Articles tagged with Landfills
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Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a new technology for plastic recycling that uses aqueous chemi-mechanical recycling to blend, decolorize, and purify mixed polyolefins. This approach reduces energy consumption and eliminates toxic chemicals compared to existing methods.
Engineers at RMIT University have developed cardboard-confined rammed earth, a novel building material that uses locally sourced materials and reduces waste going to landfill. The material boasts one quarter of the carbon footprint of concrete and can be made on-site using cardboard formwork.
A recent study reveals that only 9.5% of plastic materials produced globally in 2022 were made from recycled materials, with the majority coming from fossil fuels. The study also highlights a significant increase in plastic waste disposal by incineration and regional differences in plastic consumption.
Researchers developed biodegradable bamboo drinking straws with high tensile strength and flexibility. The new straw material absorbs less water than paper straws and retains greater wet strength, making it a cost-effective solution to plastic pollution.
Researchers discovered plastic-degrading enzymes in landfills worldwide, suggesting a promising method for plastic recycling. The study identified 31,989 possible enzymes and predicted protein functions using machine learning and tertiary structure modeling.
Researchers Garett Sansom and Lindsay Sansom will evaluate soil conditions in Settegast and Lakewood neighborhoods for cancer-causing heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The project aims to identify residents' environment-related concerns and develop a better understanding of local priorities and challenges.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a stronger, biodegradable adhesive polymer that can replace common superglues. The new polymer, made from P3HB, offers tunable adhesion strength and is biodegradable under various conditions.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.
A new method predicts the makeup of municipal solid waste with unprecedented detail, allowing waste managers to forecast specific materials and plan accordingly. This improvement enables more efficient recycling and landfill operations, making sustainable waste management a practical reality.
Researchers have identified clinoptilolite and biochar as cost-effective options for removing siloxane compounds from landfill gas. These natural materials can enhance the performance of adsorbents with modification techniques, offering an environmentally friendly solution to mitigate damage to energy equipment.
Researchers estimate that human-made products store around 400 million tons of fossil carbon annually, equivalent to 9% of extracted fossil carbon. Recycling and increasing product lifetime can help reduce waste streams, while enacting policies to minimize landfill discharge is crucial.
Grocers can reduce food waste by using digital labels that allow for speedy price changes. This technology benefits both consumers and stores, as prices are adjusted to move older stock off shelves. By implementing dynamic pricing, grocers can save time and money while reducing emissions from food waste.
The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine has launched a styrofoam recycling project to divert over 900 pounds of EPS waste from landfills each month. The program aims to reuse existing styrofoam materials, reducing the need for styrene and minimizing environmental impact.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that most US states with food-waste laws have failed to reduce landfill disposal, except for Massachusetts, which saw a 7.3% decrease in waste. The researchers attribute Massachusetts' success to strong infrastructure and enforcement.
A study published in Nature Cities analyzed textile waste in various cities, finding that most donated clothes are exported or thrown away. Experts call for a change in how cities handle fashion waste, suggesting the need for local recycling and reuse facilities.
A new study from the University of California Rady School of Management finds that most US states with food waste bans have seen little to no reduction in landfill waste, except for Massachusetts. Researchers highlight three key features of Massachusetts' law as effective in reducing waste.
A new study reveals that eco-friendly activewear companies' post-consumer circular economy policies are hindered by geography, making them ineffective for global customers. The research found that many companies have take-back schemes but restrict them to domestic customers or specific locations, limiting their environmental impact.
A recent study by researchers from ACS found that landfill gas can release per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the air, posing potential health risks. The study analyzed vented gases at three landfills in Florida and discovered unexpectedly high levels of airborne PFAS.
A new study led by Harvard researchers found that the EPA underestimates methane emissions from landfills and urban areas, with emissions being on median 77% higher than estimated. The team's high-resolution map of methane emissions highlights the importance of pinpointing sources of these emissions.
University of Sydney researchers have developed a chemical process using plasma that could create sustainable jet fuel from methane gas emitted from landfills. This process has the potential to eliminate the need for traditional and sustainable jet fuels, which add further emissions into the atmosphere. By capturing almost the exact co...
Researchers developed a framework to measure plastic pollution emissions, estimating Toronto emitted nearly 4,000 tonnes in one year. The approach will help identify major contributors and inform strategies to reduce emissions worldwide.
A new study finds landfill point source emissions have an outsized impact and opportunity to tackle US waste methane. Landfills are responsible for 14.3% of US methane emissions, emitting the equivalent of nearly 23 million gasoline-powered vehicles per year.
A new study from the University of Illinois explores the effects of curbside compost collection programs in New South Wales, Australia. On average households redirected 4.2 kilograms of waste to composting, representing 25% of the waste that previously went to landfills.
Researchers analyze solutions implemented in four Brazilian cities, proposing a national carbon credit fund to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase revenue through the circular economy. The study finds that efficient waste management can produce fertilizer, biogas, and generate significant economic benefits.
Rice University researchers have developed a new, energy-efficient process to upcycle glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) into silicon carbide, widely used in semiconductors and sandpaper. The method involves heating the mixture of GFRP and carbon to extremely high temperatures, transforming it into conductive silicon carbide.
The lack of synergy between academia and industry in drug discovery hinders the development of effective treatments. Researchers discuss why many therapeutic molecules fail to reach clinical trials despite pre-clinical efficacy.
Scientists at Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung have developed a method to produce green steel from toxic red mud using an electric arc furnace and hydrogen plasma, potentially saving 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2. The process is also economically viable, requiring only 30-40% iron oxide in the red mud.
A new study reveals that landfills in Chile's Loma Los Colorados host the largest known aggregation of Andean Condors. The birds' numbers are linked to food availability in the surrounding landscape and fluctuate with livestock movements. Landfill management is crucial to support condor conservation.
A study published in Joule found that disposable e-cigarette batteries can last hundreds of cycles and retain over 90% capacity after repeated use. This discovery highlights the growing environmental concern from single-use vape pens, which are not designed to be recharged.
A new catalyst developed by Northwestern University chemists can break down Nylon-6, a common plastic found in fishing nets, carpet, and clothing, in just minutes. The process does not generate harmful byproducts and is practical for everyday applications.
A study using Google Street View cars found hyper-local air pollution hotspots in the Salt Lake Valley, revealing spatial variability and environmental justice issues. The research identified pollution emission sources off-road from traffic and industrial areas.
A study analyzed over 100 period products for the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a category of compounds linked to negative health outcomes. The researchers found that while PFAS are absent from many products, they may be accidentally or intentionally added to others.
A new study from UC San Diego's Rady School of Management suggests that dynamic pricing could be a more effective way for grocery chains to reduce food waste and mitigate climate change. By analyzing data from Pick 'n Save, the study found that dynamic pricing can reduce waste by 21% while increasing profit margins among retailers.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a new method to incorporate used plastic bottles into clay soil stabilization in landfills, strengthening the soil and preventing pollutants from escaping. This innovative approach has the potential to divert millions of metric tons of plastic waste from landfills each year.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new way to recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic using electricity and chemical reactions. In small-scale lab experiments, PET was broken down into its basic building blocks, which can be recovered and potentially reused to make new plastic bottles.
Researchers found that disposable diaper waste can replace up to 8% of sand in concrete and mortar used to build a single-story house, reducing construction costs. The study suggests using this unconventional material for low-cost housing in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan are working on microbial fuel cells that can harness the energy from discarded fruit waste, a byproduct of agriculture in the Okanagan Valley. The study aims to improve energy output and reduce environmental impacts associated with current waste treatment methods.
Researchers at Colorado State University have created a new chemical strategy to deliver universal dynamic crosslinkers into mixed plastic streams, transforming them into viable new polymers that can be turned into higher-value materials. The method makes post-consumer plastics usable as a new kind of material with useful properties.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a chemical process to disassemble epoxy composite materials from wind turbine blades, extracting intact glass fibres and high-quality epoxy resin building blocks. The process has potential applications for circular economies in the aerospace, automotive, and space industries.
Researchers propose using agro-sequestration to capture carbon from the air by growing biomass crops and burying them in engineered dry biolandfills. The addition of salt helps prevent decomposition, allowing for stable sequestration of up to 2 tonnes of carbon dioxide per tonne of biomass.
Scientists at US national laboratories are developing new chemical recycling methods to make sustainable, high-quality plastic materials. They aim to transform plastic waste into valuable chemicals and reduce plastic pollution, paving the way for a circular economy.
The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health issues a sweeping new report highlighting the far-reaching health hazards of plastics across their life cycle. The report examines the economic, health, environmental, and social costs associated with plastics from extraction to end states.
A comprehensive product stewardship scheme has been proposed to address the environmental impact of solar panel disposal in Australia. The plan includes recycling steps, serial numbers for tracking, and legislation to ensure environmentally friendly disposal.
Researchers analyzed 46 waste samples and proposed production opportunities for sustainable fuels, biogas, electricity, chemicals, and organic fertilizer. The study aims to reduce food waste and its environmental impact by finding alternative uses for industrial waste products.
Researchers have developed a new method for recycling high-density polyethylene (HDPE) into fully recyclable and biodegradable material. The approach uses catalysts to cleave polymer chains, reducing carbon emissions and pollution associated with HDPE.
Research by Cornell University reveals that biodegradable medical gowns release harmful emissions due to faster decomposition rates. The study suggests adopting landfill gas capture and utilization processes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and toxicity.
Researchers have developed a low-cost way to extract gold and other valuable metals from electronic waste, which can be used as catalysts for reactions in pharmaceutical manufacture. The process has the potential to improve the sustainability of drug production by reducing dependence on environmentally damaging mining practices.
Aston University scientist Dr Maria Pimenta da Costa Ocampo provides tailored low-carbon advice to clothes designer Debbie Murphy of Missfit Creations. The advice helps reduce carbon emissions by analyzing the recirculation of second-hand clothes, achieving CO2 equivalent of three tonnes.
Researchers at WVU are resurrecting discarded electronics, recovering minerals, and making new products for national defense. The technology also has promise beyond national defense, including community-level e-waste recycling and space applications.
A Virginia Tech research team has developed a new method for recycling polystyrene, which is widely used in Styrofoam but rarely recycled. The process involves exposing the material to ultraviolet light and adding a chemical catalyst, creating a valuable product called diphenylmethane (DPM) that can be used in various industries.
Researchers investigated bioaerosol emissions from municipal solid waste landfilling, finding high levels of culturable bacteria and fungi. The study highlights the need for source control measures to reduce pollution and protect human health, particularly in areas with active-working zones.
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a new method for converting plastics into valuable chemicals using hydrogenolysis. The process reduces the use of precious metal ruthenium while increasing efficiency and selectivity.
A team of WVU researchers has developed a biodegradable composite material using cotton fibers from recycled mattresses, with the goal of replacing single-use plastics. The new material will be created through 3D printing and can be used to produce various consumer products, such as beverage straws and disposable packaging.
Researchers turn mixed plastic waste from F-150 trucks into graphene, then reuse it to create enhanced polyurethane foam with increased tensile strength and noise absorption. The circular recycling process has potential to reduce weight and increase fuel economy in the automotive industry.
Researchers developed an enzyme that can break down plastic waste in hours, making it a promising solution for the world's plastic problem. The enzyme, called FAST-PETase, has the potential to revolutionize recycling and reduce global landfill waste by billions of tons.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a way to use light and oxygen to upcycle polystyrene into benzoic acid, a product stocked in chemistry labs and used in various products. The process is mild, climate-friendly, and scalable to commercial waste streams.
A study found that most face masks tested contained low or negligible levels of PFAS, except for a firefighter mask with potentially hazardous levels. Researchers estimate that regular wear of surgical and N95 masks does not pose a risk, but extended use of the firefighter mask could cause health problems.
Colorado State University researchers have developed a system that creates renewable energy while diverting waste from landfills, producing valuable products like sustainable aviation fuel and cleaning solvents. The ReSOURCE system can offset the carbon dioxide equivalent of 6.2 million cars a year.
Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a novel approach to rubber recycling that repurposes end-of-life tyres into concrete for residential constructions. The study found that crumb rubber concrete is a safe, green alternative with higher impact resistance, toughness, and ductility compared to conventional conc...
A team of researchers proposes converting discarded surgical masks into a burnable fuel through pyrolysis, yielding a carbon-rich oil with high heating value. The study suggests this method offers better environmental performance compared to conventional waste management approaches.