Resource Utilization of Solid Waste and Circular Economy

Dear Colleagues,

Resource utilization has transformed the conventional approach to waste management from a linear model to a circular model. In a traditional linear economy, products are manufactured, used, and then discarded, leading to substantial waste generation and resource depletion. Conversely, a circular economy aims to create a closed-loop system where products and materials are continuously reused, remanufactured, and recycled, thereby minimizing waste and conserving resources. The resource utilization of solid waste involves innovative strategies to reclaim valuable materials from waste streams. This includes processes such as recycling, composting, and energy recovery, which convert waste into new materials or energy. For example, plastic waste can be recycled into value-added chemicals or porous carbon, inorganic waste can be converted to building materials or aerogels, and non-recyclable waste can be converted to energy through advanced technologies like anaerobic digestion or incineration with energy recovery.

Implementing a circular economy requires systemic changes in production and consumption patterns. It emphasizes designing products for durability, reparability, and recyclability. This approach not only reduces the environmental footprint but also promotes economic benefits by creating new business opportunities in the recycling and remanufacturing industries. The transition to a circular economy also involves collaboration across various disciplines, including chemical engineering, material engineering, mechanical engineering, and carbon finance, to develop policies and practices that support sustainable waste management and reutilization. The effective resource utilization of solid waste aligns with global sustainability goals, addressing challenges such as resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and climate change. By closing the loop on waste, a circular economy fosters a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable future.

Thus, this Special Issue aims to explore research on resource utilization technologies responsible for the circular economy, with the aim being to provide green alternatives, promoting the development of applied science.

This Special Issue is aimed at scholars who have embraced an interdisciplinary and progressive approach in their research activities and achieved promising results. Moreover, we welcome contributions from practitioners who have been involved in successful public–private partnerships in the field of sustainable development.

Prof. Dr. Haoqi Yang
Dr. Ganyu Zhu
Dr. Jun-Ye Zhang
Guest Editors

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