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Oluwadipe S, Garelick H, McCarthy S, Purchase D. A critical review of household recycling barriers in the United Kingdom. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2022; 40:905-918. [PMID: 34802336 PMCID: PMC9109241 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x211060619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The UK recycling rate fluctuates between 45% and 47% and has consistently failed to meet the 65% target set by the post-Brexit Resource and Waste Strategy. Understanding the issues surrounding the low recycling rate in metropolitan cities in the United Kingdom will help to overcome these recycling challenges. The review examines the current situation with regard to the recycling rate and tonnage of waste produced in the United Kingdom based on available secondary waste flow data and explores different barriers related to household recycling. Many areas giving rise to the recycling challenges have been identified, including waste policy constraints, lack of effective communication, public engagement, physical barriers, service constraints, human factors and socio-economic barriers. The literature review reveals that factors such as waste policy, communication and physical factors were the most important aspects in influencing recycling rate or output. It is concluded that a multi-dimension intervention is required, which includes a thorough review of waste policy, a more stringent enforcement, an improved communication strategy and a more integrated planning development policy to mitigate issues affecting the United Kingdom's low recycling rate or output. This approach will propel the local authorities to launch or initiate effective recycling management and to put in place the required infrastructure to facilitate effective recycling activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Oluwadipe
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, UK
- Environment and City Management, Westminster City Council, London, UK
| | - Hemda Garelick
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | - Simon McCarthy
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | - Diane Purchase
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, UK
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Awareness of Citizens for the Single-Use Plastics: Comparison between a High-Income and an Upper-Middle-Income Economy of the Easter Mediterranean Region, Greece and Lebanon. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14031912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastics have become an integral part of daily human life for the last 50 years because, due to their durability, low cost and ease of construction, they have replaced many other materials. However, the same characteristics that make plastics particularly desirable are also what make them ubiquitous in the environment, especially as much of the plastic is designed to be discarded almost immediately after use. This study investigates the opinion and behavior concerning the current use of plastics, their end-of-life (recycling) scenario, and the potential for their replacement with more sustainable and biodegradable materials in Greece and Lebanon. The survey was conducted during April and May 2021 in the main cities of the two countries. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were analyzed, using simple descriptive statistics, chi-square test and PCA analysis. The results show that even if the respondents of both countries stated significant awareness of environmental issues, they often use single-use plastics. Furthermore, the respondents (in both Greece and Lebanon) say that it would be fair to pay more for products in a package made of biodegradable materials. Finally, the statistical analysis of the results shows that in both Greece and Lebanon, there is a small increase in the use of reusable products during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic.
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Hameed M, Bhat RA, Pandit BA, Ramzan S, Dijoo ZK, Wani MA. Qualitative assessment of compost engendered from municipal solid waste and green waste by indexing method. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2022; 72:210-219. [PMID: 34292860 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2021.1959466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The present study aims at quantification of the quality of three varieties of composts made from municipal solid waste, green waste and combined waste by critically evaluating their physicochemical attributes, effect on soil fertility and metal pollution risk. Each waste type was treated with effective micro-organisms to compare the compost quality using Quality Control Indices. The effect of microbial consortia on the wastes was prominent resulting in decreased pH levels and increased electrical conductivity. C/N ratio ranged between 14-24 for waste composts without microbial treatment, and 8-11 for microbial treated wastes. The fertility parameter was observed to be more in microbial treated waste composts. Also, heavy metals concentration in waste compost without effective microbial treatment was higher than the types given EM. Based on the fertility and clean indices, the treated and untreated municipal solid waste and combined waste compost belonged to class RU-1 and class D, respectively. Moreover, compost prepared from treated and untreated green waste belonged to classes B and C respectively. In general, the prepared CW and GW composts have medium to high fertilizing potential and are fit for domestic as well as commercial use. However, MSW compost is not fit for agricultural purposes as it didn't improve soil fertility to a greater extent but can be used as a soil conditioner in limited quantity as it can cause metal toxicity. For this reason, proper segregation of inputs at the start of a composting process is necessary to improve its quality before being put to agricultural use as any unbalanced or unchecked content of mixed waste will affect the overall compost quality.Implications: Significance of the work: The research dealt with different combinations of segregated wastes to analyze the best fit solid waste compost. Experiments were conducted on the actual landfill site area to simulate the conditions for the process. The manuscript provides evidence and other facts advocating the use of composting for waste management and ultimately reducing pollution caused by landfilling. It ought to cause a multiplier effect if the same is to be followed in other parts of the world, and thus working our way toward getting the Smart city project to fruition. The results of the study exhibit the differences in physiochemical nature of various types of composts. A treatment of microbial consortium with restrictions enabled a conducive atmosphere in the colonies to thrive faster and initiate the process of decomposition. We observed that treated samples converted faster into compost as compared to non-treated samples. We also observed the effect of treatment on fertility parameters of prepared compost samples. In general, it was found that the organic carbon and C/N ratio declined while the total nitrogen and total potassium was observed to increase with very little to no change in phosphorous content, with the inoculation of beneficial micro-organisms throughout the composting course. A reduction in the heavy metal levels was observed in samples treated with active micro-organisms. The compost classification into A, B, C, and D classes represents the quality of compost and further use in agricultural land on commercial levels. The quality index values were determined highest for green waste compost (GWC). The municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) exhibited lowest index values. Therefore, based on the quality index values, the utilization of GWC will aid in reutilizing the green waste and in boosting soil fertility and reduce the waste quantity generation rates. It's also necessary to make compost making widespread among the farmers for a sustainable environment. The GWC has been considered as a sustainable option of waste management, being economically and ecologically viable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehvish Hameed
- College of Agricultural Engineering, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Rouf Ahmad Bhat
- Division of Environmental Science, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Bashir Ahmad Pandit
- College of Agricultural Engineering, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Shazia Ramzan
- Division of Soil Sciences, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Zulaykha Khurshid Dijoo
- Department of Environmental Science/ Center of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad Wani
- Division of Soil Sciences, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
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Tzortzi A, Kapetanstrataki M, Rachiotis G, Evangelopoulou V, Leventou E, Behrakis P. Perceived Importance of Public Health Risks in Greece: A Nationwide Survey of the Adult Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168256. [PMID: 34444006 PMCID: PMC8393876 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The current study is the first to examine the perceptions of the Greek public towards selected health risks and prioritize perceived risk importance and the needs to be addressed for public health promotion. Participants were asked to consider the individual importance of selected risks and the top three most important risks. Data collection took place on February 2020 in a representative sample of the adult Greek population. Differences between groups were assessed with Chi-square tests. Logistic regression models were used to identify perceptions based on participants’ characteristics. Analysis was conducted in Stata 14, and 1976 adults participated in the survey: 48% male and 52% female. Road accidents, cancer and air pollution and environmental protection were considered the top three most important public health risks. Differences were observed between sexes; females were more concerned regarding the importance of the examined public health risks, and between age groups, younger ages considered STDs and contraception more important than older ages. Finally, non-smokers considered exercise and smoking to be more important than smokers. This is the first study to present and grade the public’s perceptions on the importance of public health risks in Greece. Our study’s prioritization of health risks could aid health authorities in improving and promoting the overall public health in Greece.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tzortzi
- George D. Behrakis Research Lab, Hellenic Cancer Society, 11521 Athens, Greece; (A.T.); (V.E.); (P.B.)
- Institute of Public Health, The American College of Greece, 15342 Athens, Greece
| | - Melpo Kapetanstrataki
- George D. Behrakis Research Lab, Hellenic Cancer Society, 11521 Athens, Greece; (A.T.); (V.E.); (P.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2106470056
| | - Georgios Rachiotis
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Thessaly, 38221 Volos, Greece;
| | - Vaso Evangelopoulou
- George D. Behrakis Research Lab, Hellenic Cancer Society, 11521 Athens, Greece; (A.T.); (V.E.); (P.B.)
| | - Eleni Leventou
- School of Allied and Public Health Professions, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury CT1 1QU, UK;
| | - Panagiotis Behrakis
- George D. Behrakis Research Lab, Hellenic Cancer Society, 11521 Athens, Greece; (A.T.); (V.E.); (P.B.)
- Institute of Public Health, The American College of Greece, 15342 Athens, Greece
- Athens Medical Center, 15125 Athens, Greece
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Vlachokostas C, Achillas C, Diamantis V, Michailidou AV, Baginetas K, Aidonis D. Supporting decision making to achieve circularity via a biodegradable waste-to-bioenergy and compost facility. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 285:112215. [PMID: 33621887 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Bioproducts, such as energy and fertilizers, are strongly interrelated with the biodegradable waste treatment processes, within a holistic management strategy. Although different forms of biological treatment technologies are available, anaerobic digestion represents a process of major importance in the overall management strategy of biodegradable waste. This paper presents a methodology to support decision making for efficient management of biodegradable waste. The decision support framework provides the background towards the selection and design of a biodegradable waste installation with emphasis on the recovery of energy and organic fertilizer. The discrete steps are analytically defined and illustrated to assist managers and policy makers to organize their decision making in the whole spectrum of procedures required to promote sustainable biodegradable waste management programs. The methodological approach developed can be generically applied by public authorities, producers and stakeholders following essential basic steps regarding safe and environmentally friendly production of high-quality final product. Moreover, a demonstration is performed for a real-case study for the Region of Serres, Greece. The proposed installation is expected to manage 3,285 t of biodegradable waste and generate approximately 160,000 m3/a of biogas, 400 MWhel/a and 450 MWhthermal/a. The final bioproduct exceeds 3 kt of digestate that will be valorized in arable land close to the installation. Crucial interactions and managerial insights are also highlighted. The decision support framework aims to assist the research community, the private sector and decision makers to produce affordable and sustainable compost/digestate recovered from waste, also supporting the transition to a low carbon future and sustainable -circular- development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Vlachokostas
- Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Environmental Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Box 483, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Charisios Achillas
- Department of Supply Chain Management, International Hellenic University, Kanelopoulou 2, 60100, Katerini, Greece
| | - Vasileios Diamantis
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67100, Xanthi, Greece
| | - Alexandra V Michailidou
- Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Environmental Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Box 483, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Baginetas
- Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food, General Secretariat of Agricultural Policy and European Funds Management, Acharnon 2, 10176, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Aidonis
- Department of Supply Chain Management, International Hellenic University, Kanelopoulou 2, 60100, Katerini, Greece
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