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Why you should read this article: • To enhance your awareness of the importance of minimising the risks of infection transmission • To refresh your knowledge of the standard precautions for infection prevention and control • To reflect on the appropriate use of personal protective equipment in clinical practice. Infection prevention and control is crucial to prevent patients and healthcare staff from being harmed by avoidable infections, including healthcare-associated infections. This article outlines the main elements of standard precautions for infection prevention and control, as set out by the World Health Organization. Nurses and other healthcare professionals can use this information to refresh their knowledge of infection prevention and control, understand the appropriate practices that should be adopted to reduce the risk of infection transmission, and increase their awareness of the importance of sustainability and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An excavator at Eberhard Mayr Scrap and Metal Trading in Kornwestheim has been equipped with a directly attached hydraulic shear. The excavator sorts and cuts scrap waste from mechanical engineering and the automotive industry. The excavator was modified by Zeppelin and its branch in Böblingen and is the first representative of a small series developed in this configuration as a direct attachment. The excavator has a reach of 15.5 m and can load containers and railway wagons. It works faster and more powerfully than the previous device. The excavator complies with the latest EU emission stage V and contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Eberhard Mayr is a certified waste management company that supplies foundries, steel mills, and aluminum smelters. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the difficulties of plastic pollution in South Africa, as well as measures to increase plastic recycling. Topics covered include the SA Plastics Pact's formulation of circularity targets, initiatives such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, and the necessity of community engagement in improving recycling infrastructure and empowering waste pickers. It also illustrates both recent accomplishments and ongoing issues in South Africa's plastic waste management.

The article focuses on the pressing issue of food waste, emphasizing its global scale and its detrimental impact on food security. Topics include the alarming statistics on food wastage, the role of AI technology in reducing waste along the food value chain, and the innovative solutions being implemented by retailers and startups to address this critical problem.

The Santa Barbara County ReSource Center in California includes an anaerobic digestion facility and a composting system for digestate, with the capacity to process 550 to 600 tons/day of mixed municipal solid waste. The facility underwent a pilot study to compare aerated static pile composting with the existing windrow method to address odor issues. Sustainable Generation was selected to build a 300 tons/day composting system, which began operating in February 2024, providing a more consistent composting process for the county. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers have discovered valuable properties in gin cotton byproducts, which were previously seen as waste material. These byproducts, such as burrs, sticks, and stems, are now being used in various ways, including composting, cattle feed, and even energy generation. Finding new uses for gin trash is seen as an important contribution to cotton's sustainability message. Ongoing research is exploring thermochemical processes like gasification, pyrolysis, and torrefaction, which could further enhance the value of gin byproducts. [Extracted from the article]

The article emphasizes that African mining companies are adopting innovative waste-management strategies to mitigate environmental impact and create value from their resources. It discusses how companies like African Rainbow Minerals are turning mining waste into valuable materials, exploring alternative energy sources from waste-derived fuel and addressing water management challenges in a sustainable manner.

"Rogue Community College" by David R. Slayton is a fantasy novel that introduces the Liberty House series. The protagonist, Isaac Frost, possesses the ability to temporarily gain the powers of magic users by consuming their blood. He rescues a sea elf named Vran and together they uncover secrets about Isaac's past and the mysterious Undertaker. Isaac finds refuge at a magical college where he experiences a normal life, makes friends, and even finds romance. However, he soon discovers that he was sent to the college to assassinate its heart. The book combines a college setting with accessible writing and offers social critique, making it appealing to young adult readers. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently accepting applications for Composting and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) pilot projects for fiscal year 2024. These projects are aimed at supporting local and tribal governments, schools, and other eligible entities in generating compost, increasing access to compost for agricultural producers, and reducing reliance on fertilizer. The USDA will prioritize projects that demonstrate economic benefits, make compost easily accessible to farmers, and integrate other food waste strategies. Applications are being accepted until September 4, 2024, and projects must have a duration of two years. In 2023, the USDA awarded $11.5 million in 38 cooperative agreements for similar projects. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on developments in the operation of Green Energy Biofuel (GEB), formerly Midlands Biofuels, including its acquisition of the ReSoil Compost composting facility in Elgin, South Carolina (SC). Also cited are the upgrades made at the facility like the installation of drainage and watering systems, and the services offered at the facility like emergency disposal, solidification, and depackaging.

The Durham Food Waste Infrastructure Assessment examines the current state of food waste management in Durham, North Carolina, and proposes ways to improve social action and economic development in the city. The assessment estimates that approximately 66,000 tons of food waste are generated in Durham each year, which costs the city, county, residents, and businesses $3.4 million collectively for disposal. The assessment identifies various food waste management activities already in place, such as food rescue, composting, and waste prevention, but also highlights challenges like transportation costs, lack of funding, and insufficient infrastructure. The report suggests sixteen next steps to address these issues, including improving communication, launching public awareness campaigns, enhancing food rescue efforts, and expanding food waste collection and regional infrastructure. [Extracted from the article]

"Witchcraft for Wayward Girls" by Grady Hendrix is a novel that explores the story of Neva, a 15-year-old girl who finds herself at the Home for Unwed Mothers in 1970. The book focuses on the interpersonal drama and friendships that develop among the pregnant girls at the home. When Neva discovers a book on witchcraft, she and her friends experiment with spells that actually work, giving them a sense of power in their difficult situations. However, as they delve deeper into witchcraft, they must confront the dark consequences it may bring. While the novel has fewer horror elements than expected, it effectively portrays the girls' youth, loss of innocence, and the strength of their friendships. [Extracted from the article]

The Arizona Composting Council (ACC) was established in April 2024 to promote and advance composting practices in the state. The organization's mission is to educate the public, support composting initiatives, and advocate for sustainable waste management policies. The ACC plans to offer educational programs, workshops, and resources to empower individuals and communities to effectively manage organic waste. Their advocacy efforts focus on promoting policies and initiatives that support composting and organic waste recycling, with the goal of reducing landfill waste and improving soil health. The ACC is collaborating with local governments, businesses, and communities to implement effective composting programs and raise awareness about the benefits of composting. The founding board of the Council includes individuals from various organizations involved in composting and sustainable practices. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers have discovered valuable properties in the waste material left over after the ginning process of cotton. This waste, known as gin cotton byproducts, used to be a fire hazard and burden to dispose of. However, researchers are now finding ways to add value to this waste material, such as generating energy from it or using it to increase soil carbon and reduce greenhouse emissions. The potential uses and research in this area continue to expand, and finding new uses for gin trash contributes to cotton's sustainability message. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the use of magnetic separation with nanoparticles for nuclear waste management, highlighting their potential in enhancing contaminant capture. Topics discussed include the effectiveness of iron-based magnetic nanoparticles, their application in removing radioactive contaminants from liquid waste, and the challenges related to their stability and safety.

The article highlights new eco-friendly battery recycling methods from the U.S. and Sweden. It covers Oak Ridge and Argonne's water-based process for anode scraps and Chalmers University's use of oxalic acid in hydrometallurgy for selective metal recovery. It mentions that these methods aim to reduce toxic waste and improve recycling efficiency in battery materials.

The Biden administration has released a strategy document titled "Mobilizing Federal Action on Plastic Pollution: Progress, Principles and Priorities." The document outlines current and future federal actions aimed at reducing the impact of plastic pollution. It reviews existing efforts, such as EPA rules and risk assessments of toxic chemicals used in plastic production, ongoing research, procurement programs, grant programs for waste management and recycling infrastructure, and the Marine Debris Program. The administration also announced a goal to phase out federal procurement of single-use plastics for food service operations by 2027 and for all federal operations by 2035. [Extracted from the article]

The article informs readers about the Windham Solid Waste Management District's (WSWMD) plan to expand their composting capacity for food waste. Topics covered include the upgrade to a medium-scale food waste composting facility, the sources of food waste, the use of aerated static piles for processing, and the grants and components involved in the expansion project.

The article discusses the neighborhood-friendly design for the North Transfer Station in Seattle, Washington done by the architectural firm Mahlum.

Holden Village, an isolated mountain community in Washington State, has implemented a new food scraps composting system to manage their waste. The village, which is not allowed to dispose of garbage on-site, previously transported their food waste to a regional landfill at a high cost. The new system, designed in collaboration with Green Mountain Technologies, consists of three aerated bunkers with a total capacity of 18 cubic yards. The compost produced will be used within the village and the surrounding area for mine remediation and forest fire recovery. The project cost approximately $18,300 in capital expenses. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by WRAP, a waste reduction nonprofit in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with behavior change researchers SKIM, explored the effectiveness of kitchen countertop food scrap caddies in reducing food waste. The research found that using these caddies can lead to lower household costs and increased mindfulness about food waste. However, the study also revealed that many users were unclear about the compostability of caddy liners, and the lack of robust liners was associated with low rates of caddy usage. To address this, WRAP recommends regular communication campaigns and visual cues on caddies to maintain awareness of food waste. The study also identified four key opportunities to reduce food waste through the caddy system and beyond, including boosting saliency among users, connecting food waste to the cost-of-living crisis, nudging consumers throughout the food waste management process, and providing regular feedback on the impact of food waste recycling. Overall, a multi-faceted approach combining individual actions, education, retail sector changes, community initiatives, and targeted incentives is likely to be most effective in reducing household food waste. [Extracted from the article]

Sacramento State University has installed an on-site anaerobic digester to process food scraps from campus kitchens and eateries. The digester, valued at $200,000, was a gift from Cal Maritime and is used to produce renewable power and fertilizer for the campus. The facility also serves as a research lab for students and faculty to study food-to-gas ratios and biodigestion. The biogas produced can be converted into electricity and stored for use at university events. [Extracted from the article]

Italian municipalities have made a commitment to separate the collection of organic waste, including food scraps, and have integrated the use of compostable plastics into their recycling programs. This approach reduces the need for intensive waste treatment and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. Italy is one of the top-performing EU member states in recycling municipal solid waste, with around 65% of waste being separately collected and sent to recycling facilities. The collection of food waste has doubled between 2010 and 2022, while yard trimmings collection has increased by less than 20%. Compostable plastics are effectively disintegrated during the recycling process, preventing contamination of the final compost. Italy adheres to strict standards for compostable plastics, ensuring high recycling rates and minimal contamination. Approximately 1.9 million tonnes of compost are produced annually in Italy, with 35% carrying a quality label. The compost market is predominantly local, with most sales occurring near the facility. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the search for balance and equity due to rising concerns over the impact of construction activities on U.S. public health and the environment. Business owners, governments and environmental activists have looked for ways to mitigate the effects of industrial facilities on communities. Native American tribes have protested against a number of projects, claiming they pose risks to water resources and violate their sovereignty.

The article offers information on BlueAlp BV and Recupero Etico Sostenibile (RES) collaborating to install a pyrolysis-based unit for advanced recycling of plastic waste at RES's site in Pettoranello del Molise, Italy.

The U.S. EPA has developed a Waste Characterization Handbook and Excel tool to assist decision-makers and solid waste professionals in conducting waste characterization studies. The Handbook provides guidance on planning and conducting these studies, as well as analyzing the data collected. The accompanying Excel tool allows for easy data entry and visualization. The resulting data can be used in other tools to better understand organic waste management and methane mitigation options. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of understanding and respecting nature's cycles in managing organic material, particularly food waste. It highlights the harmful environmental effects of landfilling food waste and emphasizes the need for a systems framework that conveys the circularity and interdependence of organic materials. The article proposes a new schematic for handling surplus food that emphasizes the inherent circularity and interrelatedness of different management methods. It also emphasizes the importance of closing the loop and prioritizing methods based on global warming potential. The article concludes by discussing the current state of food waste management in the US and the need for communities to understand and act on the required changes in the food system. [Extracted from the article]

A paper published in November 2023 in Environmental Health Perspectives discusses the potential presence of contaminants in compost produced from urban food and yard waste, such as pesticides, lead dust, and PFAS. The research team conducted case studies in Boston, Seattle, San Francisco, and New York City, examining waste-to-compost activities and legislation. The authors argue that inequities in composting practices are partially due to historical marginalization and loss of land, leading to food inequality among communities of color. They recommend that cities address these inequities by providing multilingual and multimedia communication and education about composting, and by engaging with volunteer garden coordinators and community organizers to advocate for the needs of community farmers and growers. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses Eastman's partnership with Rumpke to recycle colored and opaque polyethylene terephthalate products, utilizing Eastman's molecular recycling technology to create virgin-quality polyesters for various packaging applications, addressing a gap in current recycling practices.

"It's Not EWWWW...It's YOU!: Un-Yucking The Grossest Wonders of the Human Body" is a charming and hilarious picture book by Sharon Leya that takes a scientific approach to bodily functions that often gross out children. The book uses a clear-eyed perspective to encourage children to see these processes as natural and necessary for optimal health. The narrator, Professor Ewe, guides readers through eight bodily functions, such as mucus, poop, and sweat, explaining the science behind each one. The book's illustrations by Janna Maru are not only instructive but also entertaining, featuring a variety of animals engaging in these physiological functions. The book also includes a discussion guide that offers a more detailed overview of each bodily process. Overall, this amusing and educational picture book is a great resource for children and those who read to them, helping them understand and appreciate their bodies' vital processes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Composting Consortium, in partnership with BioCycle Connect and Target Renewables, assessed the ability of large-scale anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities in the U.S. to process compostable packaging. The study found that the current state of large-scale AD in the U.S. may not be suitable for processing food waste with compostable packaging due to factors such as the use of wet anaerobic digestion, limitations in depackaging equipment, and the absence of established end markets for the resulting digestate. However, Europe offers valuable insights for future development, including the use of hybrid AD models, industry collaborations, and the establishment of digestate standards. To unlock the full potential of large-scale AD in the U.S., infrastructure development, the development of end markets, and industry collaborations are necessary. By addressing these challenges and learning from successful models in Europe, large-scale AD can potentially become a viable solution for processing compostable packaging in the U.S. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the importance of obtaining a waste analysis before incorporating manure into a farm's nutrient management plan. Topics include the significance of waste analysis for anticipating nutrient content, the variability in poultry litter nutrient content based on collection methods, and recommendations for applying poultry litter to crops such as corn and soybeans.

The article discusses the challenges associated with recycling polymer film and paperboard. Topics include the manufacturing of polymers including the less energy and emits less greenhouse gas than using oil and trees reducing the environmental impact of food packaging; store drop-off for recyclable polyethylene film by Health Valley Granola Bars, and localized polymer film recycling and reuse.

Accelerating Circularity is a non-profit organization founded in 2019 by Karla Masepatales Gruder, with the participation of companies such as Gap Inc., Giotex, Gr33, Lenzing, Target, Unifi Inc., and VF Corp. Its mission is to design and implement commercial systems that give a new use or purpose to textile waste as raw material, through reuse and recycling. The organization is involved in research and trials to reduce textile waste and its negative impact on the environment. They have identified gaps and opportunities in the selection and processing of textile products after consumer use, in preparation for recycling. The article highlights the importance of textile recycling and the need to prevent clothing from ending up in municipal landfills. The importance of policy and legislation to strengthen the circular economy and create jobs in the textile recycling sector is also mentioned. A study indicating that textile recycling can generate long-term strategic advantages is mentioned, and the importance of textile selection as a critical function in the recycling process is emphasized. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection of 11 organizations expected to receive funding to divert food waste from landfills by expanding anaerobic digester (AD) capacity nationwide. It mentions that EPA prioritizing environmental justice by ensuring nearly half of the funds announced were awarded to projects or recipients located in underserved communities.

The traditional manufacturing, specification, distribution, and waste-management process is a path that begins with extraction of resources and ends with landfill disposal. In a circular economy, every element what is created or produced is considered resource, meaning that all materials products they make are designed in way that they can be returned to the through recycling, biodegradation, or upcycling. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on CalRecycle's announcement of the latest round of grants, through the California Climate Investments' Organics Grant Program in mid-December. Topics include funding 23 infrastructure projects across 15 counties, addressing food and yard waste disposal, creating 114 jobs, and complying with the state's SB 1383 regulation, with grants allocated for anaerobic digestion, composting facilities, and in-vessel composters, including one for cannabis waste.

The article focuses on BioCycle, the Organics Recycling Authority, celebrates its 65th year in 2024. It reports that the organization's archives showcase the evolution of organic recycling from 1960-1979. It mentions that watershed research has benefited organic recycling, including plant disease suppression, heavy metal binding, and erosion control. It emphasizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report on methane emissions and the ongoing importance of watershed research in 2023.

The article reports on an analysis by Industrious Labs, revealing that municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills were the largest industrial source of methane emissions in 37 states in 2021. It mentions interactive state maps comparing landfill emissions to other industrial sources, emphasizing the need for better regulation and reporting of methane emissions from organic waste,and encouraging individuals to use the information to advocate for change to their elected officials.

The article discusses the potential of the bio-substitute for natural gas. Topics mentioned include the bio-substitute natural gas (BioSNG) process to come up with a green and sustainable copy of natural gas, the obstacles faced by conventional waste gasifiers in translating the SNG processes to waste feedstock, and the technical potential of BioSNG production from household waste.

The article reports that several professionals from the U.S. biogas sector traveled to Denmark to learn about policies and innovations related to development and operation of biogas systems. It mentions that biogas in Denmark has been driven by economies of scale. It also mentions that biogas became a political priority in Denmark as a means to control agricultural waste management problems and provide renewable energy product.

The article offers information on role of landfill in waste management such as household, medical and industrial waste. Topics discussed include landfill mining goal is to collect goods that can be recycled and sold on, mentions views of professor William Powrie, a waste expert at Southampton University, on the same, and burning waste through waste-to-energy plants.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $93 million in funding for tribal recycling infrastructure and educational projects. The grants aim to expand recycling infrastructure and promote sustainable waste management practices. This investment follows a recent $105 million funding for recycling and waste infrastructure, making it the largest recycling investment in almost three decades. The funding will benefit underserved and overburdened communities, and projects include the purchase of mobile recycling stations, food waste management expansion, and the construction of a new transfer station. The federal government is also pushing for more recycling through initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Project. President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of recycling and the need for everyone to play a role in improving the environment. [Extracted from the article]