Topic Editors

Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Polytechnic University of Bari, Via E. Orabona n.4, I-70125 Bari, Italy
Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Polytechnic University of Bari, Via E. Orabona n.4, I-70125 Bari, Italy
Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, Wageningen University & Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6709 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands
Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Polytechnic University of Bari, Via E. Orabona n.4, I-70125 Bari, Italy
Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry (DICATECh), Polytechnic University of Bari, Via E. Orabona n.4, I-70125 Bari, Italy
Biodegradability & Compostability Laboratory; AIMPLAS—Instituto Tecnológico del Plástico, Paterna, Spain

Advances and Innovations in Waste Management

Abstract submission deadline
28 July 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
28 September 2026
Viewed by
5955

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change forces society towards a climate-neutral economy, through maximising energy efficiency, minimising resource consumption, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Topic “Advances and Innovations in Waste Management” focuses on gathering the most innovative and sustainable solutions in the recovery of materials and energy from waste across various industries to support the transition to a climate-neutral society. 

This Topic seeks to promote applied research by showcasing state-of-the-art advancements and offering readers valuable insights that can be applied in laboratory studies and scaled up for industrial use. It also explores innovations in materials science, sustainable technologies, and experimental research, highlighting practical applications of waste recovery in real-world scenarios. 

Therefore, we encourage researchers to submit manuscripts showcasing the results of experimental research concerning materials' life cycles, from design and production to usage, and addressing undesired substances and sustainable recycling technologies. This Topic welcomes studies that provide valuable insights into optimizing current value chains up to the end of life. Furthermore, these studies can contribute to defining credible pathways for materials transition, fostering the safe and circular use of products. Additionally, this Topic places a strong emphasis on integrating advanced methodologies—such as life cycle assessment (LCA), artificial intelligence, and machine learning—to assess and optimize the environmental, economic, and social impacts of materials and processes. 

We invite contributions that delve into these factors and offer insights in addressing resource depletion.

Dr. Francesco Todaro
Prof. Dr. Michele Notarnicola
Dr. Eggo Ulphard Thoden van Velzen
Dr. Andrea Petrella
Dr. Giusy Santomasi
Dr. Giovanni Gadaleta
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • waste recovery
  • urban mining
  • recycling technologies
  • circular economy
  • environmental impact reduction
  • waste-to-energy technologies
  • hazardous waste management

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Clean Technologies
cleantechnol
4.7 8.3 2019 33.7 Days CHF 1600 Submit
Polymers
polymers
4.9 9.7 2009 14 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Recycling
recycling
4.6 8.9 2016 20.9 Days CHF 1800 Submit
Resources
resources
3.2 7.2 2012 24.6 Days CHF 1600 Submit
Sustainability
sustainability
3.3 7.7 2009 19.3 Days CHF 2400 Submit

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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19 pages, 1981 KB  
Article
Physicochemical Characterisation of Olive Mill Wastewaters Based on Extraction Methods and Filtration Levels
by Inês S. Afonso, Cristina Duarte, Maria João Afonso, António E. Ribeiro, Joana S. Amaral, Patrícia C. Sousa, Rui A. Lima and João E. Ribeiro
Clean Technol. 2025, 7(3), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/cleantechnol7030073 - 1 Sep 2025
Viewed by 394
Abstract
Olive mill wastewaters (OMWW) generated during olive oil extraction represent a significant environmental challenge due to their high organic matter content, acidic pH, phenolic content, and toxicity. Their composition varies widely depending on the extraction method and remains difficult to treat, particularly for [...] Read more.
Olive mill wastewaters (OMWW) generated during olive oil extraction represent a significant environmental challenge due to their high organic matter content, acidic pH, phenolic content, and toxicity. Their composition varies widely depending on the extraction method and remains difficult to treat, particularly for small-scale producers lacking access to complex infrastructure. This study evaluates the combined effect of the extraction system (traditional vs. three-phase continuous) and filtration level (single vs. double) on the physicochemical and biological properties of OMWW. The methodologies employed included the analysis of water content, density, fatty acid composition, acidity, pH, total solids, chemical and biochemical oxygen demand, and biodegradability. The results indicate that traditional systems consistently produced OMWW with higher organic matter and phenolic loads, while filtration moderately reduced antioxidant potential and acidity, especially in traditional systems. The use of simple, low-cost filtration materials proved effective in improving effluent clarity and could serve as a practical pre-treatment option. This approach offers an accessible strategy for small producers aiming to valorise OMWW or reduce environmental impact. However, the study was conducted at the laboratory scale, and the long-term behaviour of filtered OMWW under real operating conditions remains to be evaluated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances and Innovations in Waste Management)
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24 pages, 8697 KB  
Article
Recycling of Marine Sediments in Cement-Based Materials by Stabilization/Solidification Treatment: Effect on the Mechanical and Microstructural Properties
by Claudio Moreno Cino, Andrea Petrella, Francesco Todaro and Michele Notarnicola
Recycling 2025, 10(5), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling10050169 - 1 Sep 2025
Viewed by 354
Abstract
Port maintenance causes large quantities of dredged sediment throughout the world. The disposal of this material in authorised landfills is economically disadvantageous, as well as being at odds with a circular economy model with a reduced impact on the environment. The application of [...] Read more.
Port maintenance causes large quantities of dredged sediment throughout the world. The disposal of this material in authorised landfills is economically disadvantageous, as well as being at odds with a circular economy model with a reduced impact on the environment. The application of stabilization/solidification treatment to dredged marine sediments allows an improvement of their physical and mechanical properties, together with the production of cement-based materials that can be used for road construction, as well as for making blocks and bricks. In this study, an experimental laboratory investigation is carried out on two samples of sandy sediments collected from the Mola di Bari harbour (Southern Italy), to identify sustainable management options for recovering materials that will be dredged. To assess the influence on mortars made from sediments with variable organic matter content and seawater, these were characterised from a chemical–physical point of view before and after washing treatment and oxidative processes. The products of the Stabilization/Solidification (S/S) treatment were evaluated in terms of workability, flexural and compressive strengths, and, furthermore, a microstructural study was conducted using SEM-EDX and optical microscopy to analyse the internal structure of the materials. The mechanical performance evaluation clearly demonstrated organic matter’s negative impact on strength development, resulting in a 16% reduction. Pre-treatments, such as sediment washing, effectively improved the performance of treated sediments (e.g., 24% increase in compressive strength). This study aims to demonstrate the benefits of recycling marine sediments in cement-based materials, highlighting how this process can enhance circularity and sustainability while reducing the environmental impact of dredging activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances and Innovations in Waste Management)
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27 pages, 2759 KB  
Review
A Review of Global Municipal Solid Waste Management and Valorization Pathways
by Sagar Kafle, Bhesh Kumar Karki, Manish Sakhakarmy and Sushil Adhikari
Recycling 2025, 10(3), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling10030113 - 6 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4784
Abstract
Municipal solid waste (MSW) is rising globally, and improper management harms the environment and public health. As a result, there is heightened interest in finding effective solutions, and identifying research trends helps determine the best management and valorization pathways. However, the existing reviews [...] Read more.
Municipal solid waste (MSW) is rising globally, and improper management harms the environment and public health. As a result, there is heightened interest in finding effective solutions, and identifying research trends helps determine the best management and valorization pathways. However, the existing reviews often focus narrowly on specific technologies or regional case studies, lacking a comprehensive analysis of global research trends. This study addresses this significant gap by conducting a large-scale trend analysis based on 15,646 relevant articles screened from 25,068 Scopus-indexed publications from 1904 to 2023 using title, abstract, and keyword analysis. Literature-based comparative assessments were conducted to critically evaluate the pathways through TEE (techno-economic and environmental), SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats), and PESTEL (political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal) frameworks. Since 1990, article publication has increased by about 10% annually, consistently concentrating on thermochemical conversion and, more recently, on sustainability and circular economy perspectives. Seven distinct pathways for MSW management were identified, with recycling and material recovery, followed by thermochemical conversion for high-calorific waste and biochemical conversion for high-organic waste, showing the most promise. The findings aim to help researchers understand MSW research trends and assist planners in identifying effective management and valorization strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances and Innovations in Waste Management)
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