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Greenhouse gases (GHGs) can be produced from a broad range of anthropogenic activities at different spatial and temporal scales. In particular, emissions from urban area are an import source of GHGs. City is a complicated system consisting of various component and processes. Efforts have been made to reduce urban GHG emissions. However, there is a lack of available methods for effective assessment of such emissions. Many urban sources and factors which can influence the emissions are still unknown. In the present study, the GHG emissions from municipal activities was assessed. A model for the assessment of urban GHG emissions was developed. Based on the collected data, a case study was conducted to evaluate urban GHG emissions. The comprehensive assessment included the emissions from transportation, electricity consumption, natural gas, waste disposal, and wastewater treatment. There was a variation for GHG emissions from these sectors in different years. This study provided a new approach for comprehensive evaluation of urban GHG emissions. The results can help better understand the emission process and identify the major emission sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global surge in photovoltaic (PV) installations and the resulting increase in PV waste are a growing concern. The aims of this study include predicting the volume of photovoltaic waste in Canada. The forecasting of solar waste volume employed linear regression, 2nd order polynomial regression, and power regression models. The study's results indicate that Canada is on the verge of facing challenges related to the end-of-life treatment of photovoltaic modules in the coming years due to the significant growth in PV capacity over recent decades. According to the analysis, for early loss, the PV waste volume in 2045 could range from 180,000 MT to 270,000 MT, and for regular loss, it could range from 160,000 MT to 180,000 MT. This research is anticipated to assist relevant government agencies in assessing the prospective volume of PV waste to establish a sustainable and resilient PV waste management plan for Canada. These findings may shed light on the feasibility of a circular economy and advocate for the involvement of all stakeholders in a carefully coordinated strategy to mitigate potential environmental impacts and optimize resource utilization efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the scale of plastic generation, its persistent presence in the environment, and the urgent need to transition to a net-zero emissions paradigm, managing plastic waste has gained increasing attention globally. Developing an effective strategy for plastic waste management requires a comprehensive assessment of the potential benefits offered by different solutions, particularly with respect to their environmental impact. This study employs the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to evaluate the environmental impact of two alternative scenarios to the As-Is scenario for managing plastic waste in the province of British Columbia in Canada. The LCA results suggest that the Zero Plastic Waste scenario, which heavily relies on chemical recycling, may not inherently result in a reduced environmental footprint across all impact categories. This is notable when the focus is solely on end-of-life treatment processes, without considering the produced products and energy. The Intermediate scenario reduces the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills by directing more end-of-life plastic to mechanical recycling facilities. This scenario provides immediate benefits for resource conservation, with a minimal increase in the environmental burden resulting from treatment processes. Nonetheless, achieving a net-zero transition requires combining traditional and emerging recycling technologies. The current study could offer some guidance to policymakers on strategies for fostering more sustainable management of plastic waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation in Canada was 34 million tonnes in 2018. Responsible waste management is challenging, but essential to protect the environment and to prevent the contamination of the ecosystem on which we rely. Landfilling is the least desirable option, and diversion through thermo-chemical conversion to value-added products is a good option for difficult-to-recycle waste. In this study, the amounts, moisture contents, heating values, and compositions of municipally collected solid waste produced in Canada are reported, a classification that is suitable for conversion purposes is proposed, and the potential for thermo-chemical conversion is determined. Much of the waste generated in Canada is suitable for being converted, and its potential for heat or electricity generation was determined to be 193 PJ/yr and 37 TWh/y, respectively. The GHG emissions that are saved through diversion from the landfill, while assuming the generated heat or electricity offsets natural gas combustion, gives a GHG reduction of 10.6 MMTCO2E/yr or 1.6% of Canada's GHG emissions. The blending of waste in feedstocks can have varying effects on the amount of biogenic CO2 produced per unit energy in the feedstock, which is an important consideration for new projects. Other considerations include the heating values, moisture contents, and contaminant levels in the waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three waste management system (WMS) efficiency indicators are adopted to systematically assess WMS efficiency in Canada from 1998 to 2016. The study objectives are to examine the temporal changes in waste diversion activities and rank the performance of the jurisdictions using a qualitative analytical framework. Increasing Waste Management Output Index (WMOI) trends were identified in all jurisdictions, and more government subsidiaries and incentive packages are recommended. With the exception of Nova Scotia, statistically significant decreasing diversion gross domestic product (DGDP) ratio trends are observed. It appears that the increases in GDP from Sector 562 were not contributing to waste diversion. On average, Canada spent about $225/tonne of waste handled during the study period. Current spending per tonne handled (CuPT) trends are decreasing, with S ranging from + 5.15 to + 7.67. It appears that WMSs in Saskatchewan and Alberta are more efficient. The results suggest that the use of diversion rate alone to evaluate WMS may be misleading. The findings help the waste community to better understand the trade-offs between various waste management alternatives. The proposed qualitative framework utilizing comparative rankings is applicable elsewhere and can be a useful decision support tool for policy-makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental education provides learners with information and knowledge that can change their attitudes and behaviours about the environment. The environmental education literature shows that K-12 students have largely been the focus of analysis; however, there is an increasing body of the literature that assesses how students transmit environmental knowledge to adults. Utilizing a qualitative case study approach, this paper examined how K-12 students in a remote and isolated First Nations community in Canada, Heiltsuk Nation, transmitted knowledge about recycling to adults and its resultant impacts on attitudes and behaviours in the community. Our analysis revealed that within Indigenous cultures, adults--particularly Elders--pass down their environmental knowledge to younger generations. However, K-12 students, who participated in the community's elementary school recycling program, transferred their knowledge to parents, grandparents, and community members. Community members that were interviewed indicated that they developed an understanding of recycling and started to recycle, compost, and reuse their waste when students came home to teach them. Given that this change in attitudes and behaviours happened when there was no community-wide recycling program in the community, Indigenous communities that have challenges with solid waste management can develop similar waste diversion programs with children as a focus to help spur change in their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Built in the early 18th century on the banks of the Saint-François River (Quebec, QC, Canada), the fortified Jesuit mission of Saint-François-de-Sales was an important Abenaki centre during the colonial period. Between 2010 and 2021, archaeological excavations conducted by the Waban-Aki Nation led to the discovery of the mission's remains at the Fort Odanak site (CaFe-7) in the historical centre of Odanak (Quebec, QC, Canada), and revealed numerous pit features likely used for storage or refuse disposal. A sedimentological and micromorphological investigation was undertaken in two areas of the site to identify the function and use of four pit features and to clarify site formation and evolution over time. Our study indicates that all pit features were used as refuse facilities prior to abandonment, but two of them were possibly used for storage. Chronological (14C) results indicate that Indigenous people frequented the site during the 16th century, before the establishment of the Jesuit mission, and that an initial domestic Abenaki occupation occurred during the second half of the 18th century in one of the sampled sectors. The use of traditional pit features by the Abenaki of Odanak seems to have persisted into the late 19th century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas, traps heat in the atmosphere and significantly contributes to global warming. Atmospheric CH4 comes from various natural and anthropogenic sources. CH4 emissions from the decomposition of organic material by bacteria in natural wetlands, other land types, agriculture, and waste management constitute the major component of global emissions. Although there is no clear evidence that CH4 emissions from wetlands and other natural sources have increased substantially in the last decade, uncertainties remain regarding sources and their spatial extent causing discrepancies between emission estimates from inventories/models and estimates inferred by an ensemble of atmospheric inversions. Here we show that satellite-based CH4 total column measurements along with surface albedo from Sentinel-5 Precursor (S-5p) show unique sensitivity to certain land types. Consequently, the areal extent of six land types (marsh, swamp, forest, grassland, cropland, and barren-land) could be identified with high overall accuracy by analysing S-5p data over Canada utilising our classification-segmentation algorithm. Monthly and yearly inventory maps were created, which can be used to validate or complement global models where data from other sources are missing and may help in further constraining the methane budget. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy is abundant, and technological advances have made solar energy systems more affordable than ever before. Using photovoltaic (PV) systems could significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and facilitate sustainable energy uses. Solar power utilities, such as self-compacting disposal bins could be used to enhance waste management processes. This is particularly important in Canada, where $3.3 billion was spent on waste management systems in 2016. In this study, solar irradiance and climatic conditions at eight locations on a University campus in Regina, Saskatchewan, are studied. Results suggest that solar utilities with automatically adjusting PV receivers could increase energy capture between 18.7 – 27.5%. Temporally, solar irradiance was similar in June and July, but lower in August. Statistical analysis found that some locations tended to be more susceptible to shadow effects. The results highlight the importance of spatial allocations of these small smart disposal bin systems. Regression analysis found that temperature was the most significant factor when relating climate to solar irradiance. The use of smart disposal bins fits well with the University's 2020–2025 Strategic Plan of reduction in ecological footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid waste management refers to collecting, treating, and disposing of solid waste that has served its purpose or is no longer useful. The primary purpose of this research is to map and visualize the solid waste management literature indexed on the Web of science between 1966 and 2021 based on bibliometrics analysis. This study also identified the most productive authors, sources, organizations, countries, research areas, funding agencies etc. This study employed the bibliometric method to analyze global research productivity on solid waste management literature. A total of 4444 research papers downloaded from the Web of science during the study period. Bibliometrics software, namely Bibexcel, VOSviewer, Biblioshiny, and Microsoft Excel, used to analyze the data. The results show that there was 4444 publication with 78759 citations between 1966 and 2021. The maximum number of papers, i.e., 424 published in 2020, in 1966 single paper published and received one citation. The journal Waste management published 382 papers and became the most relevant source of the topic, whereas Huang GH recognized as the most prolific author with 214 papers. China contributed a significant number of research papers in the field, while the University of Regina, Canada, emerged as a top-performing institution. China and Canada together collaborated more in producing literature in solid waste management. The study concludes that there is a need for further bibliometric study of other related topics in waste management, such as liquid waste management and gasses waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governments all over the world are setting policies and regulations that encourage companies to incorporate Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) as a part of their fleet and Canada is no exception. However, BEVs struggle to deliver on a wide variety of workload needs and ambient temperature changes tend to have a greater impact on their range. This study reviewed the impact of ambient temperature on BEVs and evaluated if such depressed vehicle battery capacity can deliver required vehicle work scope for the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Waste Management Areas (WMA). This study focused on three-years quantitative data of Light Duty Vehicles (LDVs) operated by CNL WMA. A Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) evaluation compared BEVs to representative WMA Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. Findings indicate that WMA LDVs mileage needs are well within the capabilities of a 150 km capacity BEV. When ambient temperature changes to 0 °C and further to −15 °C, it impacts battery capacity, reducing the aforementioned 150 km capacity BEV by 53% and 40%, respectively. Comparatively, a 250 km capacity BEV would also not translate into meeting 100% of WMA vehicle work scope without recharging when temperature impacts are considered. TCO evaluation shows cost savings in implementing BEVs over WMA ICE LDV, with or without government rebates. There is potential for BEV technology to meet WMA Small Engine Vehicles (SEVs) i.e. all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) mileage needs without modifications, contingent on ambient temperature above −15 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperature evolution within a deep geological repository (DGR) is a key design consideration for the safe and permanent storage of the high-level radioactive waste contained inside used nuclear fuel containers (UFCs). Due to the material limitations of engineered components with respect to high temperature tolerance, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Canada requires the maximum temperature within a future Canadian DGR to be less than 100 °C. Densely placing UFCs within a DGR is economically ideal, but greater UFC placement density will increase the maximum temperature reached in the repository. This paper was aimed to optimize (i) the separation between UFCs, (ii) the distance between container placement rooms, and (iii) the locations of the age-dependent UFCs in the placement rooms for a conceptual DGR constructed in crystalline rock. Surrogate-based optimization reduced the amount of computationally expensive evaluations of a COMSOL Multiphysics model used to study the temperature evolution within the conceptual DGR and determined optimal repository design points. Via yield optimization, nominal design points that considered uncertainties in the design process were observed. As more information becomes available during the design process for the Canadian DGR, the methods employed in this paper can be revisited to aid in selecting a UFC placement plan and to mitigate risks that may cause repository failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Literature review suggests that studies on biomedical waste generation and disposal behaviors in North America are limited. Given the infectious nature of the materials, effective biomedical waste management is vital to the public health and safety of the residents. This study explicitly examines seasonal variations of treated biomedical waste (TBMW) disposal rates in the City of Regina, Canada, from 2013 to 2022. Immediately before the onset of COVID-19, the City exhibited a steady pattern of TBMW disposal rate at about 6.6 kg∙capita -1 ∙year -1 . However, the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns brought about an abrupt and persistent decline in TBMW disposal rates. Inconsistent fluctuations in both magnitude and variability of the monthly TBMW load weights were also observed. The TBMW load weight became particularly variable in 2020, with an interquartile range 4 times higher than 2019. The average TBMW load weight was also the lowest (5.1 tonnes∙month -1 ∙truckload -1 ) in 2020, possibly due to an overall decline in non-COVID-19 medical emergencies, cancellation of elective surgeries, and availability of telehealth options to residents. In general, the TBMW disposal rates peaked during the summer and fall seasons. The day-to-day TBMW disposal contribution patterns between the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic are similar, with 97.5% of total TBMW being disposed of on fixed days. Results from this Canadian case study indicate that there were observable temporal changes in TBMW disposal behaviors during and after the COVID-19 lockdowns., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

[Display omitted] • Total cumulative wind turbine blade waste in Canada until 2050 is 275,299 tonnes. • Environmental impacts of waste management depend on background energy systems. • Mechanical recycling can achieve substantial environmental impact reductions. Electricity production by wind turbines is considered a clean energy technology, but the life cycle of wind turbines could introduce environmental risks due to waste generation, especially at the decommissioning process. This study predicts the future wind turbine blade waste arising in Canada, throughout all life cycle stages, from manufacturing until end of life, based on the installed capacities of existing Canadian wind farms and projected future installations. Five alternative strategies for managing this waste stream are assessed in terms of life cycle greenhouse gas emissions and primary energy demand, including landfilling, incineration, and mechanical recycling. For the base case scenario, it is observed that the total cumulative waste until 2050 is 275,299 tonnes, with on-site waste accounting for around 75% of this total. Waste generation is concentrated in provinces with greater wind power deployment: Ontario and Quebec alone account for 70% of total blade waste. Life cycle environmental impacts of waste management strategies are dependent on background energy systems, with incineration a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly when displacing low-carbon grid mixes. Cement kiln coprocessing achieves net zero emission by converting waste into energy and raw materials for the cement. Mechanical recycling can achieve substantial reductions in primary energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions but achieving financial viability would likely require substantial regulatory support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Diverse funding sources are needed to expand infrastructure and sustain programs. • Enforcement of solid waste bylaws and regulation are lacking in communities. • Some First Nations communities are not aware of provincial stewardship programs. • Improved solid waste infrastructure has led to establishing diversion programs. • Communities are providing curbside pickup for waste similar to municipalities. This research examined solid waste management on First Nations communities in western Canada to provide information and insight into programs, practices, policies, and activities, as well as to help bridge an identified gap related to these in the literature. Utilizing a qualitative case study approach, we examined twelve First Nations communities in Canada's western provinces, which relative to other communities, had 'advanced' solid waste management systems in place. Interviews conducted in each of the communities yielded information on six themes grounded in the data, including solid waste facilities and infrastructure, solid waste programs, local capacity, provincial stewardship programs, regulation and enforcement, and funding/finance. Our analysis show that majority of the communities examined are advancing their waste management systems and now have infrastructure/facilities, such as transfer stations and recycling depots, and have implemented recycling programs, which they previously did not have. As well, we learned that implementing such programs has reduced practices, such as open dumping, which the literature highlights as a common way of managing waste in First Nations communities. Most of the communities attributed the success of their programs to regular residential curbside pickups, ability to transport waste out of the community, and community involvement and interest in programs. Despite these improvements, inadequate funding hampers the efforts of communities to sustain and/or expand their programs and maintain facilities. Additionally, most communities face challenges partnering with provincial stewardship programs, and some communities are not clear whether they even qualify to participate in these programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine oil spill response is a time sensitive and complex task, in which the management of oily wastewater generated from response operations could be a bottleneck limiting the response capacity and efficiency. This study developed a multi-agent decision support system to effectively coordinate mechanical containment and recovery (MCR) of spilt oil and oily wastewater management (OWM) operations. The system aims to minimize the overall response time, cost, and the volume of weathered oil by applying evolutionary optimization, oil weathering process, and response operational agents. The multi-agent system was used to manage an incident through a hypothetical case study in Canada. The system enables the scheduling of available response assets considering all complex operational details of MCR and OWM, such as available oily wastewater storage and transportation capacities and the competitive skimming process of various response vessels. Implementing the evolutionary multi-objective optimization led to a considerable reduction in response time (about 13.6% or 67 hr), cost (about 1.4% or CA$24,800), and volume of weathered oil (about 9.2% or 19 m3) compared to the shortest distance approach. The developed multi-agent system can facilitate decision-making in complex marine oil spill response tasks for maximizing response efficiency. [Display omitted] • A decision support system is developed for effective marine oil spill management. • Oil spill response and oily waste management operations were optimized together. • Overall response time and cost, as well as volume of weathered oil were minimized. • The multi-agent system was tested on a comprehensive case study in Western Canada. • Multi-objective optimization approaches outperformed shortest distance model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intervention, which used elements of the theory of planned behavior, was developed and tested in a randomized control trial (RCT) involving households in the city of London, Ontario, Canada. A bespoke methodology involving the direct collection and measurement of food waste within curbside garbage samples of control (n = 58) and treatment households (n = 54) was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. A comparison of garbage samples before and after the intervention revealed that total food waste in treatment households decreased by 31% after the intervention and the decrease was significantly greater (p =.02) than for control households. Similarly, avoidable food waste decreased by 30% in treatment households and was also significantly greater (p =.05) than for control households. Key determinants of treatment household avoidable food waste reduction included personal attitudes, perceived behavioral control, the number of people in a household, and the amount of garbage set out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article demonstrates to proponents that adopting good practices early in the impact assessment process can help to achieve positive project outcomes. Drawing from a case study of the Adaptive Phased Management Project proposed by Canada's Nuclear Waste Management Organization, we show ways in which impact assessment can be leveraged to achieve beneficial outcomes for interested parties through early planning that includes a commitment to transparency and participatory engagement. A considerable benefit of the approach we outline is the establishment of good relationships between stakeholders, rights-holders, and the proponent, which facilitate dialogue regarding the goals of each party and how implementing the project can help to achieve them. Examples of stakeholder, Indigenous community, and proponent collaboration during early planning for the regulatory approval process, including legislated impact assessment, of a multi-billion dollar infrastructure project with an extended timeline are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2012, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization developed a comprehensive proof test plan (PTP) to evaluate the feasibility and safety of their copper‐coated used fuel container and their novel bentonite buffer box emplacement concept to be employed in its proposed deep geological repository for the long‐term management of used nuclear fuel. Research within the PTP includes several programs to evaluate the possible extent of damage that may be caused by various copper corrosion mechanisms: oxic‐, radiolytic‐, anoxic‐, and sulfide‐induced, with particular attention being paid to the possibility of localization of any of these processes. Programs remain on track to support and refine a maximum copper corrosion allowance of <1.27 mm over a one million year emplacement in a deep geological repository. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Festivals can be important contributors to tourism and the social and economic sustainability of the communities in which they are located. A festival, however, can also negatively impact the environment by increasing demands on waste management and disposal. To better understand what factors influence festival waste management, we applied both quantitative and qualitative methods to find that provincial location, festival type and festival size significantly influence waste generation and diversion. Consistency in waste regulation and practices, sustainability partnerships with local stakeholders, and responsible leadership are encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth in online retail purchases has increased significantly, especially through the COVID-19 pandemic, yet causes more packaging waste than brick-and-mortar retail. Free and easy returns further exacerbate the problem. Current research addressing post-consumer packaging waste has focused on packaging design and material choices. Yet, effective guidelines, policies, strategies, and practices for e-commerce packaging waste management must be determined (Escursell et al., 2021). Therefore, this research identifies global best practices to address transport packaging waste in e-commerce, focusing on Canada. A systematic review of the extant literature (2011–2020) revealed five key objectives of packaging sustainability guidelines: Optimizing Resources, Responsible Sourcing, Resource Recovery, Material Health, and Consumer Engagement. The analysis showed that Responsible Sourcing and Resources Recovery were highlighted in 41% of publications, Optimizing Resources in 31%, and Consumer Engagement in 23% of the studies. The most popular waste reduction strategy was Design for Environment under the Optimizing Resources guideline. This work is the first to identify and articulate clear guidelines, policies, and practices to support industry and policy decision-makers in addressing the transport packaging waste problem in e-commerce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand food wasting behaviour, the theory of planned behaviour was used to inform the development of a survey which was administered to households in London, Ontario, Canada. Respondent households (n = 1,263) threw out avoidable food waste 4.77 times/week (SD = 4.81, Mdn = 4.0) and 5.89 food portions/week (SD = 5.66, Mdn = 4.0). When asked to choose one of three possible motivators to reduce food wasting behaviour, 58.9% selected reducing monetary loss as their first choice and this was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than both reducing environmental impact (23.9%) and reducing social impacts (17.2%). A linear hierarchical regression analysis (R2 = 0.30, p < 0.001) on intention to avoid food waste demonstrated that perceived behavioural control (p < 0.001) and personal norms (p < 0.001) had the greatest positive impact on intention. A linear hierarchical regression analysis (R2 = 0.32, p < 0.001) on self‐reported food wasting behaviour showed that perceived behavioural control (p < 0.001) and personal attitudes (p < 0.01) resulted in less food wasting behaviour, while more children in a household (p < 0.01) resulted in more food wasting behaviour. Interventions that seek to strengthen perceived behavioural control and convey the monetary impact of food waste could help reduce its disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A two-stage stochastic model for reverse logistics network design is developed. • The collected volume and the recycling rates at the collection centers are uncertain. • Our model considers joint dynamic supply sources and source separation centers. • A case study targeting waste management in the (*CRD: Construction, Renovation and Demolition) industry is presented. • The benefits of source separation for waste management efficiency is highlighted. This paper presents a two-stage stochastic programming model for reverse logistics network design (RLND) under uncertainty with dynamic supply sources' locations. The primary objective of the optimization model is to maximize the expected profit generated by selling recycled materials to the secondary markets and to make the landfilling option less attractive. In comparison with the state-of-the-art stochastic optimization models in this area, which mainly focus on the expected optimal value, this paper emphasizes the role of source separation of recyclable materials to increase the productivity level at the collection centers (CC). Indeed, the quantity of materials collected from the supply sources and the recycling rates at the CC are the primary sources of uncertainty considered in this study. A Sample Average Approximation (SAA) procedure is developed to solve the stochastic model and perform sensitivity analyses on the number of supply sources, the sample size and the level of uncertainty targeting the random parameters. Managerial implications are discussed through a case study from the demolition industry in the province of Quebec, Canada. Although the use of source separation centers (SSC) improves the network performance in both rural and urban zones, the additional flexibility provided by these platforms reaches its best efficiency in the case of high-density urban areas. Finally, the results suggest significant RLND adjustments that lead to an increase in the average profit by 17.6% and recycle around 29% of additional building materials waste from demolition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical mining and mineral processing at the former Giant Mine (Yellowknife, NT, Canada) created an enduring legacy of arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) contamination. Approximately 237,000 tonnes of arsenic trioxide roaster waste (ATRW) generated between 1948 and 1999 remains stored on-site in underground chambers. We studied the chemical forms and phase associations of As and Sb to improve understanding of ATRW environmental behavior. Although arsenolite [As 2 O 3 ] is the principal As and Sb host, we also observed minor associations of As with Fe oxides. Arsenic K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) revealed As(III) dominated ATRW, with some As(V) and As(−I) also present. Arsenic coordination and bonding is consistent with arsenolite, while scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) showed minor As association with Fe oxides and arsenopyrite [FeAsS]. Antimony K-edge XAS revealed variable proportions of Sb(III) and Sb(V), with Sb−O, Sb−Sb and Sb−As bonding consistent with stibioclaudetite [AsSbO 3 ] or Sb-substituted arsenolite. Electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) results showed variable but quantitative Sb substitution for As in arsenolite grains, possibly influencing ATRW solubility and reactivity under environmental conditions. Overall, our results reveal complex As and Sb phase associations with important implications for ongoing remediation efforts and long-term environmental fate of ATRW solids. [Display omitted] • Arsenic trioxide roaster waste (ATRW) exhibits compositional heterogeneity. • Arsenic and antimony are principally associated with arsenic trioxide phases. • Antimony substitutes for arsenic in some arsenic trioxide crystals. • Iron oxides are minor arsenic and antimony hosts. • Complex phase associations may influence ATRW solubility and reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic (PV) installations are experiencing a worldwide exponential upsurge, and the subsequent PV waste is a growing concern. This study identifies and analyzes the critical barriers to PV waste management to achieve the net-zero goal of Canada. The barriers are pinpointed through a literature review and examined by formulating a framework integrating three methods: rough analytical hierarchy process, decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory, and interpretive structural modeling. The findings show that the barriers have complex causal interrelationships with the irregular generation of PV waste and waste collection center as the two crucial barriers with the highest driving powers and causal effects on others. The anticipated outcome of this research is to assist relevant government organizations and managers in assessing the connections between obstacles related to photovoltaic (PV) waste management, with the aim of developing a viable net-zero strategy for Canada., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Knowledge of the quantity and the type of residual household waste (RHW) generated by a population within a given territory is essential for developing affordable, effective, and sustainable management strategies for waste. This study aims to accurately describe the composition of residential residual materials collected directly from households over the course of a year. Household waste was collected from urban and rural sectors that were representative of the study territory. Samples were collected during the winter, summer, and fall of 2014. A total of 3039 kg of RHW was collected and sorted into 9 categories and 39 subcategories. Statistical analysis showed, except for organic matter, that the weight percentage of each category of material did not significantly differ among sampling periods or locations. Therefore, the results for a category were compiled to generate a single value to calculate the relative abundance of each type of residual material. Organic matter made up the majority fraction of the RHW (53% to 66%). This was followed by plastics (9%), bulky items and renovation/demolition debris (6%), textiles (5%), metals (4%), paper and cardboard fiber (4%), glass (2%), and household hazardous waste (2%). This approach has allowed us to improve the accuracy of the data used in MRM, contribute to the creation of a regional dataset for waste, and develop a methodology more applicable to local realities. Specific to the immediate needs of municipal MRM, we updated knowledge regarding the generation, recovery, and disposal of the contents of the residential sector, and tracked the evolution and the variation of contents over a given period. We believe our methodology is applicable to other regions having similar characteristics in terms of climate, socio-economic status, and other parameters that affect the composition of RHW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to develop models for accurate prediction of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation and diversion based on demographic and socio-economic variables, with planned application of generating Canada-wide MSW inventories. Models were generated by mapping residential MSW quantities with socio-economic and demographic parameters of 220 municipalities in the province of Ontario, Canada. Two machine learning algorithms, namely decision trees and neural networks, were applied to build the models. Socio-economic variables were derived from Canadian Census data at regional and municipal levels. A data pre-processing and integration framework was developed in Matlab® computing software to generate datasets with sufficient data quantity and quality for modeling. Results showed that machine learning algorithms can be successfully used to generate waste models with good prediction performance. Neural network models had the best performance, describing 72% of variation in the data. The approach proposed in this study demonstrates the feasibility of creating tools that helps in regional waste planning by means of sourcing, pre-processing, integrating and modeling of publically available data from various sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of forest biomass to Canada's energy production is small but growing. As the forest bioenergy industry in Canada expands, there is growing interest in more sustainably managing the wood ash that is generated as a by-product. Despite being rich in nutrients, wood ash is usually landfilled in Canada. Soil applications of ash in Canadian forests could be used to mimic some of the effects of wildfire, to replace nutrients removed during harvesting, to counteract the negative effects of acid deposition, and to improve tree growth. At present, the provincial and territorial processes for obtaining regulatory approval to use wood ash as a forest soil amendment can be challenging to navigate. Furthermore, the costs for obtaining approval and transporting and applying wood ash to the soil can render landfilling a more cost-effective method of ash management. To ensure that wood ash applications in Canadian forests are conducted safely, effectively, and efficiently, experience from European countries could provide a useful starting point for developing best practices. The results of Canadian research trials will assist policy makers and forest managers in refining management guidelines that encourage soil applications of wood ash as a forest management tool while protecting the ecology, water quality, biodiversity, and productivity of Canadian forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing volumes of solid waste, implicated in environmental pollution and health problems, are central to the current environmental crisis. In two randomized field experiments, we demonstrate that convenience dramatically boosts recycling and composting rates in multi-family dwellings and university residences. When compost bins were placed on each floor in a multi-family residence, instead of on the ground floor, composting rates increased by 70%, diverting 27 kilograms of compost from the landfill per unit per year. When recycling stations were placed just meters from suites in student residences, instead of in the basement, recycling increased by 147% (container), and 137% (paper), and composting increased by 139%, diverting 23, 22, and 14 kilograms of containers, paper, and compost, respectively, from the landfill per person per year. Simply making recycling and composting convenient can significantly increase waste diversion, and as such this single intervention has important implications for waste management and environmental policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive agri-food policy includes food waste reduction as an important policy goal. Food bank donor indemnification is codified in law in several countries to support the charitable food sector. Other policy instruments to address waste reduction have emerged recently, among them tax measures to incentivize private sector action. These have been increasingly linked to the discourse on hunger in many jurisdictions. We asked 17 Canadian food insecurity policy entrepreneurs to comment on a vignette scenario featuring a hypothetical proposal for food waste diversion as a policy response to household food insecurity; the polarization in responses – ‘Not human garburators,’ vs. ‘everyone wins’ – was remarkable. This case of an unexpected divergence in the response to a policy idea in the food insecurity realm provides an opportunity to understand fundamental differences in societal perspectives that might be relevant to public health more generally. In particular we address the parallel humanist and ecological imperatives at work in contemporary public health practice. It appears that objections to food waste diversion for human consumption could be crystallized in terms of Mary Douglas’s theory of morality within particular worldviews. From a humanist viewpoint, the proposal was an indignity; for those with an ecological worldview, it was sensible and pragmatic. Public health has embraced ecosystem thinking and takes for granted that its ecological approach is sensitive to humanist perspectives but the two worldviews may differ and humanist ideals of dignity may raise moral rancor when considered in the context of ecological good. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Canada has one of the highest waste generation rates in the world. Because of high land availability, land disposal rates in the province of Saskatchewan are high compared to the rest of the country. In this study, landfill gas data was collected at semi-arid landfills in Regina and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and curve fitting was carried out to find optimal k and L o or DOC values using LandGEM, Afvalzorg Simple, and IPCC first order decay models. Model parameters at each landfill were estimated and compared using default k and L o or DOC values. Methane generation rates were substantially overestimated using default values (with percentage errors from 55 to 135%). The mean percentage errors for the optimized k and L o or DOC values ranged from 11.60% to 19.93% at the Regina landfill, and 1.65% to 10.83% at the Saskatoon landfill. Finally, the effect of different iterative methods on the curve fitting process was examined. The residual sum of squares for each model and iterative approaches were similar, with the exception of iterative method 1 for the IPCC model. The default values in these models fail to represent landfills located in cold semi-arid climates. The use of site specific data, provided enough information is available regarding waste mass and composition, can greatly help to improve the accuracy of these first order decay models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-hazardous waste disposal and diversion trends in Ontario from 1996 to 2010 were identified using parametric and non-parametric statistical methods, and the temporal variability of its waste diversion practices were examined. Ontario's diversion was sensitive to waste diversion policy and residential diversion programs. Total waste diversion increased by 85% in 14 years. Results suggested that waste minimization may be more effective than recycling on Ontario diversion rates. Programs targeting non-residential sectors are recommended, specifically for smaller businesses with limited waste management budgets. Linear regression and Mann-Kendall tests detected significant increasing trends for residential waste diversion. In contrast, non-residential diversion had a decreasing trend using linear regression. A significant upward trend ( S = +10) was found for Ontario's total waste diversion using Mann-Kendall tests. Highly significant upward trends were observed for plastic and organic recycling. Mann-Kendall tests were found more appropriate for waste trend analysis in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining activities generate vast amounts of waste rock (WR); if this waste is sulphide- and sulphosalt-bearing, it can pose a risk to ecosystems due to contaminated mine drainage. Strategic long-term planning is necessary to prevent and mitigate adverse environmental impacts. This study includes a detailed characterization of WR from a mine in northern Canada and defines the diameter of physical locking of sulphides and sulphosalts (DPLS) that can be used to separate the WR into two fractions according to the geochemical reactivity. An automated mineralogy system (QEMSCAN®) and computed tomography (CT) were used to quantify the liberation degrees of acid-generating (sulphides) and neutralizing minerals (carbonates). Chemical and mineralogical analysis indicated that sulphides, mostly pyrite (FeS 2) and gersdorffite (NiAsS) (dominant sulphides), were enriched in the fine- to mid-sized fractions compared to the coarse fractions. These minerals were more liberated within the fine fractions and their liberation degree was considered negligible at sizes >2.5 mm. Consequently, 2.5 mm was defined as the critical diameter of sulphide reactivity (DPLS) for the studied WR. Furthermore, kinetic tests using humidity cells were conducted to confirm this result and to assess the geochemical behaviour of the total fraction (< 10 mm), the coarse fraction (> 2.5 mm) and the fine fraction (< 2.5 mm). Sulphides associated with the coarse fraction were not significantly exposed to weathering conditions; sulphides were associated with non-sulphide gangue minerals, which was confirmed by QEMSCAN® and computed tomography. Moreover, mineral weathering occurred primarily in the fine fraction (< 2.5 mm) due to the higher available exposed surface area of the minerals. The geochemical analysis of humidity cells leachate revealed that the pH values remained within the range of 7.07 and 8.61, and that the instantaneous metal concentrations (Fe, Cu, and Ni) were consistently below environmental limits during the154- day test period. However, As concentrations from fine and total fractions exceeded environmental standards. Sample reactivity showed that the fine fraction controlled the geochemical behaviour of the studied WR, where the fine fraction was 1.5 times more reactive than the total fraction and 10 times more reactive than the coarse fraction which represents about 60 wt% of the total sample. Consequently, screening waste rock in accordance with the DPLS could prove to be an effective method for managing WR to prevent contaminated drainage. This approach may allow a reduction in the amount of WR to be stored in surface piles (which need to be managed) and will reduce the costs associated with the reclamation of waste rock piles. • The reactivity of WR is impacted by the extent of sulphides and carbonates liberation degrees. • 2.5 mm was considered as the diameter of physical locking of sulphides (DPLS). • The determined DPLS was kinetically confirmed using humidity cell tests. • The fine fraction (

The perspectives of those most affected by urban change are often understudied, although these voices have the potential to inform academic understandings of the production of gentrified space. The Downtown Eastside (DTES) neighbourhood of Vancouver, BC is undergoing a period of intense redevelopment, raising concerns about the potential displacement of its predominantly low-income residents. In this study, informal recyclers (people who earn income from collecting recyclable or resaleable items) share their observations of neighbourhood change based on their lives and work in the DTES. Informal recyclers’ observations reveal that diverse gentrifying processes are at play in the DTES, including restricted access to space, the social exclusion of othered bodies, and the symbolic construction of the DTES as a place of poverty that is in need of intervention. The inclusion of informal recyclers’ perspectives provides nuance to place-based processes of gentrification, and acknowledges the concerns of low-income urbanites most affected by urban change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past studies have considered the impact of fashion on consumer textile disposal behaviour, but have focused mainly on drivers of clothing waste. There is a lack of research that examines consumer attitudes towards fashion and their disposal methods. This study conducted an online survey of 410 people in Ontario, Canada with varying demographic characteristics to assess how they currently manage their textile waste including resell, swap, take-back, donation and disposal. Respondents were asked about their fashion interest and shopping frequency and were assigned a fashion index value. The fashion index value is not a means of grouping consumers but is instead a continuum to model interest in fashion, with one extreme representing fashion consumers and the other representing non-fashion consumers. Statistical analysis was then used to establish whether there is a link between textile waste behaviour and fashion index. The results indicate that consumers with a high fashion index (i.e. fashion consumers) and consumers with low fashion index (i.e. non-fashion consumers) manage their textile waste differently. While the majority of participants donate and dispose of unwanted clothes, fashion consumers are more interested and more likely to participate in alternative methods (e.g. resell, swap, and take back) for removing unwanted textiles. Although fashion consumers produce more textile waste than non-fashion consumers, textile consumption cannot be directly equated with textile waste since fashion consumers were found to have a lower disposal rate than non-fashion consumers (38 percent to 50 percent, respectively). The distinct disposal characteristics of fashion and non-fashion consumers (i.e. interest and willingness to participate in alternative channels) allows strategies to be tailored accordingly so that the amount of waste going to landfill can be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine pollution from plastic debris is a global problem causing negative impacts in the marine environment. Plastic marine debris as a contaminant is increasing, especially in Canada. While the impacts of macroplastics are well known in the literature, there are relatively few policy studies related to mitigating microplastic toxicity in the environment. Despite overwhelming evidence of the threat of plastic in the marine environment, there remains inadequate or limited policies to address their mitigation, particularly microplastic debris. Existing policies for waste management, marine debris monitoring and awareness campaigns were evaluated from other jurisdictions. Policies and recommendations were developed for the Canadian context. Recommendations include improved practices for: (1) law and waste management strategies; (2) education, outreach and awareness; (3) source identification; and (4) increased monitoring and further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a survey of residents of Kingston, Ontario, Canada, (n = 107) to understand their attitudes to and experiences of waste management and governance. Currently, the municipality is emphasising waste diversion and exploring new waste processing systems (WPS; e.g., incineration) to reduce costs. Using Foucault's governmentality theory, our data suggest Kingston's reliance on an attitude-behaviour-context model of behaviour change successfully fosters an environmental citizenship identity based on waste diversion (e.g., recycling). However, we argue that the neoliberal governmentality upon which the attitude-behaviour-context model is predicated elides the need for, and inhibits consideration of, broader societal change concerning urgent environmental issues involving consumption and waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented wherein the editor discusses various articles published within the issue on topics including behavioural models based on theories from social psychology, criticism against attitude-behaviour-choice models, and waste management in Kingston, Ontario.

Aim To explore the concept of sustainability in nursing using social media as a vehicle for discussion on the topic. Background There is a need for an increased awareness among nurses of the issues that are crucial for the healthcare sector to prepare for climate change and contribute to sustainable development. However, topics about sustainability and climate change are not a requirement of nursing curricula in Europe; social media provides an opportunity to raise issues and promote discussion. Design A thematic analysis of a Twitter discussion. Methods A Twitter discussion session hosted by @WeNurses took place on 24 March 2015 over 1 hour. Data were gathered via this online discussion hosted on Twitter, a social media platform. Following the discussion a thematic analysis of the posted Tweets was conducted. Findings One hundred and nineteen people posted nine hundred and ninety six Tweets, a reach of 3,306,368. Tweets broadly followed the questions posted by the team. Several threads related to the sustainable use of healthcare resources and the need to reduce waste was evident. A Word Cloud of the Tweets highlighted prominent words in the discussion: sustainability, nursing/nurses, curriculum, important, waste, practice, resources, student, plastic, health, gloves. Conclusion Social media is an effective way of engaging nurses and students in a discussion on challenging issues. Sustainability appears to be important for nurses, with a particular emphasis on resource use and the importance of sustainability topics in nurse education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, waste management in Alberta (AB) and British Columbia (BC) from 1996 to 2010 are examined with respect to generation characteristics and management efficiency. The daily average waste generation rates in AB and BC were 3.34 kg/capita and 2.50 kg/capita, respectively. It was found that annual family income has a positive relation with residential waste generation in both provinces, as did the proportion of educated citizens. Gross domestic product was positively related to non-residential waste generation in AB, and negatively related in BC. Annual agricultural farm cash receipts were positively related to non-residential waste generation in both provinces, and AB's industry earnings were significantly higher. Between 1998 and 2010, the average diversion rate in AB was 15.1%, and BC's was 32.9%, which place them on opposing sides of the national average (23.4%). Total operating expenditures were similar in both provinces, yet BC's waste diversion was more than double AB's. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve instrument bundles were placed within two waste profiles as waste was placed in an operating landfill in Ste. Sophie, Quebec, Canada. The settlement data were simulated using a three-component model to account for primary or instantaneous compression, secondary compression or mechanical creep and biodegradation induced settlement. The regressed model parameters from the first waste layer were able to predict the settlement of the remaining four waste layers with good agreement. The model parameters were compared to values published in the literature. A MSW landfill scenario referenced in the literature was used to illustrate how the parameter values from the different studies predicted settlement. The parameters determined in this study and other studies with total waste heights between 15 and 60 m provided similar estimates of total settlement in the long term while the settlement rates and relative magnitudes of the three components varied. The parameters determined based on studies with total waste heights less than 15 m resulted in larger secondary compression indices and lower biodegradation induced settlements. When these were applied to a MSW landfill scenario with a total waste height of 30 m, the settlement was overestimated and provided unrealistic values. This study concludes that more field studies are needed to measure waste settlement during the filling stage of landfill operations and more field data are needed to assess different settlement models and their respective parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction industry creates a massive amount of waste, which typically ends up in landfills. Canadian construction industry represents 30% of the total municipal solid waste deposited in landfills. Construction and demolition (C&D) waste has created negative socioeconomic and environmental impacts including contaminating ground water, emitting greenhouse gases, and adding more waste to scarce landfills. Literature is cited rework/waste generation due to ambiguity/errors in construction contract documents. Exculpatory clauses in contract documents are included in contractual agreements to prevent contractor claims, which often cause rework. After an extensive contract documents review, these clauses were categorized in to eight major areas. This paper (1) analyses expert opinions on pre-identified contractual clauses; and (2) introduces recommendations to minimize rework and waste in construction projects. It was found that the clauses related to quality, workmanship, and field quality control/inspection have the most potential to generate construction waste. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Waste collection management plays a crucial role in controlling pandemic outbreaks. Electric waste collection systems and vehicles can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of sanitary processes in municipalities worldwide. The waste collection routing optimization involves designing routes to serve all customers with the least number of vehicles, total traveling distance, and time considering the vehicle capacity. This paper proposes a dynamic location-arc routing optimization model for electric waste collection vehicles. The proposed model suggests an optimal routing plan for the waste collection vehicles and determines the optimal locations of the charging stations, dynamic charging arcs, and waste collection centers. A genetic algorithm and grey wolf optimizer are used to solve the large-sized random generated NP-hard location-arc routing problems. We present a case study for the city of Edmonton in Canada and show the grey wolf optimizer outperforms the genetic algorithm. We further demonstrate the total number of waste collection centers, charging stations, and arcs for dynamic charging needed to ensure a minimum required service for electric vehicles throughout Edmonton's entire waste collection system. [Display omitted] • The waste collection routing optimization optimizes routes serving customers. • Optimized routes use minimum vehicles, distance, and time with capacitated vehicles. • A dynamic location-arc routing optimization is proposed for electric waste collection vehicles. • Genetic algorithms and grey wolf algorithms solve the large NP-hard problem. • A case study in Canada shows grey wolf algorithm outperforms the genetic algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic may have amplified the environmental, social, and economic implications of household food waste. A better understanding of household food wasting during the pandemic is needed to improve the management of waste and develop best practices for municipal waste management programs under crisis circumstances. A waste composition study was undertaken with 100 single-family households across the city of London, Ontario, Canada to determine the quantity and composition of household food waste disposed in June 2020, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines how household demographic, socioeconomic, and neighbourhood food environment characteristics influence household food wasting. On average, each household sent 2.81 kg of food waste to landfill per week, of which 52% was classified as avoidable food waste and 48% as unavoidable food waste. The quantity and composition of household food waste was found to be strongly influenced by the number of people and children in a household, and somewhat influenced by socioeconomic factors and neighbourhood food environment characteristics, including the availability, density, and proximity of retail food outlets. • This is one of the only direct measurement studies of food waste during COVID-19. • During COVID-19, sample households sent 2.81 kg of food waste to landfill per week. • 52% of household food waste was classified as avoidable and 48% as unavoidable. • Food waste was influenced by the number of people and children in a household. • Proximity to and density of some food outlet types influenced unavoidable food waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]