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Book part
Publication date: 13 September 2018

Singh Intrachooto

The circular economy has become a significant policy in many countries around the world. In order to achieve a circular economy, wasteful use of resources must be reduced and waste

Abstract

The circular economy has become a significant policy in many countries around the world. In order to achieve a circular economy, wasteful use of resources must be reduced and waste products from manufacturing must be reintroduced into production systems. It is, however, impossible to totally avoid scraps from the production of most goods. This chapter describes an investigation of current practices of 108 small-and-medium-sized manufacturers (SMEs) regarding their use of solid wastes or scraps. Of particular interest are the scraps generated by SMEs because they comprise 98.5% of all manufacturers in Thailand. Despite concern regarding the growing volume of scraps from production lines, this study collected data from both factory visits and from manufacturers and found that waste reclamation policies among SMEs are rare. Most factory owners resort to selling off-cuts to formal and informal recyclers as well as dumping scraps in the city’s bins. Despite the general recognition of the growing creative industry in Thailand, the use of design has not been considered as a potential solution to this problem by manufacturers. Since failures in scrap reclamation schemes for product designs also hinge on market prospects and opportunities perceived by manufacturers, market strategies in the green economy must be devised. Only then can Thailand achieve circular material flow in its industrial sector.

Details

Unmaking Waste in Production and Consumption: Towards the Circular Economy
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-620-4

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2022

Pattaraporn Warintarawej and Pichetwut Nillaor

The research objectives are as follows: to understand the situation of solid waste management in the Makham Tia Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Surat Thani Province…

Abstract

Purpose

The research objectives are as follows: to understand the situation of solid waste management in the Makham Tia Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Surat Thani Province, Thailand; identify the patterns in household waste generation and 3Rs behavior (recycle, reuse and reduce waste); and formulate sustainable municipal solid waste management guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aimed to propose the solution by using data analysis and a participatory research approach to set the guidelines for sustainable community waste management in a low-budget area. A survey of household behavior was done with questionnaires. Mixed clustering using the Gower coefficient was performed to assess the categorical socio-demographic variables along with the numeric variables related to the 3Rs behavior. The guidelines for waste management were generated based on the characteristics of the household groups.

Findings

The guidelines for waste management were generated based on the characteristics of the household groups. An appropriate practical plan for municipal solid waste management in Makham Tia Subdistrict was proposed in this work. The study showed that the guidelines were implemented and revised by members of the community, and this led to the development of sustainable community solid waste management for the future.

Originality/value

The goal of this study was to provide a solution for sustainable community waste management in a low-budget location by using data mining techniques and a participatory research approach. The study showed that the guidelines were implemented and revised by members of the community, and this led to the development of sustainable community solid waste management for the future.

Details

foresight, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 February 2022

Jaspreet Kaur, Emmanuel Mogaji, Deepti Wadera and Sangeeta Gupta

This study aims to investigate the domestic sustainable consumption practices in Indian households and the motivations to do so. These practices also contribute to environment…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the domestic sustainable consumption practices in Indian households and the motivations to do so. These practices also contribute to environment management and its impact on Indian society through the action of reusing, reducing and recycling of consumed products for two generations, namely, the Baby Boomer and the Generation Z.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory qualitative research was undertaken in which the data were collected through personal interview technique with 64 respondents including males and females from the generations of Baby Boomers and Generation Z of Indian households.

Findings

The theoretical framework of the 3R was extended to inculcate broader themes like awareness, action and motivation for the domestic sustainable activities. The findings conclude that the domestic sustainable consumption practices of Baby Boomers in India were far more advanced than their Generation Z counterparts. These two generations differed in their awareness sources, actions of sustainability and the motivations for undergoing the domestic sustainable activities. Managerial implications have been framed for organisations like start-ups, sustainable firms, government organisations and second-hand product vendors. These practices in such organisations could help in the enhancement of circular economy through the domestic waste disposal.

Practical implications

Practical implications are for organisations that can consider the domestic sustainability consumption practices while planning their strategies to maximise stakeholder satisfaction through their corporate social responsibility initiatives and create more goodwill and growth avenues for their businesses.

Originality/value

Where most of the past literature concentrates on the supply chain and manufacturing initiatives of sustainability or sustainable consumption, very few studies look at the angle of domestic sustainability initiative and how they could be linked to the initiative of circular economy. This paper fills this gap in past literature.

Details

Society and Business Review, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5680

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2020

Yuhong Zhao

The purpose of this paper is to examine China's approach to circular economy (CE) and investigate how the foreign concept of CE has been turned into a national strategy for…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine China's approach to circular economy (CE) and investigate how the foreign concept of CE has been turned into a national strategy for implementation in production, circulation and consumption. This study aims to highlight the Chinese characteristics in the implementation of CE from central to local levels including the “trial and test” by pilot schemes and the role of local governments in CE transformation of industrial parks and in building CE cities. Based on what has been achieved, this paper aims to identify the gaps to be filled in the next stage of CE implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper engages in critical analysis of state policies, plans, laws and regulations and case studies of Suzhou New District and Shanghai city in the building CE-oriented industrial park and CE city, respectively.

Findings

China has taken a top-down approach to CE characterised by strong government involvement in both policy and plan making and implementation at local levels. The government’s financial investment and administrative assistance proved to be crucial in the early stage of CE implementation to close the loop at industrial parks and in cities. In comparison, participation by enterprises and individuals is still weak and limited, which should be the focus of the next stage of CE implementation.

Originality/value

There is an absence of legal literature that studies circular economy in China. This paper fills the gap by examining the development of CE law and policy as well as CE implementation at local levels from industrial parks to cities.

Details

Journal of Property, Planning and Environmental Law, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9407

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 26 January 2023

Mary Rose Maharlika P. Cruz

This case highlights the issues and challenges of implementing solid waste management program in Polytechnic University of the Philippines – San Pedro Campus. As a local…

Abstract

This case highlights the issues and challenges of implementing solid waste management program in Polytechnic University of the Philippines – San Pedro Campus. As a local government-funded educational institution with an enrollment of over a thousand students, management of solid waste has been a concern with lack of manpower as one of the main reasons. The Campus Administration believed that solid waste management requires a collective effort of its stakeholders including the students. These students do not only contribute to the waste generation in the campus, but they can also suffer from the ill effects of poor waste management even in their communities. All of these are hugely attributed to their inadequate awareness about proper waste disposal and lack of initiative to implement changes. From a social marketing perspective, shaping students’ ability to recognize the magnitude of these issues and take corrective measures to solve them will benefit not only the campus but also the community at large.

Article
Publication date: 13 April 2012

Mohammed Arif, Deepthi Bendi, Tahsin Toma‐Sabbagh and Monty Sutrisna

The growth of Indian economy has brought with it significant increase in construction activities. These increased construction activities have further highlighted the problem of…

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Abstract

Purpose

The growth of Indian economy has brought with it significant increase in construction activities. These increased construction activities have further highlighted the problem of waste generation on construction sites. The purpose of this paper is to provide important insights and highlight some issues related to the implementation of effective waste management practices on construction sites in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents two cases and results from semi‐structured interviews which shed light on some of the major issues, challenges and drivers associated with the implementation of waste management in construction in India.

Findings

One of the key findings was that client preference and enforcement of existing laws could actually facilitate the implementation of waste minimisation effectively. Some of the practices being followed, and which are gaining more popularity, are waste quantification, waste segregation, and the implementation of 3Rs (reduce, recycle, and reuse). Congested construction sites, sites in heavily built‐up areas with no ability to have an alternate storage or staging location for materials, lack of ownership of waste due to the presence of multiple contractors on the construction site and lack of awareness and education among the construction workforce were regarded as major challenges associated with the implementation of waste minimisation practices in India.

Research limitations/implications

The cases and the interviewees chosen were through the authors' links with the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). The cases were LEED registered projects therefore issues dealing with green construction had been taken into account. These cases might not be representative of the entire country, as there are significantly high proportions of construction projects that are not as green, especially in smaller cities in India. However, the two cases do provide important insights and highlight some issues related to the implementation of effective waste management practices on construction sites in India. The individuals interviewed also had link with IGBC. They had been involved with the green building movement in India for a significant length of time. But the length and breadth of their experience gave them the ability to comment on state of the construction sector and its green as well as non‐green practices associated with waste management.

Originality/value

This paper presents an exploratory study which assesses the implementation of waste management practices in the Indian construction industry. It also highlights activities within different stages of a construction project that can lead to more effective waste management in the construction sector.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2018

Bupe Getrude Mwanza, Charles Mbohwa and Arnesh Telukdarie

The purpose of this paper is to review the present municipal solid wastes (MSWs) management system, from an engineering management (EM) perspective, for the City of Kitwe while…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the present municipal solid wastes (MSWs) management system, from an engineering management (EM) perspective, for the City of Kitwe while proposing a levers-driven sustainable municipal solid waste management (MSWM) model focussing on improving waste management (WM).

Design/methodology/approach

The research work involves four stages. First, a comprehensive review of literature is conducted on MSWM. Second, structured interviews are conducted with key experts in solid waste management in the City of Kitwe in order to enhance the knowledge inputs. Third, direct observations and an interview with a WM driver are conducted in order to understand; the collection, disposal and treatment options for MSWs. Lastly, a sustainable model for managing MSWs is proposed

Findings

The research findings indicate that the existing MSW system for the city is highly unsustainable and lacks EM methodologies. There are still a number of challenges in the management of MSWs which include: lack of proper collection and storage of MSWs; lack of an engineered landfill; lack of waste recovery and treatment systems; and lack of public education aimed at reducing and separating MSWs.

Practical implications

A correct and detailed database for waste generation, collection, treatment and disposal is needed for the City of Kitwe. The system is necessary for WM resources allocation as well as for planning sustainable WM projects. The proposed model has been developed based on the actual observations, data collection and analysis.

Originality/value

The research identifies a gap in the management of MSWs for the City of Kitwe. This work is original as no similar MSW model has been proposed globally and specific for a developing economy such as Africa.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 February 2017

Siwaporn Tangwanichagapong, Vilas Nitivattananon, Brahmanand Mohanty and Chettiyappan Visvanathan

This paper aims to describe the effects of 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) waste management initiatives on a campus community. It ascertains the environmental attitudes and…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the effects of 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) waste management initiatives on a campus community. It ascertains the environmental attitudes and opinions of the residents and investigates their behavioral responses to waste management initiatives. Practical implications for enhancing sustainable waste management are discussed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

Demonstration projects on waste segregation and recycling, as well as waste a reduction campaign, were set up on the campus to ascertain people’s attitudes and investigate their behavioral responses toward 3R practices. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey, observations, interviews and the project’s document review. A waste audit and waste composition analysis was carried out to assess waste flows and actual waste management behaviors and measure the change in the recycling rate.

Findings

3R waste management initiatives had positive effects on people’s attitudes about resources, waste management and consciousness of the need to avoid waste, but these initiatives did not affect recycling and waste management behavior. A voluntary approach-only cannot bring about behavioral change. Incentive measures showed a greater positive effect on waste reduction to landfills. Nevertheless, the demonstration projects helped to increase the overall campus recycling from 10 to 12 per cent.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a literature gap about the 3R attitudes and resulting behavior as part of campus sustainability of higher education institutions in a developing country. The authors’ results revealed hurdles to be overcome and presents results that can be compared to behavioral responses of people from other developed countries. These findings can be used as a guide for higher education institution’s policy-makers, as they indicate that voluntary instruments alone will not yield effective results, and other mechanisms that have an impact on people's behavior are required.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 13 September 2018

Abstract

Details

Unmaking Waste in Production and Consumption: Towards the Circular Economy
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-620-4

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2017

Shiva Shankar Y. and Rachit Khandelwal

The concept of sustainability has been gaining importance globally due to the growing environmental concerns and rising support from the nations to conserve the planet…

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Abstract

Purpose

The concept of sustainability has been gaining importance globally due to the growing environmental concerns and rising support from the nations to conserve the planet. Particularly for a country like India, this approach is highly relevant for combating the increasing stress on different sectors of the society due to the growing population. Solid waste management is an important sector that requires an immediate attention in the current context. Implementation of integrated sustainable waste management approach minimizes the waste and provides economic benefits, through best suitable method for managing the waste. In the present scenario, it is difficult for local bodies to apply this approach throughout the country due to diverse conditions and financial constraints. However this approach can be implemented through decentralization of solid waste management by the local bodies at a small scale. Technical institutes have a greater role to play in the society by nurturing the young minds about the need and ways to develop a sustainable society. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The study area discussed in this paper is Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology situated on Agra-Mumbai national highway, Guna district, Madhya Pradesh, India. It covers an area of 125 acres and houses a population more than 3,000. The present work discusses about the development of strategic plan for sustainable waste management on the campus through the characterization and analysis of waste samples collected from academic buildings, hostels, mess, shopping complex and residential areas for beneficial utilization.

Findings

The study revealed that potential benefits such as biogas generation from organic waste, resource optimization through 3R concept (reduce, reuse and recycle) from paper, plastics, cardboard, glass, metals, etc. could be derived by adopting suitable waste management strategy.

Originality/value

The present work discusses the feasible options for the efficient utilization of the components of solid waste through integrated solid waste management system. The university with its diverse nature of wastes generated from academic buildings, hostels, mess, shopping complex and residential areas; provides a good opportunity to understand the options for sustainable waste management on the campus for wider applications.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

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