Articles tagged with Landfills
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.
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.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provide valuable insights on managing C&D waste and reducing carbon emissions in building refurbishment projects. By upcycling generated waste, carbon emissions can be significantly reduced, with a potential reduction of around 40% compared to traditional practices.
A new study suggests that mass customization can generate higher profits and reduce environmental waste considerably when overproduction is a problem. Customers willing to wait for bespoke clothing can make the fashion industry more environmentally sustainable.
A new study proposes a sustainable recycling method for PPE waste using pyrolysis, a medium-temperature reaction that reduces plasticized medical-protection garb into chemicals and petroleum. The method avoids landfill use and incineration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 35.42%.
A new open-source tool called SwolfPy helps solid waste systems achieve environmental goals by assessing various options in one place. The tool identifies the range of best possible options for users, depending on their priorities.
Researchers at West Virginia University have created a simple microwave catalytic process to upcycle single-use plastics into high-value benzene, toluene, and xylene. This technology aims to increase the recycling rate of plastic waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing an alternative source of petrochemical materials.
A new study reveals that circular waste management systems can effectively reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, with the potential to eliminate open burning of waste by 2050. The researchers estimate that this could account for almost a quarter of global methane emissions.
A team of scientists from NTU Singapore has developed a plant-based emulsifier that is rich in protein and antioxidants, allowing it to replace eggs or dairy in food staples. The emulsifier is made by fermenting brewers' spent grain and can help cut down on food waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study led by the University of Pittsburgh reveals that 360 million metric tonnes of new plastic were produced in 2018, with only 9% being recycled. The research found that the greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production are staggering, accounting for 350 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
A new study uses a microspectroscopic technique to measure micro- and nano-sized plastics in steam-disinfected silicone-rubber baby bottle nipples. The research found that these fine particles can be released into the environment and ingested by babies, posing health risks.
A new process converts potent greenhouse gas methane into protein-rich fishmeal, a potential solution for global food security. The analysis found production costs involving methane from certain US sources are lower than conventional fishmeal prices, with feasible cost reductions possible using other methane sources.
A new study finds that the decline of US landfills and state bans on organic waste disposal have created a need for alternative pathways for food waste. Researchers evaluated five options, including anaerobic digestion, composting, incineration, and hydrothermal liquefaction.
A Japanese research team has developed a technique to extract cellulose nanofibers from hop stems, reducing agricultural waste in the beer industry. The researchers used a simplified process that eliminates lignin and hemicellulose removal, yielding CNFs with a median width of about 2 nanometers.
A new recycling robot will use AI and computer vision to sort recyclable waste, separating soft plastics from other materials. The system aims to drastically increase soft plastic recycling in Australia, diverting millions of tonnes of waste from landfills.
Researchers discover bacteria that can break down toxic chemicals like lindane and HBCD, which have been banned in many countries due to their persistence in the environment. The microbes produce enzymes that can degrade these pollutants, offering a potential solution for cleaning up chemical waste from landfills.
A £2.3million study is investigating the impact of chemical pollutants from UK coastal landfill waste on seabirds' health, reproduction and survival. The researchers will focus on European shags in the Firth of Forth, comparing their health and survival rates with birds that spend more time in the area.
A new contaminant prioritization tool could increase the effectiveness of environmental approaches to landfill clean-up by matching tree species with specific contaminants. The tool allows site managers to prioritize the most hazardous contaminants or customize it to address local concerns.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed guidelines to use wood-based pulp mill fly ash as an economically sustainable low-carbon binder for road construction. The use of untreated PFA reduces energy consumption and produces low-carbon emissions, making it a safe raw material for environmental applications.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Johannesburg shows how AI can forecast municipal solid waste in a large African city. By using machine learning algorithms and combining data from various sources, including census data and landfill site records, the team was able to predict the city's waste management needs until 2050...
A new system developed by University of Missouri researchers can automatically prioritize pollutants in landfills based on their toxicity and abundance. The system has the potential to help environmental agencies create more specific and efficient plans to combat leachate, which can cause cancer and other serious harm.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that using compost as daily cover at landfills can have significant environmental benefits, including reducing eutrophication and acidification. In contrast, using compost to amend soil can be more effective in reducing abiotic resource depletion potential.
The University of Texas at Arlington and North Central Texas Council of Governments partner to assess regional opportunities for diverting food waste, increasing renewable energy production, and reducing vehicle emissions. The project aims to capture methane gas and produce biogas from anaerobic digestion infrastructure.
A new modelling study by researchers at UCL and Yale found that paper recycling may increase greenhouse gas emissions unless powered by renewable energy. The study suggests that modernising landfill practices and using renewable energy can reduce emissions significantly.
Researchers at Northwestern University and TU Delft have developed a battery-free, energy-harvesting Game Boy that can play games from original cartridges, reducing the need for batteries. The device harnesses energy from solar panels and user button presses to enable indefinite gameplay.
Researchers are developing a new type of geosynthetic clay liner to manage toxic landfill leachates. The liner, composed of bentonite and polymer, has shown promise in maintaining low hydraulic conductivity when exposed to aggressive leachates.
Researchers have engineered a strain of bacteria called Clostridium thermocellum to degrade PET more efficiently than current industry bio-methods. The heat-friendly microbes can break down PET and plant-based fibers in hot, oxygen-free environments, offering a promising solution for plastic waste management.
Researchers found that incineration and landfilling of municipal solid waste releases bacteria and antibiotic-resistance genes into the air, posing a risk to human health. The study suggests that these systems could be a reservoir of resistant genes, which can spread to nearby residents through airborne transmission.
A new study suggests that rural communities in Vermont are already managing their food waste effectively through composting and feeding scraps to pets or livestock. While support for banning food waste is high, only a minority of residents are willing to pay for curbside compost pickup programs.
Researchers found that siloxanes increase biogas reactivity, leading to faster ignition and energy release. Harnessing siloxanes could bolster energy production from biogas, reducing costs and making it a more economically attractive option for landfill operators.
Researchers at the University of Sussex have developed an adhesive that can unstick when exposed to a magnetic field, allowing for easy disassembly and recycling of products. The adhesive works with various materials, including plastic, wood, glass, and metal, and is comparable in strength to industry-standard adhesives.
US National Parks produce a staggering 100 million pounds of trash each year, with managers seeking ways to divert recyclable materials and reduce overall waste. Key findings from recent research include the importance of moral norms and perceived difficulty in influencing visitor behavior.
Researchers from Penn State University and Boston College found that promoting recyclable waste transformation increases recycling rates. Consumers who saw product transformation messages recycled up to 87.7% of their waste, compared to 19% for those without such messages.
Researchers at RMIT University have created fired-clay bricks that can incorporate up to 25% biosolids, significantly reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The biosolids bricks also exhibit lower thermal conductivity, making them a sustainable alternative for construction materials.
Researchers have developed a new plasma generator capable of removing burdensome siloxane contaminants in landfill gas, converting up to 85% into removable solid deposits. This technology has the potential to improve the use of landfill gas as energy by reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact.
The China ban on non-industrial plastic waste has displaced around 111 million metric tons of plastic waste, which was previously exported to the country. This shift will require high-income countries to develop more robust recycling programs domestically and rethink the use and design of plastic products.
A Penn State researcher suggests that using online exchanges like Craigslist can reduce municipal solid waste by 2-6% annually, leading to millions of dollars in savings for large cities. This reuse behavior could also eliminate millions of tons of waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study has developed a method to recover high-quality polymers from mixed-plastic electronics waste, providing an environmentally friendly solution for recycling. The process uses a solvent called NMP, which releases vapors only when heated above 180 degrees Celsius, and can be reused multiple times.
New research reveals sections of the San Francisco Bay shoreline are sinking at rates of nearly half an inch a year. This subsidence exacerbates flooding risks from rising sea levels, increasing areas at risk from 20 to 166 square miles by 2100.
Researchers at UofL will investigate the link between chemical exposure and cardiometabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The five-year grant aims to improve understanding of environmental determinants and health conditions.
A study led by Argonne National Laboratory found that waste-to-energy production pathways generate less greenhouse gases than decomposing organic waste. Researchers suggest diverting waste to energy can avoid landfill emissions and promote energy independence.
Researchers tested TVs and tablets with quantum dots, finding they can leach into landfill water, but at low concentrations. The study suggests that the potential benefits of using safer nanomaterials may outweigh the costs.
Since 1950s, over 9.1 billion tons of plastic have been manufactured, with the majority ending up in landfills or natural settings. Recycling plastic merely delays disposal unless it reduces new production, while incineration can have negative environmental and health effects.
The study found that humans have generated 8.3 billion metric tons of plastics since the 1950s, with most becoming waste and accumulating in landfills or the natural environment. The researchers estimate that if current trends continue, 12 billion metric tons of plastic waste will be in landfills or the natural environment by 2050.
A new study by Duke University estimates that seagulls feeding at landfills transport and deposit over 240 tons of nitrogen and 39 tons of phosphorus into nearby lakes or reservoirs each year. This nutrient overload contributes to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and ecological and economic impacts.
Researchers developed a more resilient type of concrete using recycled tire fibres, reducing crack formation by over 90% compared to regular concrete. The new concrete has potential to shrink the tire industry's carbon footprint and reduce construction emissions.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates that US food waste contains approximately 1,217 calories, 33 grams of protein, and other essential nutrients. These lost nutrients are important for maintaining healthy diets, particularly dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D.
A new laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) approach refines detection of mercury in landfill leachate, offering rapid results without generating hazardous chemicals. The technique's sensitivity is improved through a double-pulse setup, allowing for the detection of lower mercury concentrations.
A study by UBC researchers found that placing bins 1.5 metres away from suite doors increases recycling and composting rates by 141%, with a 70% increase in composting rates in apartment buildings. The study suggests that small changes in convenience can significantly impact environmental behavior.
CuanTec develops durable, antimicrobial, and biodegradable food packaging for seafood using a biopolymer from shellfish. The company aims to reduce £60 million annual losses in the seafood sector by converting waste into valuable products.
A new study found that educating diners about the environmental impact of food waste reduces waste, but this benefit disappears when participants know their scraps will be composted. The study highlights the complexity of managing food waste and suggests a nuanced approach to address the issue.
Research found elevated levels of uranium-234, thorium-230, lead-210 and polonium-210 in drill cuttings from Marcellus Shale wells. The study suggests that at low pH, uranium isotopes can leach into the environment from landfills.
Researchers developed a low-cost, environmentally friendly way to create rewritable printed materials using tungsten oxide and polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The material can be reused up to 40 times before quality declines, offering a potential solution to reducing paper waste.
A UTA civil engineering professor has secured a $1.2 million contract with TxDOT to implement a system that improves sub-base repair of roads, reducing pavement cracking and improving maintenance. The team will also use recycled plastic pins for slope stabilization in around TxDOT's Dallas District.
Research in Italy found a strong association between living near landfills and increased risk of lung cancer, as well as hospitalizations for respiratory diseases. Exposure to air pollutants from waste treatment plants was linked to higher rates of respiratory symptoms among residents.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that historic UK landfills in England and Wales contain high levels of contaminants that could harm marine life if eroded or flooded. The analysis of two landfill sites in Essex revealed pollutants at concentrations exceeding marine sediment quality guidelines, posing a significant...
Scientists have developed a chemically recyclable foam made from a sugar-derived material, which can be used as a renewable alternative to traditional polyurethanes. The new foam, called poly(β-methyl-δ-valerolactone), has been shown to be comparable in performance to commercial polyurethane foams.
Researchers found that white storks rely on junk food from landfill sites for year-round sustenance, allowing them to establish resident populations. The closure of landfills may impact these birds' distribution, breeding locations, and migratory patterns.
Researchers are mining existing landfills to recycle materials and convert them into energy, boosting methane production. This approach could extend a landfill's lifespan from 25-30 years to over 150 years, reducing the need for new landfills in urban areas.
A new University of Washington study confirms that composting food scraps is the right thing to do for the environment. Composting significantly reduces methane emissions from landfills compared to sending food waste to landfills.