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Waste Recycling Materials and Technologies: Latest Advances and Prospects
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Waste Recycling Materials and Technologies: Latest Advances and Prospects

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2025 | Viewed by 6013

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Miguel Suffo

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Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design, High Engineering School, Universidad de Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Spain
Interests: composites, biocomposites and agrocomposites manufacturing; information technology in manufacturing; ecodesign and green manufacturing; circular bioeconomy
Prof. Dr. Francisco Jesús Fernández Morales

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Chemical and Environmental Technologies (ITQUIMA), Department of Chemical Engineering, University Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
Interests: anaerobic digestion; biogas; anaerobic fermentation; biohydrogen; microbial fuel cell; bioelectro systems; bioelectrochemistry; energetic valorisation of wastes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Jose Luis García-Morales

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Sea and Environmental Sciences, University of Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Spain
Interests: anaerobic digestion; biogas; anaerobic fermentation; composting; biohydrogen; valorisation of wastes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, "Waste Recycling Materials and Technologies: Latest Advances and Prospects", is dedicated to exploring the latest developments in material recycling and associated technologies. It covers a broad spectrum of topics, including innovations in waste processing, the conversion of waste into useful resources, and strategies for environmental sustainability. This collection contributes to the field with research articles, comprehensive reviews, and case studies that highlight best practices and technological advances. This publication is an essential platform for academics, engineers, and industry professionals interested in the most advanced and promising solutions for waste management and circular economy. It also provides insights into future challenges and opportunities in the field of recycling and material reuse.

Prof. Dr. Miguel Suffo
Prof. Dr. Francisco Jesús Fernández Morales
Prof. Dr. Jose Luis García-Morales
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • waste recycling
  • recycling technologies
  • environmental sustainability
  • circular bioeconomy and economy
  • material processing
  • eco-friendly solutions
  • waste conversion
  • textile waste management

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 2210 KiB  
Article
Urban Biorefinery Demonstration: Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates from a Municipal Solid Waste
by Irene Izarra, Irene Álvarez, F. Javier Pinar and Javier Mena
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 3272; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063272 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 366
Abstract
The production of short-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates (scl-PHAs) from municipal solid waste-derived volatile fatty acids (VFAs) has been demonstrated. The objective of the study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of the process under real operational conditions. Moreover, the process operation was conducted without pH [...] Read more.
The production of short-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates (scl-PHAs) from municipal solid waste-derived volatile fatty acids (VFAs) has been demonstrated. The objective of the study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of the process under real operational conditions. Moreover, the process operation was conducted without pH and temperature control to reduce potential industrial implementation barriers, i.e., by simplifying the process control and minimizing the auxiliary services available for the process. A two-step bioprocess was developed, consisting of an enrichment phase in a 20 m3 fermenter operated for 214 days and an accumulation phase carried out in a 3 m3 batch fermenter across 39 accumulation cycles. In the enrichment phase, steady-state conditions were achieved once the feast/famine ratio was lower than 0.2 h/h. Thus, the impact of environmental conditions was analyzed. It was found that the system’s response was a destabilization of the culture under sharp variations at environmental temperature, followed by an adaptation period and final recovery of the system. During the accumulation phase, the impact of chemical oxygen demand (COD) feeding rates was assessed, with a maximum scl-PHA accumulation of 59 wt.% (2.87 g/L) recorded. The extraction process was also performed at demonstrative scale using dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as the solvent, yielding a scl-PHA recovery of 92% with a purity of 90%. These results confirm the technical feasibility of producing scl-PHAs from municipal organic waste at demonstrative scale, supporting the circular bioeconomy model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Recycling Materials and Technologies: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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14 pages, 4146 KiB  
Article
Upcycling Alum Sludge as a Reinforcement in PBAT Composites: A Sustainable Approach to Waste Valorisation
by Dongyang Sun, Thomas Henthorn, Carmen-Mihaela Popescu and Reza Salehiyan
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 2591; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052591 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 477
Abstract
This study explores the valorisation of alum sludge, a byproduct of water treatment processes, as a sustainable reinforcement material in Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) composites. The research aims to address industrial waste challenges by developing eco-friendly composite materials while promoting circular economy principles. Alum [...] Read more.
This study explores the valorisation of alum sludge, a byproduct of water treatment processes, as a sustainable reinforcement material in Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) composites. The research aims to address industrial waste challenges by developing eco-friendly composite materials while promoting circular economy principles. Alum sludge particles, classified into two size distributions (<63 µm and <250 µm), were incorporated into PBAT matrices at varying concentrations. The composites were characterised for their mechanical, thermal, crystallographic, and moisture adsorption properties; and their biodegradation behaviour was evaluated through soil burial tests over 60 days. The results revealed that the 63 µm particle size fraction exhibited superior performance compared to the 250 µm fraction, demonstrating improved mechanical properties, reduced degradation rates, and enhanced interfacial bonding. Composites with 5 wt.% alum sludge achieved a balance between reinforcement and processability, outperforming the other filler concentrations examined. This innovative approach highlights the potential of upcycling alum sludge into functional materials, advancing sustainable waste management and composite manufacturing. Furthermore, the observed variation in degradation rates suggests that these composites can be tailored for applications requiring controlled compostability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Recycling Materials and Technologies: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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16 pages, 2118 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Shifts and Smart Stats: Improving Biodrying in Waste Management
by Luka Traven
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1432; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031432 - 30 Jan 2025
Viewed by 717
Abstract
The biodrying process is a well-established method in solid waste management for reducing the moisture content of municipal solid waste (MSW), facilitating its mechanical treatment, enhancing energy recovery efficiency, and simplifying disposal. However, challenges such as variability in drying efficiency, seasonal fluctuations, and [...] Read more.
The biodrying process is a well-established method in solid waste management for reducing the moisture content of municipal solid waste (MSW), facilitating its mechanical treatment, enhancing energy recovery efficiency, and simplifying disposal. However, challenges such as variability in drying efficiency, seasonal fluctuations, and operational inconsistencies limit its optimization and broader applicability. This study undertakes a detailed evaluation of biodrying operations using Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques to improve process stability and identify key factors influencing efficiency. Data collected over a one-year period from a waste management facility employing Herhoff Rotteboxes® reveal an average drying efficiency of 28%, with notable seasonal trends showing reduced efficiency during summer and fall. A regression model analyzing waste load, operational parameters, and seasonal effects accounted for 25% of the variability in drying efficiency, suggesting additional factors like waste composition and microbial activity significantly impact the process. This study highlights the value of SPC tools in monitoring process stability and demonstrates how targeted optimization strategies—such as seasonal adjustments and refined loading practices—can enhance biodrying outcomes. By addressing gaps in current practices, these findings contribute to the advancement of waste management technologies and support the development of more efficient and sustainable systems for handling municipal solid waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Recycling Materials and Technologies: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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14 pages, 5221 KiB  
Article
Recycling Bitumen for Composite Material Production: Potential Applications in the Construction Sector
by Ergo Rikmann, Uno Mäeorg, Neeme Vaino, Vello Pallav, Oliver Järvik and Jüri Liiv
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 1313; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15031313 - 27 Jan 2025
Viewed by 983
Abstract
During roof renovations, large quantities of waste BBRM (bitumen-based roofing materials) are generated, and the possibilities for recycling these materials have so far been very limited. In general, they can be crushed and mixed with asphalt to pave roads or can be burned [...] Read more.
During roof renovations, large quantities of waste BBRM (bitumen-based roofing materials) are generated, and the possibilities for recycling these materials have so far been very limited. In general, they can be crushed and mixed with asphalt to pave roads or can be burned for energy. While waste plastic materials are often recycled, the remelting process significantly degrades their durability and mechanical properties. Unlike conventional methods, our recycling process results in a material with properties that are in many ways superior to the original materials. It is durable, weather resistant, and has exceptionally high mechanical strength. This material can be used to produce various construction components, including replacing quickly degradable wooden parts in structures. The composite material demonstrates increased flexibility, enhanced tensile strength, and improved resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and environmental degradation compared to standard bitumen. The process is simple and can be carried out directly at the renovation site using a portable device. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Recycling Materials and Technologies: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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17 pages, 2828 KiB  
Article
Catalytic Hydrothermal Treatment for the Recycling of Composite Materials from the Aeronautics Industry
by José M. Vázquez-Fernández, José M. Abelleira-Pereira, Belén García-Jarana, Lucio Cardozo-Filho, Jezabel Sánchez-Oneto and Juan R. Portela-Miguélez
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(21), 9874; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14219874 - 29 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1036
Abstract
Epoxy resin composite matrices reinforced with carbon fibers are highly demanded by certain industries such as the aeronautics industry because of their exceptional mechanical properties. Unfortunately, the use of reinforcing carbon fibers makes these composite materials hard to recycle by conventional methods. Therefore, [...] Read more.
Epoxy resin composite matrices reinforced with carbon fibers are highly demanded by certain industries such as the aeronautics industry because of their exceptional mechanical properties. Unfortunately, the use of reinforcing carbon fibers makes these composite materials hard to recycle by conventional methods. Therefore, in this study, specific hydrothermal treatments have been employed to recover carbon fibers from the offcuts of composite parts from the aeronautics industry. The resin decomposition rates (DRs) achieved by different settings of the operating parameters, such as the use of alkaline catalysts (KOH, NaOH, or K2CO3), the application of mechanical stirring, the use of different reaction times, the solvent volume/composite mass ratio, the specific surface area (surface area/mass) of the composite pieces, and the operating temperature and pressure (subcritical or supercritical conditions), have been examined and assessed. Under the conditions that have been evaluated, resin decomposition rates nearly as high as 98% have been achieved, while the recycled fibers retained over 95% of their original tensile strength (TS). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Recycling Materials and Technologies: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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17 pages, 2001 KiB  
Article
Impact of Nanoparticle Addition and Ozone Pre-Treatment on Mesophilic Methanogenesis in Temperature-Phased Anaerobic Digestion
by Encarnación Díaz Domínguez, María Eugenia Ibañez López, Jacek Mąkinia, Francisco Jesús Fernández-Morales and José Luis García Morales
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(20), 9504; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209504 - 17 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1210
Abstract
Biodegradable organic waste offers significant opportunities for resource recovery within the frame of the circular economy. In this work, the effects of carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles and ozone pre-treatments in the mesophilic methanogenic stage of a temperature-phased an-aerobic digestion have been studied using biochemical [...] Read more.
Biodegradable organic waste offers significant opportunities for resource recovery within the frame of the circular economy. In this work, the effects of carbon-encapsulated iron nanoparticles and ozone pre-treatments in the mesophilic methanogenic stage of a temperature-phased an-aerobic digestion have been studied using biochemical methanogenic potential (BMP) tests and modeling simulation. To do that, digestates from a pre-treated thermophilic acidogenic reactor that co-digested sludge and wine vinasse were used. The addition of nanoparticles favored the removal of particulate matter, which increased by 9% and 6% in terms of total solids and volatile solids, respectively. When combined with ozone pre-treatment, these increases were 27% and 24%, respectively, demonstrating enhanced AD efficiency. The dose of iron nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon did not result in a statistically significant increase in methane production when sludge and vinasse were used as feedstock. The combination of nanoparticles with the ozone pre-treatment significantly improved the methanogenic phase of the second stage, increasing the methane production yield by 22% and reducing the lag phase from 10 days to 3 days, according to the modified Gompertz model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Recycling Materials and Technologies: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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Review

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30 pages, 6442 KiB  
Review
Macroissues with Microplastics: A Review on Distribution, Environmental Impacts, Pollutant Interactions, Toxicity, Analytical Methodology and Mitigation Strategies
by Aleksandra Anić-Vučinić, Dunja Turk and Anja Bek
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 4057; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15074057 - 7 Apr 2025
Viewed by 508
Abstract
Although plastic has many desirable properties and numerous social benefits, it is a serious ecological problem due to massive application and difficult decomposing. Various environmental and anthropogenic impacts indicate that plastic breaks down into small particles that are ubiquitous in the environment. Microplastics [...] Read more.
Although plastic has many desirable properties and numerous social benefits, it is a serious ecological problem due to massive application and difficult decomposing. Various environmental and anthropogenic impacts indicate that plastic breaks down into small particles that are ubiquitous in the environment. Microplastics (MPs) are detected in oceans and seas, freshwater, wastewater, glaciers, soils, air, sediments, precipitation, plants, animals, humans, food and drinking water worldwide. Traces of MPs have been found even in remote and sparsely populated areas, indicating far-reaching movement through environmental compartments. Inadequate waste management and wastewater treatment is considered the major source of MP pollution. MPs are persistent contaminants that can adversely affect the ecological balance of the environment and may damage the health of living organisms, including humans. This review emphasizes the current global problems of MP pollution. It covers different areas of MPs, which include basic characteristics, interactions with other pollutants, occurrence and impacts in the environment, toxic effects on living organisms, sampling, sample pre-treatment and analytical methodology for the identification and quantification of MPs in different matrices as well as potential reduction and remediation strategies and the possibilities for effective control of MPs in the environment. Various interesting and useful previously published knowledge collected in this review can serve as a valuable foundation for further MP research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Waste Recycling Materials and Technologies: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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