Search results

1 – 10 of over 43000
Article
Publication date: 10 January 2023

Erhan Ada, Halil Kemal Ilter, Muhittin Sagnak and Yigit Kazancoglu

The main aim of this study is to understand the role of smart technologies and show the rankings of various smart technologies in collection and classification of electronic waste

Abstract

Purpose

The main aim of this study is to understand the role of smart technologies and show the rankings of various smart technologies in collection and classification of electronic waste (e-waste).

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a framework integrating the concepts of collection and classification mechanisms and smart technologies. The criteria set includes three main, which are economic, social and environmental criteria, including a total of 15 subcriteria. Smart technologies identified in this study were robotics, multiagent systems, autonomous tools, smart vehicles, data-driven technologies, Internet of things (IOT), cloud computing and big data analytics. The weights of all criteria were found using fuzzy analytic network process (ANP), and the scores of smart technologies which were useful for collection and classification of e-waste were calculated using fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR).

Findings

The most important criterion was found as collection cost, followed by pollution prevention and control, storage/holding cost and greenhouse gas emissions in collection and classification of e-waste. Autonomous tools were found as the best smart technology for collection and classification of e-waste, followed by robotics and smart vehicles.

Originality/value

The originality of the study is to propose a framework, which integrates the collection and classification of e-waste and smart technologies.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 January 2022

Andrew Ebekozien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Faith Ebekozien Emuchay, Marvelous Aigbedion, Iliye Faith Ogbaini and Andrew Igiebor Awo-Osagie

In less than a decade to Sustainable Development Goals, the urban solid waste (USW) emanating from households, especially in developing countries, calls for concern. Several…

Abstract

Purpose

In less than a decade to Sustainable Development Goals, the urban solid waste (USW) emanating from households, especially in developing countries, calls for concern. Several policies have been suggested and some implemented, but the challenges facing USW management remain, especially in developing nations. Past studies demonstrated that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies can be used to improve urban public services. The role of 4IR in mitigating the challenges of USW is yet to receive in-depth research in Nigeria. Thus, the study investigated 4IR role regarding mitigating the challenges facing USW.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven cities across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, were used as the study area to achieve the research objectives via a qualitative research design. Thirty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted from selected regulators, households, legislators, ICT experts, NGOs and waste managers. A thematic approach was adopted to analyse the collated data.

Findings

Findings group the USW challenges into five categories. The 4IR technologies can be used to manage USW; thus, they create an opportunity to integrate and promote sustainable clean cities.

Research limitations/implications

This study is confined to the 4IR role concerning mitigating the encumbrances facing USW in Nigeria and proffered feasible policies to enhance a sustainable healthy environment.

Practical implications

Proffered policy solutions will stir policymakers and construction practitioners to think outside the box and offer and better understand how 4IR technologies can be utilised to mitigate those challenges. The outcome will create sustainable clean cities as part of the implication contribution to the body of knowledge.

Originality/value

Evidence from the reviewed literature shows a paucity of literature focussed on 4IR roles in mitigating the encumbrances facing USW in Nigeria. Therefore, this study contributes to the existing research work on 4IR concerning its role in enhancing USW in Nigeria and, by extension, to other developing countries.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1999

Peter Eder and Fabio Leone

This paper examines future trends in the environment and clean technologies (ECT) sector. Seven national technology foresight studies have been reviewed with the purpose of (i…

Abstract

This paper examines future trends in the environment and clean technologies (ECT) sector. Seven national technology foresight studies have been reviewed with the purpose of (i) screening the main issues linked to environmental and clean technologies (ii) highlighting major developments that are likely to play a crucial role for future paths towards sustainability.

Details

Foresight, vol. 1 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2005

Amit Rai and D.B.N. Rao

This paper aims to provide information on the present status of waste‐based building materials technologies in India.

1050

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide information on the present status of waste‐based building materials technologies in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerous approaches are used, including the collection of authentic information on the demand for building materials in India; the availability of key building materials; the utilization of waste from mining, industrial and ore beneficiation industries and R&D status in their role as secondary resource materials; abstract information on proven technologies and future prospects; and aspects of technology transfer.

Findings

Proven technologies in waste utilization are being standardized and a certification scheme has been introduced through the Building Material & Technology Promotion Council (BMTPC) and government incentives for all waste.

Practical implications

The paper emphasizes the role of the BMTPC in the dissemination of information and the demonstration of new technologies, and also on emphasizes the favorable impact on environmental aspects.

Originality/value

The paper's findings may encourage the establishment of a wide database on the new technologies of building materials utilizing various wastes.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 June 2020

Kapil Dev Sharma and Siddharth Jain

Due to the increasing population and prosperity, the generation rate of municipal solid waste (MSW) has increased significantly, resulting in serious problems on public health and…

4982

Abstract

Purpose

Due to the increasing population and prosperity, the generation rate of municipal solid waste (MSW) has increased significantly, resulting in serious problems on public health and the environment. Every single person in the world is affected by the municipal solid waste management (MSWM) issue. MSWM is reaching a critical level in almost all areas of the world and seeking the development of MSW strategies for a sustainable environment. This paper aims to present the existing global status of MSW generation, composition, management and related problems.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 59 developed and developing countries have been grouped based on their gross national income to compare the status of various MSWM technologies among them. A total of 19 selection criteria have been discussed to select appropriate MSWM technology(s) for a city/town, which affects their applicability, operational suitability and performance. All risks and challenges arising during the life cycle of the waste to energy (WtE) project have also been discussed. This paper also gives a comparative overview of different globally accepted MSWM technologies and the present market growth of all WtE technologies.

Findings

It was found that most developed countries have effectively implemented the solid waste management (SWM) hierarchy and are now focusing heavily on reducing, reusing and recycling of MSW. On the other hand, SWM has become very serious in low-income and low-middle-income countries because most of the MSW openly dumps and most countries are dependent on inadequate waste infrastructure and the informal sector. There are also some other major challenges related to effective waste policies, availability of funds, appropriate technology selection and adequacy of trained people. This study clears the picture of MSW generation, composition, management strategies and policies at the worldwide context. This manuscript could be valuable for all nations around the world where effective MSWM has not yet been implemented.

Originality/value

This study clears the picture of solid waste generation, composition, management strategies and policies at the worldwide context. This manuscript could be valuable for all nations around the world where effective MSWM has not yet been implemented. In this study, no data was generated. All supporting data were obtained from previously published papers in journals, the outcomes of the international conferences and published reports by government organizations.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 November 2021

Honey Yadav, Umang Soni and Girish Kumar

Waste can be converted to a high-value asset if treated properly with smart solutions. The purpose of this research is to identify critical barriers hindering smart waste

Abstract

Purpose

Waste can be converted to a high-value asset if treated properly with smart solutions. The purpose of this research is to identify critical barriers hindering smart waste management (SWM) implementation in developing economies using comparative analysis and a mixed-method approach. The objective of this work is to provide exhaustive insight including the smart cities projects to discuss the deferring parameters toward IoT-enabled waste management systems.

Design/methodology/approach

To accomplish the objective, the present study followed mixed-method approach consisting of two phases: In the first qualitative phase, barriers in the adoption of IoT (Internet of Things) for SWM were identified using extensive literature review and discussion with selected experts. In the second phase, the quantitative analysis using the Fuzzy DEMATEL (Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) method was performed on the selected barriers. The fuzzy DEMATEL methodology helps in prioritizing the most significant causal barrier by separating them into the cause-effect group. The comparative analysis was used to understand two different perceptions. To provide more detailed insight on the problems faced while implementing SWM in developing economies.

Findings

The results disclose that “Lack of government strict regulatory policies,” “Lack of proper financial planning” and “Lack of benchmarking processes” are the most critical causal barriers toward IoT-enabled SWM implementation that are hindering the vision of efficient and effective waste management system. Also, “Difficulty in implementing innovative technologies” and “Absence of Dynamic Scheduling and Routing” fall under the potential causal category. The effect barriers include “Lack of awareness among the community,” “Lack of source segregation and recycling commitment” and “Lack of service provider” as concluded in results considering the comparative analysis. The results can aid the policy-makers and stakeholders to identify the significant barriers toward a sustainable circular economy and mitigate them when implementing IoT-enable waste practices. Also, it assists to proactively build programs, policies, campaigns and other measures to attain a zero-waste economy.

Research limitations/implications

The research is focused on the context of India but it provides new details which can be helpful for other developing economies to relate. The research addresses the call for studies from public-sector and citizen’s perspectives to understand the acknowledgment of SWM systems and critical success factors using qualitative and exploratory method analysis.

Practical implications

The practical implications of the study include strict regulatory policies and guidelines for SWM acceptance, proper financial administration and benchmarking waste-recycling practices (prominent causal barriers). The practical implication of the results includes assistance in smart city projects in handling barriers proactively. The “Lack of Benchmarking processes” provides a critical application to standardized recycling practices in developing economies to improve the quality of the recyclable material/product. The comparative analysis also provides in-depth reflection toward the causal barriers from both the perspective which can help the government and stakeholders to work in a unified manner and establish an efficient waste management system. The results also conclude the need for targeted training programs and workshops for field implementation of innovative technologies to overcome the causal barrier. Moreover, policy-makers should focus to improve source segregation and recycling practices and ensure dedicated communication campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to change the behavioral functioning of the community regarding waste. Lastly, developing economies struggle with the adequacy of resources to establish SWM systems, hence the authors conclude that proper financial planning is required at the ground level for smart city projects to overcome the spillover effects.

Social implications

The social implications of the study include a reduction in pollution and efficient handling of waste resulting in a healthier and cleaner environment using IoT technology. Also, the results assist decision-makers in developing economies like India to establish smart city projects initiatives effectively to improve the quality of life. It proposes to establish standardized recycling processes for the better quality of recyclables and help in attaining a sustainable circular economy.

Originality/value

The research is novel as it provides comprehensive and comparative information regarding the barriers deferring SWM including the field barriers. To our consideration, the present study serves the first to address the comparative analysis of barriers in IoT-enabled waste systems and establish the relationship from both the perspective in middle-lower income economies. The study also suggests that the effect barriers can be overcome automatically by mitigating the causal barriers in the long run.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 March 2014

André Martinuzzi and Francesca Montevecchi

The purpose of this paper is to offer a profound overview of recent research trends and structures in European waste-related research based on the 7th Framework Programme (FP7)…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a profound overview of recent research trends and structures in European waste-related research based on the 7th Framework Programme (FP7), the most important RTD programme in Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to analyse Europe-wide research efforts on waste technologies, the authors conducted a qualitative and quantitative analysis of 50 FP7-funded research projects to assess which approaches they take, which technologies they develop and which types of organisations play a leading role.

Findings

FP7 waste-related projects care for a multiplicity of environmental technologies concerning waste. The most prominent research fields comprise: first, the recovery of by-products and waste into biomass and other valuable products; second, the development of technologies to rework manufacturing discarded products and, therefore, reduce the total use of raw materials; third, the improvement of manufacturing technologies in order to cut down on industrial waste; and finally, the support of the development of recycling management processes. In total, 52 per cent of all the participants are from the industry sector, which therefore plays an essential role.

Practical implications

The analysis show that FP7 supports the shift to a cradle-to-cradle society and is partly in line with the aims of the new Flagship Initiative “A resource-efficient Europe”.

Originality/value

This analysis gives the possibility to benchmark the trend of waste-related research carried out at European level against priorities set within European directives.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 25 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2020

Yigit Kazancoglu, Melisa Ozbiltekin, Yesim Deniz Ozkan Ozen and Muhittin Sagnak

This study aims to propose an electronic waste collection and classification system to enhance social, environmental and economic sustainability by integrating data-driven…

1184

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to propose an electronic waste collection and classification system to enhance social, environmental and economic sustainability by integrating data-driven technologies in emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

GM (1, 1) model under grey prediction is used in this study in order to estimate the trend of the amount of collected electronic waste in emerging economies.

Findings

It is revealed that the amount of collected electronic waste is increasing day by day, and within the framework of sustainability in the process of collecting and classification of electronic waste, digital technologies were found to be lacking. It has been determined that this deficiency, together with the increasing amount of electronic waste, has caused environmental, social and economic damage to emerging economies.

Originality/value

The main originality of this study is integrating electronic waste collection and classification processes with data-driven technologies and sustainability, which is a relatively new subject.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 18 January 2024

Pratima Jeetah, Geeta Somaroo, Dinesh Surroop, Arvinda Kumar Ragen and Noushra Shamreen Amode

Currently, Mauritius is adopting landfilling as the main waste management method, which makes the waste sector the second biggest emitter of greenhouse gas (GHG) in the country…

Abstract

Currently, Mauritius is adopting landfilling as the main waste management method, which makes the waste sector the second biggest emitter of greenhouse gas (GHG) in the country. This presents a challenge for the island to attain its commitments to reduce its GHG emissions to 30% by 2030 to cater for SDG 13 (Climate Action). Moreover, issues like eyesores caused by littering and overflowing of bins and low recycling rates due to low levels of waste segregation are adding to the obstacles for Mauritius to attain other SDGs like SDG 11 (Make Cities & Human Settlements Inclusive, Safe, Resilient & Sustainable) and SDG 12 (Guarantee Sustainable Consumption & Production Patterns). Therefore, together with an optimisation of waste collection, transportation and sorting processes, it is important to establish a solid waste characterisation to determine more sustainable waste management options for Mauritius to divert waste from the landfill. However, traditional waste characterisation is time consuming and costly. Thus, this chapter consists of looking at the feasibility of adopting machine learning to forecast the solid waste characteristics and to improve the solid waste management processes as per the concept of smart waste management for the island of Mauritius in line with reducing the current challenges being faced to attain SDGs 11, 12 and 13.

Details

Artificial Intelligence, Engineering Systems and Sustainable Development
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-540-8

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 November 2022

Elif Dursun, Yasemin Ulker and Yavuz Gunalay

All supply chains must address waste management since it is a crucial step toward a sustainable world. This article aims to analyze the potential of blockchain technology in waste

Abstract

Purpose

All supply chains must address waste management since it is a crucial step toward a sustainable world. This article aims to analyze the potential of blockchain technology in waste management by focusing on the textile sector, which is one of the polluting industries. The study's main objective is to realize businesses' waste management practices and sustainability initiatives and then to comprehend how practitioners perceive the implementation of blockchain technology to waste management.

Design/methodology/approach

The waste management procedures and actors' perceptions of blockchain technology are examined using a qualitative study approach that adopts an in-depth interview methodology. The collected data is analyzed by a qualitative analysis software (e.g. MAXQDA).

Findings

Findings of the study show that blockchain technology is still in its infancy and needs to be communicated to the actors of the sector. The technology has low potential due to the barriers it faces during the development phase. However, it is considered to be an important technological development for the textile sector stakeholders.

Originality/value

This study is important to notice at what stage the waste management practices and how to develop better with modern technologies like blockchain. Blockchain technology has essential potential for supply chains, but sustainability concerns are becoming a major issue to be solved. Waste management is therefore an important subject to be analyzed and provided with innovative solutions that will contribute to sustainability efforts. To the author's best knowledge, this is the first attempt to comprehend the potential of blockchain in the textile industry in terms of waste management.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 34 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 43000