Search results for “Hazardous Waste”

Recycling food waste would bring huge benefits, but microplastics a challenge

Diversion of U.S. food waste from landfills could significantly reduce climate impacts and nutrient pollution, with potential benefits including a 89-99% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 49-54% decrease in nitrogen pollution. However, the resulting compost and organic materials may carry up to 20,000 tons of microplastics in...

Spatial inequalities in breastfeeding initiation in the United States: A multiscale analysis of county-level determinants

Researchers at UC Riverside develop a catalyst that effectively breaks down perchlorate at high concentrations, potentially reducing hazardous waste generated during drinking water treatment. The breakthrough technology could make it possible to destroy perchlorate after it has been captured on ion-exchange resin.

Researchers discover the eye’s hidden cleanup system

Scientists have identified a previously unknown waste drainage system at the back of the eye, called the posterior ocular lymphatic outflow, or POLO pathway. This discovery provides a new framework for understanding leading causes of blindness and opens opportunities for harnessing this system to treat disease.

NUS CDE expertise to advance new centre for waste innovation

TREASURES initiative builds on NUS CDE research strengths in environmental resilience and waste-to-resource technologies. The centre will support practical solutions for complex waste streams, transforming Semakau Landfill into a hub for resource recovery and reuse.

Disgust may contribute to improper waste disposal

Studies in Sweden, Finland, and Denmark show that dirty waste disposal rooms evoke feelings of disgust, increasing the risk of incorrect waste disposal. Clean environments, on the other hand, lead to a decrease in littering.

Indonesia’s air quality got worse after China banned plastic waste imports

A new study by Ellen Considine and Rachel Nethery shows that Indonesia's air pollution increased in 2018 and 2019 due to the diversion of plastic waste from China, which was previously a major import source. The team used satellite data to evaluate changes in fine particulate matter at 356 open dump sites in Indonesia.

The right heat makes biochar a better helper for food waste composting

A new study published in Biochar shows that the temperature used to produce biochar plays a decisive role in controlling nitrogen losses during food waste digestate composting. Hardwood biochar made at 400 °C reduced total nitrogen loss by 46.3% compared with composting without biochar, outperforming biochars made at 300 °C and 800 °C.

Mapping how the brain takes out its trash

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes create new method to track brain waste exit points, revealing unexpected details on immune cell interaction and disease disruption. The 'nearest exit' model suggests that each brain region has a unique drainage system.

Turning waste into smarter carbon materials for soil and water conservation

Researchers used game theory to identify promising porous carbon materials made from agricultural and industrial waste. The study found that certain samples, such as rice straw-KOH-level 2, performed well in terms of surface area and pore volume, making them suitable for applications in soil amendment, water conservation, and pollutant...

By 2050 Europe’s waste could supply over half of critical material demand

The FutuRaM project mapped Europe's 'urban mine', revealing a vast reservoir of metals and minerals essential for clean energy, digital technologies, and modern industry. By 2050, recovery systems could enable the EU to recover between 4.1 and 5.7 million tonnes of critical raw materials annually.

Turning waste into wealth: high-acid-value waste oil upgraded to high-performance natural ester insulating oil in one efficient process

A multi-stage coupled refining process converts high-acid-value waste cooking oil into high-performance natural ester insulating oil with improved physical, chemical and electrical properties. The process increases the oil's dielectric dissipation factor and power frequency breakdown voltage.

Fast-food waste driven by wrong orders: study

A review of food waste in Australia's quick service restaurants found order mistakes as the biggest driver of waste, with better staff training crucial for reduction. The study recommends ongoing training and making food waste metrics part of performance evaluations to mitigate back-of-house food waste.

Fungi transform unrecyclable building waste into low-carbon insulation

Researchers at the University of Bath discovered that a fungus can break down hard-to-recycle construction waste and turn it into sustainable insulation. The resulting biomaterial has comparable thermal performance to conventional insulation products with significantly lower carbon emissions.

From plastic waste to chemical building blocks: a sustainable path for polyethylene upcycling

From e-waste to energy storage: Recycled phone batteries and lignin power a high-performance sodium-ion anode

Researchers developed a high-performance sodium-ion anode material by converting discarded mobile phone batteries into NiCo₂S₄ and combining it with lignin-derived carbon. The new material achieved improved capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability, making it a promising alternative for lower-cost battery production.

Tree bark could help clean water and air

Researchers at RMIT University have discovered that eucalyptus bark can be converted into a highly porous form of carbon that traps pollutants, providing a practical solution to clean polluted water and air. The findings highlight the potential of turning waste materials into useful environmental resources.

Bowhead whale recovery reflects century-old whaling patterns

An international study has found bowhead whales are recovering in stocks where large areas of hazardous sea ice conditions limited whaling centuries ago. This provides important natural sanctuaries for the species, allowing populations to recover more quickly today.

Australian researchers unlock path to scaling gas made from waste

A new research study by Australian energy companies and waste management firms has shown how organic waste can be safely turned into clean gas for homes and businesses. The team identified critical specifications for optimal biomethane quality, making it more cost-effective to produce.

Lack of robust regulation and information about contaminated industrial sites in India poses public health risk demanding urgent reform, study claims

A new study highlights the gap between India's hazardous waste production and registered contaminated sites, emphasizing the need for coordinated monitoring and robust remediation processes. The researchers propose a Contaminated Site Monitoring, Assessment, and Remediation (CS-MAR) framework to improve governance of contaminated sites.

Hot spring microbiomes could transform industrial CO2 waste into valuable products, Manchester researchers find

Researchers at the University of Manchester have found that terrestrial hot spring microbiomes can transform industrial CO2 waste into biomass and other valuable compounds. This discovery could enable the production of value-added products directly from CO2-rich waste streams, reducing emissions while generating economic value.

Animal and human waste could slash synthetic fertilizer use in US

A new study by Cornell University suggests that animal and human waste could meet 102% of nitrogen and 50% of phosphorus needs for US agriculture, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. However, implementation challenges such as processing and transport need to be addressed to unlock this potential.

Unlocking the power of industrial waste heat: new dynamic model optimizes "carnot batteries" for green energy storage

Researchers developed a quasi-dynamic mathematical model to optimize Thermally Integrated Carnot Batteries (TI-CB) under fluctuating conditions typical of factory environments. The study yielded crucial insights, including a clear roadmap for handling off-design fluctuations, bringing Carnot batteries closer to widespread deployment.

Researchers turn recovered car battery acid and plastic waste into clean hydrogen

A new method developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge uses solar-powered acid photoreforming to break down hard-to-recycle plastics into clean hydrogen fuel and valuable industrial chemicals. This approach could create a circular system where one waste stream solves another, reducing plastic waste and pollution.

Coffee waste transformed into high-performance, biodegradable insulation material

Researchers developed a biodegradable composite made from spent coffee grounds and natural polymer, offering strong thermal insulation while being environmentally sustainable. The new material has a thermal conductivity comparable to commercial expanded polystyrene and is fully derived from renewable resources.

Agricultural and industrial waste transformed into advanced porous carbon for soil and water conservation

Researchers transformed waste into high-performance porous carbon materials for soil and water conservation. The study identified top-performing materials from agricultural wastes, which exhibited high surface areas and favorable pore structures, enhancing adsorption capacity and water retention.

Study reveals how Ethiopia’s hyenas combat climate change, save money and prevent disease

In Ethiopia's city of Mekelle, spotted hyenas consume organic waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preventing disease. By doing so, they save the city over $100,000 in waste management costs, highlighting the vital ecosystem service they provide.

Black soldier fly larvae show promise for safe organic waste removal

Researchers found that black soldier fly larvae can break down RNA viruses in organic waste, reducing potential risks. The larvae's frass still contained some active viruses, highlighting the need for additional treatment.

Recycling jumps when garbage collection drops, new Concordia research shows

A new Concordia study reveals that UK household recycling rates are influenced by factors such as garbage collection frequency, education, and population density. The research found that districts with less frequent garbage collection and convenient recycling systems had higher recycling rates, with median levels of around 61%.

UCO designs a 100% recycled paving block made from mollusk shells and mining waste

A team from UCO develops a 100% recycled paving block made from mollusk shells and mining waste, replacing natural aggregates and conventional cement. The block meets mechanical, durability, and safety criteria without using single natural material, contributing to circular economy and decarbonization in the construction sector.

Smarter shelf strategy can boost retail profits and cut food waste by more than 20%, new study finds

A new study in Management Science found that small operational decisions can increase profits while reducing spoilage. By optimizing product display and discounting strategies, retailers can achieve a rare win-win, benefiting both profitability and sustainability.

Waterloo researchers turning plastic waste into vinegar

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have discovered a way to convert microplastic waste into acetic acid, the main ingredient of vinegar, using sunlight. The breakthrough offers a promising new approach to reducing plastic pollution through photocatalysis, creating a valuable chemical product.

Turning waste into power: scientists convert discarded phone batteries and industrial lignin into high-performance sodium battery materials

Researchers develop a new method to transform waste streams into a promising material for next-generation sodium-ion batteries. The study demonstrates how waste recycling can reduce environmental pollution and support the transition to sustainable energy storage technologies.

Current levels of violence, harassment should classify Canadian schools as hazardous workplaces: report

A national report found that education workers are exposed to traumatic levels of violence and psychological harm, with many considering leaving the profession due to stress. The report highlights widespread under-reporting and ineffective institutional responses.

Spirituality and harmful or hazardous alcohol and other drug use

A meta-analysis of 55 studies found a significant protective association between spirituality and hazardous alcohol and drug use. The study suggests that spiritual practices may be effective in preventing or reducing the risks associated with these substances.

Spiritual practices strongly associated with reduced risk for hazardous alcohol and drug use

A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies found that broad spiritual practices, such as attending religious services and meditation, were associated with a 13% reduced risk of hazardous drug and alcohol use. This reduction was greater (18%) among individuals attending religious services at least once per week.

POST-PURPLE launches to advance zero-waste urban biorefineries

POST-PURPLE aims to convert urban wastewater and organic waste into valuable resources through innovative bio-based technologies. The project will demonstrate practical pathways toward cleaner, more circular urban biorefineries and reduce diffuse emissions.

Almost half of the world’s aquatic environments are severely contaminated by waste

A recent study analyzing 6,049 contamination records revealed that 46% of the world's aquatic environments are classified as 'dirty' or 'extremely dirty'. The most critical contamination cases are found in mangroves, with plastics and cigarette butts accounting for nearly 80% of the waste.

HKUST research reveals cost-effective food waste treatment through sewage systems

A HKUST research team developed an innovative urban food waste management framework analyzing food waste data from 29 large cities worldwide. The study shows that grinding food waste and diverting it into sewage systems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 47% and lower total waste-management costs by 11%.

Counting the carbon cost of E-waste

A groundbreaking field-based research study from Nankai University found the average carbon emission of dismantling a single unit of E-waste increased from 1.2513 kgCO2 to 1.3335 kgCO2 between 2013 and 2020, highlighting the urgent need for more efficient recycling technologies.

Fungus unlocks hidden phosphorus from massive industrial waste

A team of researchers has found that a common soil fungus can extract large amounts of residual phosphorus from phosphogypsum, a byproduct of phosphoric acid production. The study shows that more than 40% of the phosphorus locked inside this waste material can be recovered through a biological process.

Sylvester Cancer Tip Sheet for January 2026

New studies from Sylvester reveal that 40% of cancers are preventable and that lifestyle interventions can play a crucial role in cancer treatment. Researchers also discovered PFAS on firefighter gear, which may limit exposure to hazardous chemicals linked to cancer.

Recycling urban soils

Scientists at Technical University of Munich create constructed soils by mixing excavated soil with compost and biochar, resulting in improved fertility and carbon accrual. These new urban soils can be tailored to specific use cases, such as protecting groundwater or enhancing plant growth in green areas.

Study finds food waste compost less effective than potting mix alone

Researchers compared seedling germination, growth and nutrient uptake in pure food waste substrate, commercial potting mix and blends with varying ratios. Mixtures with less than 50% food waste compost produced better results.

Groundbreaking discovery turns household plastic recycling into anti-cancer medication

Researchers at the University of St. Andrews have discovered a way to turn household PET waste into the building block for anti-cancer drugs through a ruthenium-catalysed semi-hydrogenation process. This breakthrough offers substantial environmental benefits and has potential to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Turning livestock waste into clean water: Animal manure biochar emerges as a low cost tool to remove toxic pollutants from wastewater

Animal manure biochar effectively removes hazardous pollutants such as dyes, antibiotics and heavy metals from wastewater. The material's surface chemistry and mineral content support mechanisms like electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding and ion exchange.

The global plastic waste trade contributes to coastal litter in importing countries, study shows

A new study from the University of Illinois finds that a 10% increase in imported plastic waste is associated with a 0.6% increase in littered plastic bottles collected from coastal areas. The researchers used citizen science data to investigate how the global plastic waste trade contributes to litter along coastlines and waterways.

The deadly trade-off of electronic waste recycling in Ghana

A University of Michigan study reveals that Ghana's informal e-waste recycling industry exposes workers to severe air pollution, compromising their health and the environment. The study finds that urbanization drives population growth, which exacerbates pollution in settlements like Agbogbloshie.

Breakthrough catalyst insight may unlock new possibilities for safer water disinfection

Researchers have discovered key design principles for ozone-generating catalysts, which can replace hazardous and carcinogenic chlorine in water treatment. This breakthrough could revolutionize water sanitation practices by providing a safer and more sustainable alternative.

Biochar boosts hydrogen and methane yield in next-generation food-waste-to-energy systems

A study published in Energy & Environment Nexus highlights the benefits of biochar in semi-continuous anaerobic digestion systems treating food waste. Biochar enhances hydrogen and methane production, stabilizes pH, and promotes microbial resilience, making it a practical and cost-effective additive for improving TPAD performance.

Scientists use textile ash to create extremely strong cement

Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology have developed a new way to turn textile waste into energy and high-performance cement materials. The production of alternative fuel from textile waste can reduce CO2 emissions during cement production, while also providing an innovative approach to textile waste management.

Data-driven surgical supply lists can reduce hospital cost and waste

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that streamlined surgical preference cards can significantly reduce hospital waste and improve operational efficiency. By analyzing thousands of surgeries, they identified unnecessary items and optimized lists to save up to $3 million over five months.

Intensive New York City housing remediation effort cut violations in half but did not yield immediate health improvements

A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that NYC's most aggressive housing quality enforcement programs reduced hazardous housing violations in targeted buildings by half, but did not lead to measurable changes in short-run health care utilization. Despite significant housing quality improvements, the a...

Biochar boosts clean energy output from food waste in novel two-stage digestion system

Researchers found that adding biochar to advanced food waste recycling systems can significantly increase hydrogen and methane production. Biochar acts as a natural buffer, keeping pH levels optimal for microbes and supporting robust microbial communities.

The next frontier in clean flight? Jet fuel from city waste

Researchers explore using municipal solid waste as a low-emission, cost-effective feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80-90%. The study suggests that adopting municipal solid waste-based jet fuels could save airlines money under carbon pricing systems.

Anti-amyloid therapy does not change short-term waste clearance in Alzheimer’s

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that lecanemab treatment does not change short-term waste clearance function in Alzheimer's patients. The glymphatic system, which carries away metabolic waste like Aβ, is already damaged in AD patients, and treatment may not be enough to restore lost function.

New recharge-to-recycle reactor turns battery waste into new lithium feedstock

A team of engineers at Rice University has developed a cleaner approach to recycling lithium-ion battery waste by recharging the cathode materials. The process produces high-purity lithium hydroxide with minimal energy consumption, making it a promising solution for sustainable battery production.

Study: Composite metal foam could lead to safer hazmat transportation

Researchers develop composite metal foam that can withstand tremendous force at lower weight than solid steel, raising the possibility of creating safer tanker cars for transporting hazardous materials. The finding is validated through computational modeling and experimental testing.

Engineered biochar emerges as a powerful, affordable tool to combat water pollution

Engineered biochar emerges as a powerful tool to combat water pollution, removing hazardous substances from wastewater. Its tailored surface chemistry and structure make it an ideal candidate for environmental cleanup, capturing both heavy metals and organic contaminants simultaneously.

First study of its kind finds deep-sea mining waste threatens life and foodwebs in the ocean’s dim “twilight zone”

A new study finds that deep-sea mining waste can disrupt marine life in the midwater 'twilight zone', where vast communities of zooplankton support the ocean's food system. The waste, released during a 2022 mining trial, has lower concentrations of amino acids, threatening the delicate balance of the food web.

Scientists suggest nuclear waste may fuel a clean energy revolution

Researchers propose utilizing nuclear waste for long-term hydrogen production, offering a sustainable pathway to reduce environmental hazards. Several innovative technologies harness radioactivity to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen without emitting carbon dioxide.