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Developing countries suffer from both lack of resources and appropriate solid waste management systems. Therefore, the introduction of alternative options for waste valorisation is imperative. The current research introduces an environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of waste-based briquettes produced with 80 % of non-recyclable cardboard waste from separate collections and 20 % sawdust from sawmills in Bolivia. The aim is to compare the environmental impacts generated within the briquette's life cycle with conventional fuels. Primary data from a development project implemented in La Paz in 2021 were collected for building the inventory. SimaPro9.0 was employed to conduct the analysis, with IMPACT2002+ as the impact assessment method. Results' normalization, contribution evaluation, interval assessment, and sensitivity analysis were carried out, and the results were compared with conventional fossil fuels, namely: coal, methane, and LPG. Results suggest that briquettes' life cycle contributes to seven of fifteen impact indicators, with global warming, use of non-renewable energy, and respiratory inorganics, the most important. The global warming potential ranges from 23.9 to 26.7 gCO 2 -eq. MJ−1, lower than about 485 % compared to coal and 185 % to methane. Considering the avoided impacts from wood and methane substitution, global warming potential can decrease to about 20.0 and 18.9 gCO 2 -eq. MJ−1 respectively. On balance, compared to other fuels for heating and cooking, waste-based briquettes always have better environmental performance transporting the briquettes to about 100–130 km from the production plant. These results suggest that waste-based briquettes can contribute to mitigating environmental impacts and carbon footprint at a global level. • Life cycle assessment of cardboard waste-based briquettes is conducted. • Environmental impacts are lower compared to fossil fuels. • Less than 25 gCO 2 -eq. MJ−1 is generated by the system. • Briquettes made of cardboard waste are recommended to be used in Andean areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid waste management and the increasing energy demand are a global concern. Waste can play the role of alternative fuel, partly reducing the environmental footprint in the waste management sector. Waste briquetting is used as a treatment option for improving waste combustion efficiency, as well as its management and handling. This critical review aims at evaluating the potentialities of this method as a possible solution to introduce alternative fuels in developing countries. Totally, 85 scientific articles available from 1999 to 2021 from international databases were reviewed, and a SWOT analysis has been conducted following the indications underlined in the scientific literature. The outcomes of the review highlight that agricultural waste-based and wood-based briquettes are the most investigated, followed by plastics-based briquettes and paper & cardboard-based briquettes. Waste-based briquettes can be divided into three categories, function of the calorific value: biomass-based (16.22 ± 1.65 MJ kg−1), wood-based (19.03 ± 2.46 MJ kg−1), and plastics and charcoal-based briquettes (24.64 ± 5.29 MJ kg−1). Review findings underline that in-door emissions analysis is lacking, as well as research related to the water boiling test for the valorisation of waste briquetting for cooking and heating systems in developing countries. The current review contributes to highlighting the importance in implementing appropriate technologies for energy production and waste management in developing countries. • A review related to waste briquetting is performed. • Waste briquetting analysis increased of interest in the last five years • Agricultural waste is the most common source of waste for briquettes production. • Waste based briquettes can be used for cooking, heating, and energy production. • Future analysis should be focused on indoor emissions and water boiling tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic waste fraction disposed to landfill induce the release of greenhouse gas and leachate due to its degradation. The collection and treatment of such typology of waste is imperative in order to decrease environmental pollution and improve recycling rates. The aim of this study is to define a flexible and economically viable system to process all the RMSW and the OFMSW coming from SC, in a territory with low recycling rates. To that purpose, the survey provides a dynamic system which comply with future increases in the efficiency of SC systems. Dry anaerobic batch reactors are considered in order to treat RMSW and to operate the OFMSW, as long as SC improves. Four scenarios were considered, in particular for 10%, 25%, 50% and 75% SC rate. Biogas production has been estimated for evaluating the potentiality of each SC rate, since it can be exploited for generating electric energy and heating. Biogas generation is enhanced of the 21% by increasing from 10% to 75% SC, making the system more profitable under an energetic point of view. Moreover, the amount of electric energy which could be sold per year for each SC scenario was calculated, resulting as 631,293 kWh for the 10% SC and 442,527 kWh for 75% SC. Considerations on the exportability of the approach were also added in the paper, highlighting the affordability of the anaerobic digestion system in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

respiratory diseases, including asthma and lung cancer. Much progress has been made in Europe in improving outdoor air quality and limit values have been set for several pollutants. However, indoor air quality also requires attention because this is where we spend most of our time. Measurements at appropriate spatial and temporal scales are essential for understanding and monitoring heterogeneous environments with complex and highly variable emission sources, such as in urban areas. However, the costs and complexity of conventional air quality measurements methods means that measurement networks are generally extremely sparse. Low-cost, easy-to-use sensors to monitor air quality are exploded in recent years. They can be considered the “next-generation air monitors”. The data collected might be used to improve communities and, eventually, affect how air quality is monitored and regulated. They are marketed as tools to empower citizen to learn about the air they breathe and to use their findings to take actions. Therefore, the development of low-cost air quality sensors, an increasingly aware and engaged public, and a government more willing to accept and help citizen collect data could mark a turning point in how air pollution is monitored and addressed in the country. In this study, measures of reducing gases were taken in indoor and outdoor unconventional environments, poorly investigated in the past. The levels of these gases were investigated by means of a SensordroneTM low-cost multi-sensor in a household kitchen and in three different gas stations. The results highlight that these sensors well interpret the qualitative behavior of the oxide - reduction reactions. Future technologies could link reducing gas’ concentrations with value of electrical resistance. These developments will allow a better control of human exposure to air pollution also in other sectors as biological treatments of waste and industrial sectors where fugitive emissions are still a problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transport of hazardous materials represents a significant percentage of the total transportation costs of goods. Hazardous materials (HazMats) comprise explosives, flammables, oxidizing substances, poisonous gases, and radioactive materials. These materials can be extremely harmful to the environment and human health, since exposure to their toxic ingredients can injure or kill plants, animals, and humans. The hazards associated with HazMat transportation cannot be avoided because commodities will always need to be transported to areas of need. The risk associated with transporting a HazMat depends not only on the substance being transported, but also on the characteristics of the road network such as road type, weather conditions, drivers’ skills, and population concentration along the chosen routes. The risk associated with such an activity is essentially related to the possibility of an accident with negative environmental and public health consequences. Reducing the potential negative impacts of transporting HazMat is an important task for communities, governments, HazMat producers and shippers. Over the last few decades, systems have been developed to help decision-makers find the best solutions. Typically, the software used is a decision support system. This paper is a review on the experiences of using such systems over the last few years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Warehouses play an important role when it comes to the reception, delivery and storage of various types of goods. Due to the complex scenarios that may occur, as well as the heterogeneous nature of goods, warehouses bear a higher risk of accidents. Regardless if we’re taking about removing hassle or standardizing operations we speak the same language: insuring efficiency and increased efficiency leads to smart cost maintenances. In the article hear by we will observe the behavior of different warehouse materials in the case of trigger fired. Starting from the results obtained during the low scale tests and completing the premises with the large scale experiment (warehouse scale), we can get to a series of useful observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment and disposal of tyres from vehicles has long been of considerable environmental importance. The main problem lies in the mixed composition of the tyres. Studies have been undertaken to modify the structure of the tyres, especially with reference to the percentage of granulated rubber incorporated, in order to improve their performance, and also to reduce their environmental impact during normal functioning (noise, particulates, etc.) and facilitate recycling and final disposal. The aim of the present study is to review and compare how used tyres are treated and disposed of in two different EU countries. The first is Italy, which has been part of the European Union since its inception, and has important industrial traditions. The second is Romania, an emerging country which recently became part of the EU, and whose economic and industrial development has had a major boost in recent years, with a strong growth in waste production, together with consumption in urban areas. The occasion was useful to consider the situation concerning the evolution of the different aspects related to the management of the end-of-life tyres. In particular, the paper considers the properties of tyre waste and their potential reuse, the enhancement of end-of-life tires and the various types of recovery, such as the reconstruction of tyres and the material recovery. The aspects related to the energy recovery and the use of the life cycle analysis, as a tool to support the choices of the best management system, were also taken into consideration, not forgetting that an adequate end-of-life planning is important when developing a sustainable product, since it can affect considerably its overall life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The consumption of bottled water in Italy began in the 1970s. Since then, this usage has grown considerably, also as a result of changes in habits. The environmental impact as a result of the water production chain is very significant; it would be considered, for example, the use of plastic bottles, the consumption of oil in the production of the bottles, the emission of air from the vehicles that transport the bottles, non-recycled plastic packaging, etc. In this study, considering the comparison between two situations, use of bottled water and use of water kiosk (WK), an environmental and economic impact evaluation has been done. The study considered the production of a WK in a town with 9000 inhabitants, which supplies controlled, still and sparkling water, with an organoleptic quality higher than tap water coming from the aqueduct. In particular, taking into consideration the environmental aspects, specific attention was paid both to CO2 emissions and PET bottle waste reduction. The economic impact evaluation was carried out from the consumer’s point of view. In order to provide a supply service that was economically sustainable, a calculation was done with the aim of determining a specific fee for the supplied water. Moreover, a comparison has been made between quality parameters achieved with the analysis of water from aqueducts with the limits established in the Italian legislation and the parameters of several Italian water brands. The study has the aim at considering the opportunity to follow a different people’s habits, closer to the concept of sustainability, reducing the environmental charge related to the realization, transport and consumption of plastic water bottles without significant reduction of the quality of the service and with convenient and interesting economic implications. In fact the results of the study show that the alternative of WKs is more efficient in economic and environmental terms respect to the use of bottled water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper presents some data regarding waste electrical and electronic (WEEE) management in one of the founding countries of the EU, Italy, and in a recent entry into the EU, Romania. The aim of this research was to analyze some problems that countries entering the EU will have to solve with respect to WEEE management. The experiences of Italy and Romania could provide an interesting reference point. The strengths and weaknesses that the two EU countries have encountered can be used in order to give a more rational plan for other countries. In Italy the increase of WEEE collection was achieved in parallel with the increase of the efficiency of selective Municipal Solid Waste collection. In Romania, pilot experiences were useful to increase the awareness of the population. The different interests of the two populations towards recyclable waste led to a different scenario: in Romania all types of WEEE have been collected since its entrance into the EU; in Italy the “interest” in recycling is typically related to large household appliances, with a secondary role of lighting equipment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• BSF larvae showed excellent bioconversion performance when grown on the OFMSW. • Insect components were isolated taking care of the protein fraction purity. • Unprecedented highly stretchable protein-based bioplastic films were prepared. • Socioeconomic analysis showed positive results in value-added products manufacture. The transition from a linear to a circular production system involves transforming waste into valuable resources. Insect-mediated bioconversion, particularly using black soldier fly (BSF) larvae, can offer a promising opportunity to convert the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) into protein-rich biomass. However, current regulatory restrictions do not allow the use of this substrate to obtain insect proteins for animal feed, prompting the exploration of other applications, such as the production of bioplastics. Here, we explored at laboratory scale an innovative and integrated circular supply chain which aims to valorize the OFMSW through BSF larvae for the production of biobased materials with high technological value. BSF larvae reared on this organic waste showed excellent growth performance and bioconversion rate of the substrate. The use of well-suited extraction methods allowed the isolation of high-purity lipids, proteins, and chitin fractions, which are building blocks to produce biobased materials. In particular, the protein fraction was used to develop biodegradable plastic films which showed potential for replacing traditional petroleum-based materials, with the possibility to be fully recycled back to amino acids. Socioeconomic analysis highlighted values generated along the entire supply chain, and life cycle assessment pointed out that lipid extraction was the most challenging step: implementation of more sustainable methods is thus needed to reduce the overall environmental impact of the proposed chain. In conclusion, this study represents a proof of concept gathering evidence to support the feasibility of an alternative supply chain that can promote circular economy while valorising organic waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A life cycle assessment (LCA) of solid recovered fuel (SRF) was conducted. • SRF production process contributes to about 35.6 kg CO 2 -eq per ton. • A maximum of −1752.03 kg CO 2 -eq was obtained with about 80 % of SRF biogenic carbon. • A footprint of −542.09 to −1729.05 kg CO 2 -eq can be found due to coke substitution. • The study recommended SRF production to mitigate the global carbon footprint. Solid recovered fuel (SRF) from non-recyclable waste obtained from source separation and mechanical treatments can replace carbon coke in cement plants, contributing to the carbon neutrality. A life cycle assessment (LCA) of the SRF production from non-recyclable and selected waste was conducted in an Italian mechanical treatment plant to estimate the potential environmental impacts per ton of SRF produced. The analysis would contribute to evaluate the benefits that can be obtained due to coke substitution in best- and worst-case scenarios. The avoided impacts achieved were assessed, together with an evaluation of the variables that can affect the environmental benefits: SRF biogenic carbon content (in percentage of paper and cardboard); transportation distances travelled from the treatment plant to the cement kiln; the renewable energy used in the mechanical facility. On average, about 35.6 kgCO 2 -eq are generated by the SRF transportation and production phase. These impacts are greatly compensated by coke substitution, obtaining a net value of about −1.1 tCO 2 -eq avoided per ton of SRF. On balance, the global warming potential due to SRF production and consumption ranges from about −542 kgCO 2 -eq to about −1729 kgCO 2 -eq. The research recommended the use of SRF to substitute coke in cement kilns also in low densely-populated areas to mitigate environmental impacts and achieve carbon neutrality at a global level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Exploiting biogas in small communities is economically and technically challenging. • Evaluating the spatial scale for waste collection and treatment is crucial. • Food waste anaerobic digestion and post-composting were studied at different scales. • Energy savings and carbon balance were analyzed considering two digestion processes. • Conventional wet processes are preferable if the input waste flow is > 3500 t/y. The management of food waste has been considered an extremely important issue since the 1990s but finding efficient solutions for small and rural communities is still challenging. Anaerobic digestion (AD) may provide interesting opportunities in terms of carbon emissions and economic payback in the long term, but the choice of the correct technology and the spatial scale requires attention. The focus of this study is on a small rural municipality, which is selected as a case study to assess the environmental and economic sustainability of the application of two options for AD (a conventional and an alternative wet process) and two spatial scales (municipality and a consortium of municipalities). Both the AD configurations are examined in terms of biogas exploitation, through a combined heat and power generator, and in combination with a post-composting stage of the digestate. From economic and environmental perspectives, the consortium-scale application of the conventional wet process is expected to generate greater benefits in the long term, as it enables 80% more electric energy production and economic revenues/savings, and avoids carbon emissions. However, before selecting the technology, decision makers should consider the public acceptance of local communities (e.g., the susceptibility to the "not-in-my-backyard" syndrome), as the best technical-economical solution may not be the most appropriate to specific communities. The methodology developed in this paper and the discussion of the results will inform decision makers about how to identify the most appropriate alternative for their purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfill is still the main technological facility used to treat and dispose municipal solid waste (MSW) worldwide. In developing countries, final dumping is applied without environmental monitoring and soil protection since solid waste is mostly sent to open dump sites while, in Europe, landfilling is considered as the last option since reverse logistic approaches or energy recovery are generally encouraged. However, many regions within the European Union continue to dispose of MSW to landfill, since modern facilities have not been introduced owing to unreliable regulations or financial sustainability. In this paper, final disposal activities and pre-treatment operations in an area in southern Italy are discussed, where final disposal is still the main option for treating MSW and the recycling rate is still low. Mechanical biological treatment (MBT) facilities are examined in order to evaluate the organic stabilization practices applied for MSW and the efficiencies in refuse derived fuel production, organic waste stabilization and mass reduction. Implementing MBT before landfilling the environmental impact and waste mass are reduced, up to 30%, since organic fractions are stabilized resulting an oxygen uptake rate less than 1600 mgO 2  h −1  kg −1 VS , and inorganic materials are exploited. Based on experimental data, this work examines MBT application in contexts where recycling and recovery activities have not been fully developed. The evidence of this study led to state that the introduction of MBT facilities is recommended for developing regions with high putrescible waste production in order to decrease environmental pollution and enhance human healthy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unsteady loading rates can affect the proper operation of a biofilter. In addition, biofiltration is known to be less effective when dealing with poorly soluble substances, like some volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A non-thermal plasma (NTP) produced with a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) was studied as an option to pre-treat an air stream contaminated by a mixture of VOCs. Therefore, the plasma reactor was operated upstream of a laboratory-scale biofilter. Air admixed with toluene, n -heptane, p -xylene, ethylbenzene and benzene with average concentrations of 95.6, 49.4, 60.8, 47.3 and 36.6 ppm, respectively, was used as a model polluted gas, as these contaminants represent the air stripped by an oil-refinery wastewater treatment plant. Peaks of loading rates at the inlet of the biofilter were simulated by the increase of the flow rates of VOCs. The operation of NTP, with specific energy densities between 92 J L −1 and 256 J L −1 allowed reducing the VOC concentrations down to the level of optimal biofilter operation. In addition, non-water soluble VOCs were converted to more soluble compounds by the plasma treatment. In this first attempt to investigate the synergies between NTP and biofiltration, NTP reveals as a promising option to pre-treat effluents upstream of biofilters for optimized operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to assess the possibility of producing solid recovered fuel (SRF) and “combustible SRF” from a landfill located in the north of Italy, where the waste is placed in cylindrical wrapped bales. Since the use of landfills for the disposal of municipal solid waste has many technical limitations and is subject to strict regulations and given that landfill post-closure care is very expensive, an interesting solution is to recover the bales that are stored in the landfill. The contents of the bales can then be used for energy recovery after specific treatments. Currently the landfill is closed and the local municipal council together with an environmental agency are considering constructing a mechanical biological treatment (MBT) plant for SRF production. The municipal solid waste that is stored in the landfill, the bio-dried material produced by the hypothetically treated waste in a plant for bio-drying, and the SRF obtained after the post-extraction of inert materials, metals and glass from the bio-dried material were characterized according to the quality and classification criteria of regulations in Italy. The analysis highlighted the need to treat the excavated waste in a bio-drying plant and later to remove the inert waste, metals and glass. Thus in compliance with Italian law, the material has a high enough LHV to be considered as “combustible SRF”, (i.e. an SRF with enhanced characteristics). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Quality of solid recovered fuel (SRF) potentially produced in Bolivia is assessed. • SRF can be obtained with 80% plastics (85% PE, 15% PP) and 20% cellulosic. • SRF from municipal waste can provide a maximum of 23.4% of energy required by cement industries. • SRF exploitation can contribute to recovery about 5.3% of the waste maximum. • About 30,247 million cubic feet of methane can be saved in 10 years. Solid recovered fuels (SRF) can provide another treatment option to the solid waste management (SWM) sector. However, in developing countries, to date, this system approach has not found considerable application. In Bolivia, SRF is not deemed within the national regulation and the final disposal in open dumping areas is still a reality. This research article provides the first attempt in evaluating the SRF characteristics and its potentialities in Bolivia, taking La Paz as a case study. Laboratory analysis of the rejects produced after selective collection and sorting has been conducted, focusing on non-hazardous and non-recyclable waste fractions. The international standards related to EN 15359:2011 for the classification of the SRF were employed, assessing the most feasible mix of materials to provide the highest classification of SRF in terms of low calorific value (LCV), chlorine, and mercury concentration. Results reported that the SRF made of 80% plastics (85% PE and 15% PP) and 20% cellulosic (blend 2), as well as 30% plastics (50% PP and 50% PE) and 70% cellulosic (blend 1), can be considered an alternative fuel in Bolivia. On balance, it has been estimated that the use of non-recyclable plastics and cardboard from municipal solid waste can provide, on average, about 0.9–2.7 billion MJ of energy for cement kilns, solving about 1.4–5.3% of the SWM issues and covering about 8–23.4% of the energy demand for cement production in Bolivia. These results are novel for the scientific literature for estimating the potentialities of SRF in Latin America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• LCA of the municipal solid waste management system of La Paz is implemented. • Extensive sensitivity analysis is introduced for evaluating results reliability. • Environmental benefits due to recycling are discussed. • Landfill gas collection efficiency is the parameter that affect results reliability. • Recycling benefits are mainly related to toxicity environmental indicators. The life cycle assessment (LCA) of municipal solid waste (MSW) systems in developing countries is a matter of research. Obtain reliable results is challenging since field data and local databases are not always available. The research presented in this paper explores this issue in La Paz (Bolivia), where six environmental impact categories were assessed. The LCA, related to the formal MSW management system of the city, involves a sensitivity analysis of ten parameters and the scenario assessment in relation to the increase of the recycling rate. Results report that the environmental impacts are mostly sensitive in relation to landfill gas collection efficiency, use of plastic bags, the transportation distances of collected waste, and the replacement rate of virgin materials. Global warming potential is the impact category most variable (341.38–551.95 kg CO 2 -eq t MSW −1), although it is not considerably reduced by recycling, which contributed mostly to the human toxicity and freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity. Doubling the amount of MSW recycled, from 235 t to about 473 t per year, human toxicity potential reduces of about 18% while freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity of about 12%. This research contributes for evaluating the most sensitive parameters in an MSW–LCA and to support policymakers towards waste recycling and sustainable development in Latin America developing cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decades, the considerable improvements made on the mitigation of the environmental impacts from waste-to-energy (WtE) plants have let heavy metals emerge as the most concerning pollutants emitted from this sector. Heavy metals include a broad spectrum of compounds with very different toxicological effects on human health. However, in the European Union (EU), the current legislation does not consider the specific health effects of each heavy metal. In fact, with the only exception of mercury, the legislation sets an aggregated emission limit value for cadmium and thallium and an aggregated emission limit value for eight metals including total chromium (Cr). This simplification becomes even more critical when considering that total Cr includes hexavalent Cr (Cr VI), whose cancer potency is higher than other metals by > 2 orders of magnitude. The aim of this paper is to highlight and solve this critical legislation gap, and propose an innovative way to manage the emissions of Cr VI at the stack of waste incinerators. By analyzing the case study of a waste gasifier, the paper demonstrates that Cr VI to total Cr ratios higher than 10% may contribute to more than 95% of the total cancer risk in the nearby territory. In the view of cleaner strategies for energy production and waste management, a Cr VI concentration limit value of 0.005 mg/Nm3 at the stack level could be assumed in a first discussion phase to reduce the potential impacts from WtE plants. Image 1 • A Chromium VI (Cr VI) limit value on industrial emissions is not set by the EU. • A case study was presented to highlight the potential role of Cr VI on cancer risk. • Cr VI to total Cr ratios >10% may contribute to >95% of the cancer risk. • Strategies to integrate the regulation on waste-to-energy plants were proposed. • A Cr VI concentration limit value of 0.005 mg/Nm3 at the stack level was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Selective collection of recyclable waste is compulsory in University Campus. • A methodological approach was introduced for implementing recycling activities. • Recycling behavior can be improved thanks to seminars and sensitivity campaigns. • Waste characterization and questionnaire surveys were used as indicators. • Implementing selective collection systems is difficult in low income countries. The implementation of solid waste selective collection (SC) systems is quite difficult in low-middle income countries. Lack of awareness, infrastructure, administrative support and knowledge about recycling are the main barriers for its operation, reducing the possibility of successes. This paper introduces the methodological approach for assessing a recyclable waste SC project in a Bolivian public University. The waste fractions generated before (2016) and after (2019) the action were assessed, as well as the opinion and knowledge of the students, providing reliable indicators of the improvements and benefits obtained. Results of the waste characterization analysis reported that, after one month of implementation of the system, about 15 kg of plastic and 37.1 kg of paper and cardboard were collected, about 8 wt% and 42.9 wt% of the recyclable waste produced. At the same time, the questionnaire survey allows demonstrating that the SC behavior of the students improved considerably from 2018 to 2019, (t [608] = −7.654, p < 0.05***), as well as the satisfaction about the waste collection service provided (t [608] = −6.6224, p < 0.05***) and about the diffusion of information with awareness campaigns (t [608] = −8.708, p < 0.05***). The project and the phases followed for its implementation can be of reference for other local and international stakeholders, for replicating the study in other Universities and public areas. The novelty of the study is the introduction of a step by step methodology for assessing the SC of recyclable waste for supporting the recycling policies of developing cities in low-middle income countries and for boosting sustainable development according to the principle of the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Analysis of formal and informal selective collection scenarios was carried out. • Geographic information systems were used for quantifying waste pickers activity. • Informal recycling allows reducing management expenses of about 10%. • The increase of 3.5% of recycling rate is obtained if waste pickers are included. • Waste pickers are recommended to be included in solid waste management planning. The analysis of municipal solid waste (MSW) selective collection (SC) scenarios is compulsory for planning future policies and actions towards circular economy. The use of geographic information system (GIS) is appropriated for obtaining reliable data about SC yields and management costs. However, in low-middle income countries, advanced assessments are difficult to introduce due to the lack of technical knowledge, financial support and the presence of the informal recycling sector. This research aims to assess the main potentialities of the introduction of SC systems in a Bolivian developing city taking into account the informal SC system in place. The study was conducted with QGIS3.8 software in order to evaluate the main advantages of the implementation of formal and informal recycling chains. Results reported that, comparing the implementation of formal SC of MSW with the scenario that considered the inclusion of the informal recycling, the activity of waste pickers allows reducing the expenses of about 10%, increasing the recycling rate of about 3.5%, and reducing the distances traveled with compactor trucks of about 7%. It means that, the annual path traveled by the collection trucks for gathering about 16,000ty−1, is reduced by 2734kmy−1, reducing the waste disposed to landfill of about 543.6ty−1 and the expenses of about €59,000 per year. The presentation of these results to policy-makers can support decision-making boosting the implementation of recycling activities including waste pickers. The study provided a contribution to the scientific literature assessing the main challenges and opportunities for implementing the circular economy in developing regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste-based briquettes can be an alternative option that can foster the reduction of waste inflow into final disposal sites and introduce alternative energy sources for cooking and heating in rural areas. In particular, the assumption of waste-based briquettes in Andean areas can be of higher potential, due to the lack of biomass sources locally available and the low environmental temperature that increases the requirements of heating systems. The current research would provide a contribution to the scientific literature by introducing a combustion analysis at 3300 m above the sea level for comparing the thermal efficiency and emissions of sawdust and cardboard waste-based briquettes with conventional firewood for heating and cooking purposes. Laboratory tests were carried out for estimating five combustion efficiency parameters, as well as CO, CO 2 , and PM2.5 emissions. Results suggested that 80% cardboard and 20% sawdust briquettes increase the boiling time of water by about 30–50% compared to firewood, due to the lower combustion power (−44%). On the other hand, the thermal efficiency increases of about 10–13%, while biomass consumption and energy consumption per minute decrease by about 27% and 44%, respectively. In addition, emissions reduce compared to firewood, from 32.6 g CO kg−1 to 22.9 g CO kg−1 and from 1260 mgPM2.5 kg−1 to 933 mgPM2.5 kg−1. On balance, the research demonstrates that non-recyclable cardboard waste obtained from separate collection and discarded sawdust from sawmills can be employed for briquettes production as alternative fuels for heating systems in Andean rural areas, contributing to reducing waste final disposal and boosting circular systems. • Firewood and cardboard waste-based briquettes combustion evaluations are conducted. • 20% sawdust - 80% cardboard waste briquettes achieved higher thermal efficiency. • PM2.5 emissions are considerably lower for 80% cardboard waste briquettes. • Cardboard based briquettes can be a potential alternative fuel for the Andean area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the feasibility of exploiting a non-thermal plasma (NTP) to treat the gaseous effluents released by the mechanical-biological treatments (MBTs) of waste and overcome the typical disadvantages of biofilters, whose removal efficiency is limited during acclimatization of bacteria, peaks of pollutant concentration or unstable airflow rates. A dielectric barrier discharge was applied to two mixtures of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and air. Ethanol and ethyl acetate (Mixture 1) and benzene, toluene and octane (Mixture 2), in addition to being typical constituents of the waste air released by MBTs of waste, also represent real emissions from two specific sectors that use biofiltration for air pollution control (APC): the printing (Mixture 1) and the petrochemical industries (Mixture 2). At the highest specific energy densities applied to the discharge (900–2520 J L −1 ), all the initial VOCs were removed by 95–100%. With respect to ethyl acetate, the maximal CO 2 selectivity and the maximal energy yield resulted in 62–70% and 6–11 g kW −1 h −1 , respectively; with regards to benzene, the same parameters resulted in 52–90% and 0.17–0.72 g kW −1 h −1 , respectively. At medium-low energy, acetaldehyde and acetic acid were detected as the main byproducts of Mixture 1, while several trace compounds were found as the byproducts of Mixture 2. Interestingly, the byproducts generated are more polar than the initial compounds and, thus, their solubility in water is higher. Therefore, NTPs can be considered as a promising technology to help the biodegradation of VOCs in facilities where biofilters are used as APC systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical–biological treatments (MBTs) of urban waste are growing in popularity in many European countries. Recent studies pointed out that their contribution in terms of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other air pollutants is not negligible. Compared to classical removal technologies, non-thermal plasmas (NTP) showed better performances and low energy consumption when applied to treat lowly concentrated streams. Therefore, to study the feasibility of the application of NTP to MBTs, a Dielectric Barrier Discharge reactor was applied to treat a mixture of air and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), to simulate emissions from MBTs. The removal efficiency of MEK was linearly dependent upon time, power and specific input energy. Only 2–4% of MEK was converted to carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), the remaining carbon being involved in the formation of byproducts (methyl nitrate and 2,3-butanedione, especially). For future development of pilot-scale reactors, acting on residence time, power, convective flow and catalysts will help finding a compromise between energy consumption, desired abatement and selectivity to CO 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The aim is to support the drying of sewage sludge, using a solar greenhouse. [•] The system allows the exploitation of heat available from OFMSW aerobic process. [•] Another aim is to face the problem of OFMSW treatment, in particular food waste. [•] Energy and mass balances are presented for a case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bolivia faces increasing challenges with solid waste management. Rapid urbanisation and population growth will increase the need of Bolivia's cities to develop an effective waste management system. This study performed 998 household surveys in La Paz through online forms during the covid19 pandemic. The aim is to explore residents' waste recycling practices and their connection with waste collection services. Survey results point to provide information related to the characteristics of the citizens that are active in recycling in a low-middle income context, where separate collection actions are under development and the informal recycling exist. The study included a correlation analysis to assess the main factors that can influence the involvement of the population within the separate collection system. Results reported that the citizens more active in recycling in La Paz are likely women, with an educational level (undergraduate or graduate) and with an age between 30 and 40 years or older than 50 years. The informal recycling sector is responsible to give an effective alternative collection system to the citizens of lower income levels, increasing the participation of the citizens of La Paz in appropriate circular economy systems. These findings highlight the potential for improving Bolivia's solid waste management by implementing recycling plans with the introduction of information campaigns and infrastructures. • An online survey was conducted in La Paz related to solid waste recycling. • Totally, 998 citizens were interviewed for assessing their involvement in waste sorting. • A correlation analysis was performed together with a chi-squared test. • Women, with high education level, and with 30–40 years old are the most active in recycling. • Girl empowerment and awareness campaigns for the young generation can assist recycling in La Paz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Large use of vegetable oils in food preparation leads to waste oil to be recovered. [•] Experiments carried out to evaluate recovery of waste oils for biodiesel production. [•] Lab scale transesterification tests carried out using methanol and basic catalysts. [•] The conversion rate of vegetable oils into biodiesel settled at between 81% and 85%. [•] The most suitable molar ratio of waste oils to alcohol was 1:6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Fast and exothermic reactions can trigger a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. [•] Goal of whatever enterprise is to define a set of optimum operating parameters. [•] Topological criterion searches for optimum operating conditions maintaining safety. [•] Topological criterion is independently on mathematical model detail. [•] A software for the optimization of potentially runaway processes is presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]