Door-to-door waste collection: Analysis and recommendations for improving ergonomics in an Italian case study

Tackling municipal solid waste crisis in India: Insights into cutting-edge technologies and risk assessment

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management is a pressing global concern, with increasing interest in Waste-to-Energy Technologies (WTE-T) to divert waste from landfills. However, WTE-T adoption is hindered by financial uncertainties. The economic benefits of MSW treatment and energy generation must be balanced against environmental impact. Integrating cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance MSW management strategies and facilitate WTE-T adoption. This review paper explores waste classification, generation, and disposal methods, emphasizing public awareness to reduce waste. It discusses AI's role in waste management, including route optimization, waste composition forecasting, and process parameter optimization for energy generation. Various energy production techniques from MSW, such as high-solids anaerobic digestion, torrefaction, plasma pyrolysis, incineration, gasification, biodegradation, and hydrothermal carbonization, are examined for their advantages and challenges. The paper emphasizes risk assessment in MSW management, covering chemical, mechanical, biological, and health-related risks, aiming to identify and mitigate potential adverse effects. Electronic waste (E-waste) impact on human health and the environment is thoroughly discussed, highlighting the release of hazardous substances and their contribution to air, soil, and water pollution. The paper advocates for circular economy (CE) principles and waste-to-energy solutions to achieve sustainable waste management. It also addresses complexities and constraints faced by developing nations and proposes strategies to overcome them. In conclusion, this comprehensive review underscores the importance of risk assessment, the potential of AI and waste-to-energy solutions, and the need for sustainable waste management to safeguard public health and the environment.

European waste management regulations and the transition towards circular economy. A shift-and-share analysis

Environmental legislation in the European Union (EU) aims to bolster the transition towards circular economy. However, a recurring limitation in EU regulations, encompassing not only environmental but also economic, social, and demographic aspects, is the lack of consideration for the unique characteristics of individual Member States when establishing common targets. The present work seeks to investigate the impact of EU waste management regulations on the attainment of circular economy objectives, taking into account national-level socio-economic and demographic characteristics. In order to do so, we employ Shift-and-Share Analysis, using data on 28 EU countries between 1995 and 2018. Our findings indicate that some Member States, namely Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg and Slovenia, effectively managed to align their regulatory frameworks with EU directives and create a socio-economic context where citizens and governmental bodies foster the necessary levels of cooperation. Cooperation in turn, with widespread pro-environmental attitudes on part of citizens, efficient waste management on part of specialised firms and proper oversight of waste collection activities on part of institutions, facilitated the achievement of significant circular economy goals.

Empirical analysis of cost-effective and equitable solid waste management systems: Environmental and economic perspectives

The solid waste management (SWM) system is in a transitional phase in developing economies, and local municipalities and waste management companies are stepping toward integrating a waste treatment approach in the scheme of waste handling. However, there is an urgent need to explore cost-effective techniques, models, and potential revenue streams to sustain the state-run waste sector self-sufficiently. The proposed SWM model aims to support the local waste sector in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, with 100% service area coverage to attain environmental and economic sustainability by defining dedicated waste collection streams to ensure quality material recovery under a cost-effective approach and modality. The innovative approach is applied to allocate the tonnage to various streams as per the city's current land use plan. The estimated/cost of the cleanliness services will be USD13.1 million per annum with an estimated per ton cost of USD 23. The establishment of the proposed material recovery facility (MRF) will process about 500 t/d of waste to produce 45 t/d compost and recover 130 t/d of recyclables. The environmentally friendly model saves 2.4 million tons of CO2‒eq/month from composting and recycling. The average economic potential from MRF and debris-crushing plants, including environmental benefit value, is calculated as USD 3.97 million annually. Recovery of services fee (70%) for various collection streams based on city land use and socio-economic conditions will generate revenue of USD 7.33 million annually. The total revenue will be USD 11.31 million (86% of total annual expenditures) to track the sector's self-sufficiency. To successfully reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), engaging the private sector from environmentally advanced economies to collaborate in the waste sector to enhance local technical capabilities is recommended.

Smart technological options in collection and transportation of municipal solid waste in urban areas: A mini review

The rapid increase in quantities and the mismanagement of municipal solid waste (MSW) in developing countries are increasing the environmental impacts such as air, water and soil contamination. The present scenario of MSW management deals with numerous issues such as lack of technological resources, strategical management, social awareness, public participation, etc. Globally, numerous efforts in the form of new policies, schemes and regulatory acts have been made to develop a systematic collection and transportation (C&T) method using advanced, integrated technologies. However, very few studies have addressed this issue for low- and middle-income countries due to the lack of availability of reliable resources and data sets. This paper addresses the present challenges in C&T methods and highlights the application of information communication technology in monitoring, capturing, data management, planning, live tracking and communication. This systematic mini-review is based on the availability of technical resources, consumer acceptance and cost-effectiveness of different technologies in managing the processes. The study revealed that the C&T methods in most developed countries are designed based on their geographical stretch, climatic factors, waste characteristics and compatible technology, resulting in sustainable MSW management. However, developing countries have followed the same monotonous approach in managing their MSW, which fails in C&T process. The case study provides a valuable resource for researchers and policymakers to frame a better C&T process based on the recent technological interventions, infrastructure development, and social and economic status.

Assessing Italian household preferences for waste sorting systems: The role of environmental awareness, socioeconomic characteristics, and local contexts

Efficient Waste Management Systems (WMS) depend on citizens' willingness to sort waste and to cooperate for its improved provision. Thus, it is essential to understand what attributes individuals value the most and what drives WMS preference heterogeneity. In this paper, we investigate how individuals evaluate WMS attributes (e.g., the number of waste sorting categories, the introduction of textile sorting, and the frequency of collection per week) and how the local contexts, socioeconomics, and environmental values shape their preferences. For this purpose, we conducted a discrete choice experiment on a sample representative of the Italian population interviewed through an online panel survey. We collected information on individual's preferences for WMS attributes, environmental awareness, and socioeconomic characteristics. We analyzed the data using hybrid mixed choice models, which allowed us to integrate environmental awareness values into willingness to pay estimations. We found that individuals are willing to pay for waste sorting, even if this implies more effort on their part and increased storage space. In addition, we found that the extent to which individuals support WMS improvements strongly depends on their environmental values, experiences (which are shaped by their local context), and socioeconomic factors. Our results suggest that to increase recycling rates and citizen satisfaction, there is a need for context-specific WMS designs that acknowledge the observed heterogeneity of preferences.

Contribution of ergonomics and human factors to sustainable development: a systematic literature review

Although a significant amount of research has already been published, the field of ergonomics/human factors and sustainability (E/HF-S) has not yet been systematically profiled based on recent studies. Conducting a systematic review of the literature, this article aims: (i) to identify the main emergent research themes in this subject area and (ii) to provide future directions for applied research and practice on E/HF-S. Six emergent research themes were identified in this literature allowing for a proposal to synthesise the main concepts related to E/HF-S. However, it was noted that there are still relatively few empirical papers which assess the models being developed or that apply E/HF principles to sustainability challenges. Thus, this paper identifies the opportunities for practical application related to E/HF-S. The last part of the paper explores the E/HF-S opportunities using an external framework; the United Nations' sustainable development goals.Practitioner summary: The field of ergonomics/human factors and sustainability (E/HF-S) has not yet been organised by recent studies. Conducting a systematic review of the literature, this article identifies the main emergent research themes in this subject area, and it provides future direction for applied research and practice on E/HF-S.Abbreviations: ACE: activity-centred ergonomics; E/HF: ergonomics/human factors; E/HFS: ergonomics/human factors and sustainability; IEA: International Ergonomics Association; PRISMA: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; SDG: Sustainable Development Goal.

Door-to-door waste collection: A framework for the socio - Economic evaluation and ergonomics optimisation

Waste collection is the first step of waste management, and its characteristics impact workers' health and safety. Arising out of the challenge for waste collection operators to design sustainable systems of work, the authors review the literature on ergonomics and socio-economic sustainability and design a theoretical framework for assessing the sustainability of waste collection. The framework quantitatively assess the impact of the door-to-door collection system on the health and safety of the workers to provide indications to waste collection operators on how the load carried by workers can be minimised and the economic and social sustainability can be improved. As a case study, this paper investigates the musculoskeletal disorders derived from the manual material handling of waste containers affecting the workers in charge of door-to-door sorted collection of paper waste with the goal of optimizing the workers well-being and overall waste collection system performance The research study was conducted in collaboration with a company which operates in solid waste collection for Italian municipalities. For this purpose, the ergo-quality level of two paper waste collection systems is evaluated. For each system, ten scenarios of door-to-door paper waste collection are considered. The analysis is complemented by an economic analysis, which estimates the costs associated with the collection system under consideration, and a social life-cycle assessment. Results suggest that using 120-litres capacity bins would effectively improve ergonomics and optimise the costs of the investigated activity. More specifically, due to mechanised collection, the more limited number of lifting and carrying operations would expose the workers to lower ergonomic risk.

A Review of Challenges and Approaches to Effective Medical Solid Waste Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic in India

With the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, medical solid waste management became a crucial element to control the spread of the virus. Lack of manpower, infrastructure, and knowledge have jeopardised the waste management system in India. In this respect, the present study intends to recollect and discusses the policies and guidelines of solid waste management by outlining the challenges associated with its implementation. The study adopted a review approach, where a collective appraisal and analysis of prior research, reports, lead to the evaluation of the present situation and advocated remedial measures. The study discussed measures recommended by various international organisations for effective medical waste management to deal with the present situation, as well as to eliminate and confront similar challenges in the event of future probable epidemics. Moreover, the study is a guide to the policymakers, regulatory authorities and the community for efficient medical waste management during and post-pandemic days.

The influence of internal motivation and external publicity on consumers' waste sorting behaviour

Waste sorting is an important aspect of environmental protection, which is now being enforced on a large scale in China. More broadly, it is beneficial to improve the implementation strategies for waste sorting policy and programmes. This study analyses the psychology of consumers that influences the mechanisms of consumer waste sorting and the governmental policies influencing consumers' attitudes and behaviours. About 295 validated participants were collected from four regions of China. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationship among consumers' internal motivation, government's external publicity and consumer behaviour, and the Hayes' PROCESS macro was used to test mediating effect and moderating effect. The results show that consumers' internal motivation and government's external publicity have a positive effect on consumer behaviour. Consumer attitude played a complete mediating role between consumers' internal motivation and consumer behaviour. Between the government's external publicity and consumer behaviour, consumer attitude played a complementary mediating role. Consumers with self-transcendence values, positive motivation of waste sorting and the government's external publicity had a greater positive impact on their attitudes than consumers with self-enhancement values. The greater the material benefits and psychic income consumers received from waste sorting, the more it promoted a positive attitude to consumer behaviour. The article puts forward some management suggestions to improve the government's implementation of its waste sorting policy.

Municipal solid waste management: Dynamics, risk assessment, ecological influence, advancements, constraints and perspectives

Global energy consumption has been increasing in tandem with economic growth, putting pressure on the world's supply of renewable energy sources. Municipal Solid waste (MSW) has been reported contributing immensely to the improvement of a secure environment and renewable sources. Energy scarcity and conventional MSW disposal methods in developing countries lead towards many environmental and economic issues. Scientists have been able to experiment with various waste-to-energy conversion technologies in light of this situation. This communication highlights and reviews WtE technologies to convert MSW and other feedstocks into electricity, hydrogen gas, bioethanol along with other value added products like fertilizer(s), platform chemicals as an environmentally friendly products. This review comprehensively summarized the dynamics, risk assessment, ecological influence, advancements, constraints and perspectives altogether in field of municipal solid waste management and treatment. Stare-of-the-art information on ecological influence and risk assessment in handling and transportation of municipal solid waste has been provided. Advanced trends involved in remediation of emerging pollutants and resources obtained from municipal solid wastes have been uncovered. Lastly, this paper comprises constraints and perspectives for uncovering MSW based circular bioeconomy aspects.

Prioritizing health, safety and environmental hazards by integrating risk assessment and analytic hierarchy process techniques in solid waste management facilities

The aim of this research was to assess and prioritize risk levels of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) hazards in solid waste management facilities of Tehran, Iran. The risk of HSE hazards was assessed using Fine-Kinney and environmental failure mode and effects analysis (EFMEA) methods and then the high-risk hazards were prioritized for implementing corrective actions by analytic hierarchy process (AHP) considering six criteria of (1) probability of occurrence, (2) severity of consequences, (3) simultaneous HSE effects, and (4-6) feasibility, effectiveness, and cost of corrective actions. A total number of 485 HSE hazards were identified, of which 78% were health and safety hazards and 22% were environmental hazards. The proportions of the transfer and transport, material recovery and composting facilities and landfill sites in the identified hazards were 21%, 38%, and 41%, respectively. Based on the AHP method, the leading hazards in the transfer and transport, material recovery and composting facilities, and landfill sites were exposure to bioaerosol in carwash facilities, exposure to bioaerosols and odor/volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in manual waste separation, and leachate spills in the former landfill site, respectively. This study showed that the hybrid method was an appropriate and reliable tool to prioritize HSE hazards.

Factors affecting the access to health services among waste collectors in Hanoi, Vietnam: A qualitative study

Background

Waste collection is a common practice in Vietnam. In general, the working and living conditions of waste collectors are poor. Thus, they might be exposed to occupational and environmental risk factors, which affect their health or could further exacerbate their health vulnerabilities. Moreover, they have difficulties to access to health services.

Objective

The aim of this study was to understand factors affecting the access to health services among waste collectors in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Methods

The qualitative design was used for this study. A total of 30 in-depth interviews with waste collectors and 3 focused group discussions were conducted in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2017.

Results

Findings showed the participants considered factors that affect the access to health services among waste collectors such as geographical accessibility, the availability of health facilities, the acceptance of the quality of health services, health insurance, and affordability.

Conclusions

Policy makers concerned with public health and social work need to have the suitable policies in order to promote actions on the access to health services among waste collectors.