological health status. This study proposes alternative recovery methods for paper industry waste with low environmental impact. As the process is developed locally, it should also contribute to reducing energy-related CO 2 emissions from transport. Image 1 • De-inked paper sludge and mature compost mixed were tested as a new substrate. • The new substrate showed high organic carbon, nitrogen and water availability. • Holm oak, Crape myrtle and Kanzan cherry grew healtlhy in the new substrate. • The new substrate is suitable for tree growth to overcome transplanting stress. • The study proposes alternative recovery methods for paper industry waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study was to perform a microstructural evaluation in geopolymer samples with 28 days of curing (GP28D) and after 8 years of storage (GP8Y). The knowledge on the microstructure of geopolymers in the long run is crucial for the use of these materials, given their great potential applicability. Equally important is the use of industrial waste as raw materials for the manufacture of new materials. In this perspective, this study employed two industrial wastes to produce the samples: bottom ash from mineral coal (BA) and residues from white paper recycling industries. The latter was treated to use the kaolin present in composition. The treatment of the paper waste was carried out by burning the cellulose. Then, the resulting material was subjected to chemical reaction in hydrochloric acid (HCl) to separate the CaCO 3 from kaolin. In addition to kaolin, calcium chloride (CaCl 2) and water were also obtained as reaction products. The kaolin obtained from the paper residue was dehydroxylated at a temperature of approximately 850 °C for 2 h to obtain processed metakaolin (PMK). To obtain the geopolymer samples, BA/PMK proportions of 2:1 were activated with NaOH solutions of 5, 10 and 15 M mixed with sodium silicate. After the synthesis, the samples were cured for 28 days and subjected to analysis. Then they were stored for more eight years and again underwent microstructural analysis. The results of the analyzes showed significant changes in the microstructure of the materials with 28 days of cure and after eight years. The micrographs obtained in SEM showed a denser structure and the micrographs obtained in TEM showed that the amorphous structure was partially replaced by a crystalline structure. The samples aged for eight years did not show significantly higher mechanical resistance in relation to the samples analyzed with 28 days of cure. It is important to highlight that the results did not show microstructural degradation after eight years. • Cement material produced from heavy ash and metakaolin from waste. • Activated with NaOH solutions of 5, 10 and 15 M mixed with sodium silicate. • Characteristics of materials with twenty eight days of curing after eight years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates for the first time the possibility of using carbon rich paper recovery sludge, and nitrogen rich meat processing industry waste as cultivation medium for the production of high value enzymes needed in the respective industries. The complex cellulose rich deinking sludge was able to support the growth of many industrially relevant enzyme producing microorganisms (Bacillus licheniformis, Candida cylindracea, Aspergillus oryzae, Trichoderma reesei) and of recombinant enzyme producers (Escherichia coli and Pichia pastoris). Further detailed studies with Trichoderma reesei as model organism demonstrated that the organism was able to grow optimally in the presence of 40gL-1 paper sludge as carbon source and 67.5 gL-1 pasteurised blood as nitrogen source substituted in Mandels medium. Under these conditions cellulase activities up to 28.1 nkat FPU were achieved. Anyhow, to achieve these results pretreatment of both waste streams is inevitable. In summary, this study provides the practical basis for a valorisation systems of paper industry waste to produce valuable enzymes to be used on-site in paper processing or for other purposes. Image 1 • Blood and paper waste used for microorganism growth. • Growth and cellulase production achieved utilising blood waste streams. • Pretreatment of paper waste and blood waste is necessary. • Waste to Value with in house use of cellulase in paper industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to achieve an effective re-utilization of pulp and paper industry waste (PIW), PIW was recycled and used as a filler to prepare green-composites based on linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) through an extrusion and injection molding in this study. The resultant green-composites were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, tension, dynamic mechanical analysis, and micro mechanism. The results showed that the addition of PIW promoted crystallization and improved the thermal stability of LLDPE, HDPE, and UHMWPE. Moreover, the tensile properties of LLDPE, HDPE, and UHMWPE were significantly improved as a result of PIW addition. The best tensile strength of 26.73 MPa and Young's modulus of 1.82 GPa were obtained in PIW/HDPE composites. The dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the addition of PIW increased the rigidity and elasticity of LLDPE, HDPE, and UHMWPE. The utilization of hazardous PIW in this study not only avoids secondary pollution but also generates green-composites with better thermal and mechanical properties. • Green-composites were made from Pulp and paper industry waste (PIW). • The addition of PIW improved the thermal stability of the polymers. • The mechanical properties of the green-composites were better than polymers. • PIW based green-composites provided a sustainable way to manage industrial wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to production technologies such as blasting, transportation, and loading, large quantities of dust are produced in surface mines. This dust not only pollutes the environment but also restricts the development of coal mining enterprises. This work aims to use waste paper as raw material for the efficient extraction of cellulose, in which waste materials can be converted to useable materials. This work can broaden the sources of raw materials and provide new methods for the efficient preparation of dust suppressants. As a matrix, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is a novel crust-dust suppressant that is synthesized by graft copolymerization with polyvinylalcohol and N-vinylpyrrolidone in this study. The results of experiments revealed the high purity of sodium carboxymethylcellulose prepared in flotation for 20 min, the degree of substitution DS > 0.8, and the viscosity of 2% aqueous solution>300 mPa s, which can satisfy the requirements of the experiments. The microscopic reaction and structure of the product are analyzed by infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetry, and the microscopic mechanism of a crust-dust suppressant is investigated. The reaction process and structural characteristics of the product were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and the product reaction process and final structure were deduced. Thermogravimetric experiments showed that the product had strong thermal stability and ensured the performance of the product during use. This paper reveals the combination of dust suppressants and coal via molecular dynamics simulation. The product performance experiments show that the product has a high shell strength of 98 HA, satisfactory freeze-thaw resistance and high temperature resistance, permeability higher than 15 mm/min, and dust suppression rate of approximately 88% when the wind speed reaches 15 m*s−1 and it can degrade without pollution. In general, the product can effectively suppress coal dust and other forms of dust. Image 1011236 • A new kind of dust suppressing material with excellent properties was prepared. • Conduct comprehensive tests on the characterization and properties of materials. • Raw materials for preparation are cheap. • Final product can be degraded after being extracted from waste paper. • MS technique was used to analyze the action mechanism of the dust inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the obligations assumed by Croatian accession to the European Union in 2013, municipal waste still mainly ends at landfills, even in regions where significant investments were made in waste management centres based on mechanical-biological treatment, and in which mixed waste is collected and processed into refuse-derived fuel and disposed at so-called bioreactor landfills. Waste management sector in Croatia necessitates substantial restructuring if it is to achieve compliance with circular economy. Since Croatia is far from achieving specific targets, in 2016 an attempt was made to adopt a strategic waste management document that would have paved the way to reaching circular economy targets, but its contents were substantially modified in course of its adoption, preserving the concept devised a decade and half ago. The paper presents waste and circularity indicators for Croatia, analyses national policies, targets, achievements and EU recommendations, and proposes the measures which would accelerate Croatia's path towards circular economy, resource efficiency, reduction of marine litter in the Adriatic and bio economy. The model is applicable to other countries in transition and those which still rely on landfilling and linear economy concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disposable paper cups comprise typical single-use plastic items, as they are lined internally with a thin plastic coating for waterproofing. They are consumed at a staggering rate worldwide, with the UK alone consuming around 7 million cups daily, thus annually producing around 30,000 tonnes of paper cup waste. Contrary to popular belief, less than 1 in 400 paper cups is currently recycled in the UK, which is in stark contrast to the waste hierarchy and the European Commission's ambitious Circular Economy Action Plan. Paper cups typically end up in landfill sites or even improperly disposed of, contributing to (micro)plastic waste and potentially polluting the world's oceans. The implications of the latter are not fully known yet and cannot be quantified by existing life cycle impact assessment methods. By employing the life cycle assessment methodology, UK's annual carbon footprint from paper cup consumption was found to be 75 kt of carbon dioxide equivalents, which is similar to that of manufacturing 11,500 mid-size passenger cars. Globally, their environmental footprint was found to be comparable to that of some 1.5 M average European inhabitants, indicating the nature and extent of the single-use plastics problem, which paper cups are just a typical example of. Paper cup recycling could reduce this environmental footprint by up to 40%, whereas switching to reusable cups appears to be more environmentally sustainable, achieving a threefold reduction in carbon emissions, which at global scale is more than twice Malta's annual carbon footprint. Results indicate that consumerism along with small daily choices, such as using reusable cups or bags instead of their disposable counterparts, could play a huge role in climate change. At policy level, no concrete measures to curb the superfluous consumption of paper cups, as well as of other single-use plastic items that are becoming increasingly ubiquitous, have materialised. Furthermore, it appears that decision- and policy-makers tend to step in to curtail wasteful and polluting practices only when environmental problems have started to generate widespread concern, instead of undertaking preventative policy measures. Image 1 • The environmental sustainability of disposable paper cups was examined. • 75 kt CO 2eq are emitted annually in the UK and 7.5 Mt CO 2eq globally. • Switching to reusable cups axes carbon emissions by threefold. • Robust LCIA methods should be introduced to account for (micro)plastic pollution. • Existing policy on single use plastics appears to be too little too late. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulp and paper industry traditionally generates large amounts of wastes at different stages of its production process, such as primary sludge that is extremely wet. The aim of this research is to evaluate a new process methodology aiming the incorporation of primary pulp and paper industry sludge waste, still in its liquid state, into cement and lime-based mortars. This procedure was compared with the incorporation of the waste in its dry state, which results from the traditional beneficiation process based on powder drying. Comparison was performed in terms of technological, durability and environmental performance of both wastes (liquid and dry) incorporated mortars, as well as with reference control mortar without incorporation. Two news models of liquid waste processing, for mortars incorporation, called thin and coarse liquid, were developed in order to evaluate technological parameters such as: consistency, entrained air, water retention, mass density, capillary absorption and mechanical strength. These parameters allow the characterization of durability, life cycle assessment and environmental conditions. Technological properties showed satisfactory results in mortars performance when waste was used as a thin liquid with nominal content (optimal mixture) similar to the reference composition. The air content of the mortar was 12% and the water retention 96.8%. In the hardened state, the optimal mixture had a mass density of 1.76 g/cm3, a capillary coefficient of 20.73 g/dm2.min1/2 and mechanical resistance to compression of 3.7 MPa and to flexion of 1.1 MPa, all results meet the limits of the literature for application in construction. It was found that the beneficiation process, which produces the thin liquid is the most efficient for the incorporation of waste into mortars when compared to the dry method. Indeed, the thin liquid waste incorporated mortars showed improved technological, durability and environmental properties. • Development of a new methodology for beneficiation of waste from paper industry. • Two liquid incorporation procedure were evaluated (thin and a coarse liquid). • The thin liquid (TL) presented the best technological and environmental properties. • The thin liquid (TL) can be used in mortars for civil construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]