Sustainability Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the Framework of Circular Economy Transition

Exposure, knowledge, and perceptions of hazards associated with solid waste management at the household level in jigjiga town, northeast Ethiopia

The goal of this study is to look into household exposure, knowledge, and perceptions of the risks connected with solid waste management in Jigjiga, Ethiopia. Jigjiga is currently grappling with overflowing landfills and limited waste collection, resulting in open dumping and serious health concerns such as disease transmission. The goal of this research is to better understand how Jigjiga residents interact with the waste management system, as well as their perceptions of the health and environmental issues that arise. The study employed a cross-sectional design using a multistage sampling technique. Two kebeles were used to select 200 families living near and far from the dumpsite. Questionnaires were utilized to collect data on demographics, exposure, knowledge, and risk perception. The analysis was carried out utilizing descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. A survey of 357 households in Jigjiga, Ethiopia, found concerning trends in solid waste management. 78 % of the population visits the dumpsite on a weekly basis, with the majority residing within a 3-km radius. Almost half (44.5 %) reported monthly visits. Despite this, more than 90 % of locals are aware of the health dangers connected with poor waste management. 72 % of individuals believe that inadequate waste disposal causes to illness, with diarrhea being the most prevalent health concern. This study sheds light on the exposure, understanding, and perceptions of risks associated with solid waste management at the household level in Jigjiga, Ethiopia. The findings highlight the significance of improving solid waste management processes to mitigate the negative consequences on human health, the environment, and the economy.

A systematic review of coastal zone integrated waste management for sustainability strategies

Coastal areas stand out because of their rich biodiversity and high tourist potential due to their privileged geographical position. However, one of the main problems in these areas is the generation of waste and its management, which must consider technical and sustainable criteria. This work aims to conduct a systematic review of the scientific literature on integrated solid waste management (ISWM) by considering scientific publications on the scientific basis for the proposal of sustainability strategies in the context of use and efficiency. The overall method comprises i) Search strategy, merging and processing of the databases (Scopus and Web of Science); ii) Evolution of coastal zone waste management; iii) Systematic reviews on coastal landfills and ISWM in the context of the circular economy; and iv) Quantitative synthesis in integrated waste management. The results show 282 studies focused on coastal landfills and 59 papers on ISWM with the application of circular economy criteria. Systematic reviews allowed for the definition of criteria for the selection of favorable sites, such as i) sites far from the coastline, ii) impermeable soils at their base to avoid contamination of aquifers, iii) use of remote sensing and geographic information system tools for continuous monitoring, iv) mitigation of possible contamination of ecosystems, v) planning the possibility of restoration (reforestation) and protection of the environment. In coastal zones, it is necessary to apply the ISWM approach to avoid landfill flooding and protect the marine environment, reducing rubbish and waste on beaches and oceans. Therefore, applying the circular economy in ISWM is critical to sustainability in coastal environments, with the planet's natural processes and variations due to climate change.

Applicability of the Life Cycle Assessment Model in Solid Waste Management in Zimbabwe

Solid waste increase is inevitable globally due to anthropogenic activities. This adds burden to waste management systems in developing countries including Zimbabwe. Currently, life cycle assessment (LCA) model is used to achieve sustainability and circular economy (CE) in solid waste management. Therefore, the main goal of this paper was to unearth LCA model applicability in solid waste management in Zimbabwe. Data sources were retrieved from databases like Scopus, ScienceDirect and Springer, although government documents were also used. In Zimbabwe, organic and inorganic solid waste is generated from various sources, namely industries, institutions and households. Solid waste management in Zimbabwe is based on traditional linear approach where waste is collected and disposed through landfilling, burning, incineration, burying, open pits or illegally. Most disposal approaches occupy base of waste management pyramid, hence posing detrimental impacts to human health, terrestrial, aquatic and atmospheric ecosystems. Management approaches are far from Agenda 21, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Zimbabwe Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 demands. Literature revealed that LCA model can be utilised to achieve sustainable solid waste management in countries like Zimbabwe. LCA model is essential in management of solid waste in Zimbabwe, since it assists decision makers in selecting management approaches with less environmental health impacts. Moreover, LCA enables application of waste material reuse, recycle, repairing and recovery, thus narrowing the gap to achieve CE and economic growth in Zimbabwe. Owing to LCA model implementation of waste management legislation and policies which support energy recovery and circular economy became easier in Zimbabwe.

Electricity Generation from Municipal Solid Waste in Nigeria: A Prospective LCA Study

Diverse opportunities and environmental impacts could occur from a potential move towards waste-to-energy (WtE) systems for electricity generation from municipal solid waste (MSW) in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. Given this, the purpose of this study is to use life cycle assessment (LCA) as a primary analytical approach in order to undertake a comparative analysis from an environmental impact perspective of different WtE scenarios, along with diesel backup generators (DBGs) and grid electricity. A functional unit of 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity produced was used in assessing the following environmental impact categories: abiotic depletion (fossil fuels) potential (ADP), global warming potential (GWP 100a), human toxicity potential (HTP), photochemical oxidation potential (POCP), acidification potential (AP), and eutrophication potential (EP). The overall result indicated that anaerobic digestion (AD) had the highest energy generated per one tonne of MSW processed for both Lagos (683 kWh/t) and Abuja (667 kWh/t), while landfill gas to energy (LFGTE) had the lowest for both (Lagos 171 kWh/t, Abuja 135 kWh/t). AD also had the lowest environmental impacts amongst the four WtE systems for both cities based on all the impact categories except for POCP. In contrast, LFGTE had the highest impact in all the categories except ADP and HTP. Extending the analysis to include diesel-based generators (DBG) and grid electricity saw the DBGs having the highest impact overall in ADP (14.1 MJ), HTP (0.0732 Kg, 1.4 DB eq), AP (0.0129 Kg SO2 eq), and EP (0.00313 Kg PO4 eq) and grid electricity having the lowest impact in GWP (0.497 Kg CO2 eq), AP (0.000296 Kg SO2 eq), and EP (0.000061 Kg PO4 eq). It was concluded that additional electricity supply from AD to the grid, with its potential to reduce the reliance on DBGs (worst scenario overall), would be a positive action in environmental impact terms.