Search Results (17)

Maximizing rural residents’ primary role in domestic waste sorting and management is critical to improving the rural living environment and advancing socioeconomic development. This study aims to analyze the entire process of domestic waste sorting by rural residents using sample data from 2420 rural households surveyed in the 2021 China Land Economic Survey (CLES). Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study develops a research framework for analyzing the entire process of rural residents’ domestic waste-sorting behavior. It examines the inter-relationships among behavioral cognition, behavioral intention, and behavioral response and employs structural equation modeling (SEM) for empirical verification. The results demonstrate that subjective norms, classification attitudes, and perceived behavioral control exert statistically significant positive effects on both rural residents’ intention and behavioral responses toward domestic waste sorting. Moreover, sorting intention demonstrates a significant predictive effect on actual sorting behavior. This study further identifies a mediating role of sorting intention throughout the behavioral process, while potential correlations among subjective norm, behavioral attitude, and perceived behavioral control suggest additional mechanisms underlying rural residents’ waste-sorting responses that warrant further exploration. Full article

In Japan, when people take their waste bottle caps to designated recycling companies, JPY 5/kg is donated to developing countries for polio vaccine dissemination activities. The waste volume of plastic bottles and caps is increasing every year, and there is not a day that goes by that we do not see more bottles and caps. PET bottles are more easily recycled, as the bottle body is made of a single material. However, bottle caps are made of two different materials (PP and PE), which are difficult to identify perfectly when utilising the existing NIR technology in the recycling field. This is because the designs and colours of PP and PE bottle caps are becoming more diverse, with black and dark-coloured caps being difficult to sort using NIR technology. In addition, their specific gravity is almost the same; therefore, it is difficult to separate them by their water-based specific gravity, which is an approach commonly used by recyclers. Unidentified caps are sent for thermal recycling, which runs counter to the need for decarbonisation. They may also be mixed with identified caps and sold as recycled raw material, resulting in a reduction in the purity of the recycled plastic. If PP and PE caps can be identified using simple technology, it is expected to promote high resource recycling. Therefore, in order to develop such a sorting process, this study proposes a new method for the material identification of waste caps using terahertz waves. Therefore, this research aims to identify a new identification method for waste plastic caps, which has been a challenge both domestically and internationally. Specifically, we describe the limitations of the conventional methods for identifying PP and PE bottle caps according to their weight, specific gravity, and melting point and propose an identification method using terahertz waves, demonstrating its measurement-related merits and high identification accuracy. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the sustainable use of recycled plastics, specifically polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), in the manufacture of geogrids for geotechnical and civil engineering applications. Plastics were collected from a recycling center, specifically targeting containers used for food, cleaning products, and other domestic packaging items. These plastics were sorted according to the Möbius triangle classification system, with HDPE (#2) and PP (#5) being the primary categories of interest. The research methodologically evaluates the mechanical properties of PP/HDPE (0/100, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25 and 100/0% w/w) composites through tensile and flexural tests, exploring various compositions and configurations of geogrids. The results highlight the superiority of pure recycled HDPE processed into 1.3 mm thick laminated yarns and hot air welded for 20 to 30 s, exhibiting a deformation exceeding 60% in comparison to the PP/HDPE composites. Through SolidWorks^® Simulation, it was shown that the adoption of a trigonal geogrid geometry optimizes force distribution and tensile strength, significantly improving slope stabilization efficiency. Based on the results obtained, a laboratory-scale prototype geogrid was developed using an extrusion process. The results underscore the importance of careful composite design and yarn configuration selection to achieve the desired mechanical properties and performance in geogrid applications. It emphasizes the potential of recycled plastics as a viable and environmentally friendly solution for stabilizing slopes, contributing to the reduction in plastic waste and promoting sustainable construction practices. Full article

The classification and recycling of household waste becomes a major issue in today’s urban environmental protection and domestic waste disposal. Although various policies promoting household waste classification have been introduced, the recovery rate failed to reach the expected result. Existing studies on incentive policies for household waste recycling tried to integrate subjective and objective factors in human behavior decisions. To explore how effective interventions can promote household waste classification in communities, this article developed an Agent-Based Model (ABM) based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to simulate the participation of households under eight different policy scenarios. The result shows that: monetary incentive is most effective in inducing participation, while social norms have different impacts on household decision under different policy intervention. Under policy stimulus, the participation rate of garbage sorting increased from 18% to 76%. This model has been applied into an online community-based participatory virtual simulation 3D system, which aims to help university students better understand how policies affect household recycling behaviors, which end up affecting the environment. Full article

Encouraging farmers to participate in domestic waste sorting is an important initiative to optimize rural habitats and build a beautiful countryside. Using data from a sample of 2126 farmers obtained from a Chinese micro-survey, this paper empirically investigates the impact of ICT use on farmers’ domestic waste classification using OLS and ordered probability models and examines the mediating role of environmental quality perception. The study shows that ICT use has a significant negative effect on farmers’ environmental quality perceptions and a significant positive effect on farmers’ domestic waste sorting. Furthermore, the direct positive effect of ICT use on farmers’ domestic waste sorting is greater than its negative indirect effect through environmental quality perceptions. Finally, farmers with ICT use are more willing to participate in domestic waste sorting. This suggests that farmers may have a tendency to complain and express dissatisfaction on the internet but still behave in a way that is participatory in waste sorting. The results of the study still hold after a rigorous robustness test. In addition, there are significant differences in the impact of ICT use on different age and income groups, so policies should be tailored to different groups. More attention should be paid to the environmental welfare effects on older and lower-income groups. Full article

It is important to investigate the influence of incentives and penalties on farmers’ willingness and behavior towards domestic waste separation and the mechanism of influence. It is helpful for the government to formulate policies to guide farmers to actively participate in domestic waste separation, solve the problem of rural domestic waste pollution, and improve the effectiveness of rural waste separation management. By using the public data of 2020CLES, we analyzed the influence of incentives and penalties on farmers’ willingness and behavior towards domestic waste separation by using the Probit model, based on the technology acceptance model, using a chain of multiple mediating effects. The results are as follows. Firstly, the net effect of incentives and penalties on farmers’ willingness and behavior to separate household waste was 6.86%, and the net effect of separation behavior was 33.37%. Relatively speaking, the strengthening effect of incentives and penalties on farmers’ domestic waste sorting behavior is stronger than the promotion effect on farmers’ domestic waste sorting intention. Secondly, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness had significant chain mediating effects, with perceived ease of use having the strongest mediating effect. Thirdly, the incentives and penalties have a stronger effect on promoting the willingness of female farmers, elderly farmers, and farmers with low education to separate domestic waste. Finally, the influence of individual and household characteristics of farmers on their willingness and behavior to separate household waste varies. Accordingly, suggestions for improving the willingness and behavior of farmers to separate domestic waste are proposed in the following aspects: improving the reward and punishment system, making good use of market instruments, and increasing farmers’ awareness level and value recognition of domestic waste separation. Full article

The present work demonstrates the use of Cd²⁺ as a reactivity probe of the fulvic acids (FAs), humic acids (HAs) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) compost extracts. Significant differences were observed between the extracts, with the HA extract showing the highest reactivity. Comparing the different composts, the largest reactivity variation was again observed for HA then FA and finally DOM extracts. The Cd²⁺ binding extent was used to calculate the quality of composts and compared with a reference of uncomposted organic fertiliser (FLW), leading to the definition of an operational scale of compost quality. The parameter equivalent mass of fertiliser (m_EF) was used for this scale sorted the seven composts from 0.353 to 1.09 kg FLW, for compost of sewage sludge (CSS) and vermicompost of domestic waste (CVDW), respectively. The significance of this parameter was verified through a correlation analysis between binding extent and the effect of compost application on lettuce crop growth in a field trial. The results demonstrate the potentiality of FA and HA extracts as markers of compost bioactivity and the use of Cd²⁺ as a reactivity probe. Full article

To achieve the principles of reduction, resource, and harmless disposal of domestic waste, the circular economy prolongs the life cycle of resources by converting waste into renewable resources through sorting, recycling, and other ways. There are still noticeable problems in domestic waste recycling in China, such as poor waste classification and low recovery rate of resource-based waste with no or low economic value. In this paper, Van Waden’s seven-dimensional classification model of policy networks is adopted to analyze and compare domestic waste recycling (DWR) management modes at home and abroad. The domestic waste recycling mode of “pipeline collection and vehicle transfer” based on China’s national conditions is proposed. Then, the planning model of the domestic waste recycling network is further built. Taking Xiaolan Town, Zhongshan City as an example, the pipeline laying design and route planning of the pneumatic transportation and collection system for material in the new recycling mode are optimized. The examples verify the superiority of the greedy dropping heuristic algorithm in solving large-scale recycling network planning problems. This paper is of great significance to improve the recycling of renewable resources in domestic waste and realize the circular economy. Full article

In light of the circular economy gaining momentum, plastics recycling is regarded as a key solution to keep materials in the loop. Continuous efforts are needed to achieve the packaging waste recycling targets set by the European Union. Hence, this work evaluates the potential of the Icelandic plastics value chain for enhanced recycling rates. In addition to identifying the main challenges and opportunities, a feasibility study was conducted on the expansion of the deposit-return system to Skyr cups, allowing for closed-loop solutions. Based on the status quo, proposals for the improvement of the current waste and recycling system are made. Insights were acquired by semi-structured interviews with nine key stakeholders in Iceland, representing vital groups that influence the plastics value chain. The obtained answers followed the same trend, pointing out that a circular economy within the boundaries of Iceland is currently not feasible. This is mainly due to the strong dependence on international partners in all parts of the value chain except waste collection. However, major improvements are required to enhance the current waste collection rate of 28%. No conclusive evidence was found to justify the suitability of Skyr cups for the deposit-return system, as the disadvantages outweigh theoretically higher collection and recycling rates. Moreover, the extended producer responsibility scheme implemented with the Icelandic Recycling Fund is a valuable tool to enforce a design for recycling of products, enabling higher recycling rates. Despite one recycler operating in Iceland, Icelandic stakeholders consider sorting and treatment of mixed plastic waste as economically more efficient by collaborating with experts throughout Europe. Therefore, they expect that the current practice of exporting the majority of the domestic waste will prevail. On the contrary, the authors propose a comprehensive waste treatment and recycling scheme within Iceland, which requires a sorting step prior to three possible pathways, being (1) mechanical recycling, (2) alternative fuel, and (3) waste-to-energy. The aim of the proposed scheme is a reduction in greenhouse gas impact of plastics entering the waste stage by an efficient and flexible design of the relevant technologies within Iceland. Full article

Waste sorting is a key element for solving the current predicament of rural waste management. In the pilot areas of China, farmers’ domestic waste sorting behavior (DWSB) varies significantly, whereas there are few studies exploring the mechanism of its formation. To fill this research gap, this study constructs a research model of the internal logic of farmers’ waste sorting levels (i.e., no sorting; sorting recyclable waste; sorting recyclable and kitchen waste; and sorting recyclable, kitchen, harmful, and other waste) by considering circumstantial constraints (social norms in external factors) and psychological behavioral antecedents (personal norms and group identity in internal factors). Based on pilot survey data from farmers in Shaanxi Province, China, the results of the ordered logit model indicate that social norms and personal norms were the most significant predictors of the level of DWSB, while group identity was found to have no significant influence. Furthermore, the results of the grouping regression analysis showed that personal norms had a positive moderating effect on the relationship between social norms and farmers’ DWSB. Therefore, a more positive social atmosphere, better education, and personal environmental moral responsibility for domestic waste sorting should be established to enhance their levels of waste sorting behavior. Full article

Rural residents are the main agents of rural domestic waste-sorting; their level of sorting directly relates to the improvement of their rural living environment and the construction of “beautiful countryside”. Considering the data of 943 rural residents in Shaanxi Province, China, this study incorporates the factors at the individual and group levels and explores how personal norms and mianzi, which is the individual’s reputation and social status, at the individual level and social capital at the group level impact the level of rural residents’ domestic waste-sorting through an Ordered Probit model. The results show that personal norms and mianzi at the individual level play an important role in improving the level of rural residents’ domestic waste-sorting. Meanwhile, social capital (i.e., social networking, social trust, social participation, and social norms) at the group level has significant positive impacts on the level of rural residents’ domestic waste-sorting. Furthermore, mianzi plays a moderating role between personal norms, social capital, and the level of rural residents’ domestic waste-sorting, respectively. These findings are useful for the Chinese government to formulate a policy about enhancing the level of rural residents’ domestic waste-sorting to ease the rural environmental problem. Full article

As the process of urbanization in China continues to accelerate, the amount of domestic waste generated correspondingly increases and directly affects the living space of residents. This indirectly implies that to reduce the production of municipal solid waste and the need for garbage disposal and recycling, household-waste-classification activities by the residents are of great significance. Using Shanghai as a case study, this study investigated the influencing factors on residents’ household waste classification by conducting a survey. Statistical analysis was then adopted, which is specified below. First, this study proposed research hypotheses related to the influencing factors of residents’ domestic-waste-sorting behavior from three levels: government, society and individuals. Second, the study designed a questionnaire from five perspectives: individual characteristic variables, government, society, residents and classification behavior. Then, SPSS software was used to carry out descriptive statistical, reliability and validity assessments using ANOVA, correlation and regression analyses on the sample data obtained from the questionnaire. The results suggested that the research hypotheses were statistically significant: (1) females and residents with higher education were more likely to participate in domestic waste classification; (2) reward and punishment measures had the most significant impact on residents’ waste-classification behavior; and (3) publicity and education, classification standards, classification facilities, the recycling system, subjective norms, environmental knowledge and environmental attitudes all had a positive effect on residents’ household waste classification. Finally, based on the results of the empirical analysis, this paper provides reference suggestions for the further development of domestic waste classification in Shanghai. Full article

Motivations behind a country’s importation of waste are categorized into the pollution haven hypothesis (PHH) and the resource hunting hypothesis (RHH). The importation of wastes can lead to environmental sustainability concerns, requiring governments to intervene when the market fails to reduce the negative externalities by strengthening and implementing environmental regulations. Motivated by China’s position within a rapidly growing but environmentally damaging sector of trade, this paper has three goals: (1) to classify the primary hypothesis that governs China’s flow of traded wastes; (2) to verify the heterogeneous impact of the pollution paradise motivation and resource demand motivation of waste imports from developed and developing countries, and across industries; (3) to assess the impact of domestic environmental regulations on the motives behind China’s waste imports. Using 28 imported waste-varieties from 20 of China’s major trade partners across 24 years, findings indicate that the flow of Chinese waste imports is relatively unresponsive under the pollution haven effect. However, the resource hunting effect from developing countries is significantly greater than what originates from developed countries, despite the laws of 2011 and 2017 established to restrict resource hunting activities. These results have important implications for improving the efficiency of China’s waste sorting and recycling systems. Full article

In this paper, material flows and resource potentials for plastics at a national level in Denmark are mapped using an Environmentally Extended Multiregional Input-Output (EE-MRIO) database. EE-MRIO offers an operative improvement to current and prevalent methods for assessing the industrial and societal metabolism of resources, including plastics. The Exiobase is applied to map (1) the major sources, (2) calculate the total supply, (3) uses of plastics and waste generation, and (4) end of life pathways in order to indicate the potentials of plastics in the circular economy in Denmark with a focus on recycling. Furthermore, it elaborates how and why this method for performing Mass Flow Analysis (MFA) differs from mainstream assessments of material flows and from default uses of national statistical data. Overall, the results are that Denmark has a total supply of ≈551 kilotonnes (Kt) of plastics, out of which ≈522 Kt are used domestically and ≈168 Kt of plastic waste are generated annually. Out of the yearly amount of plastic waste, ≈50% is incinerated and 26% is recycled. These results indicate significant potentials for applying circular economy strategies and identify relevant sectors for closing the plastic loops. However, other initiatives are necessary, such as improvements in product design strategies, in the collection and sorting systems as well as in cross-sectoral collaboration. Full article

The sorting of domestic waste is the most effective way to alleviate the problem of mass garbage accumulation around the villages of rural China. Farmers are the creators of rural domestic waste as well as the direct beneficiaries of effective waste management. However, few studies have been conducted on the psychological determinants of farmers’ intentions to sort domestic waste. This paper applies planned behavior theory (TPB) and normative activation theory (NAM), to analyze the domestic waste sorting intentions of rural residents in Guanzhong, China. Based on the micro-data of 327 rural households in Guanzhong, structural equation models of the factors influencing farmers’ domestic waste sorting intentions were estimated. The results demonstrate the following. (1) Farmers’ attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and personal norms have significant positive direct impacts on their domestic waste sorting intentions, with personal norms having the greatest direct impact. (2) Subjective norms have no direct impact on farmers’ domestic waste sorting intentions but do have an indirect impact on them through personal norms, behavioral attitudes, and perceived behavior control. This article increases scholarly understanding of the psychosocial determinants of the environmentally friendly behavioral intention to sort domestic waste. The study also provides academic and theoretical support to policy makers in implementing relevant policy recommendations. Full article