Advances and Innovations in Waste Management

Abstract submission deadline

28 July 2026

Manuscript submission deadline

28 September 2026

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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

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 (6 papers)

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All Clean Technol. Polymers Recycling Resources Sustainability

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17 pages, 3258 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Cellulose- and Pectin-Rich Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Mechanical Energy Harvesting and Self-Powered Humidity Sensing

by Seongwan Kim, Farhan Akhtar, Shahzad Iqbal, Muhammad Muqeet Rehman and Woo Young Kim

Polymers 2025, 17(23), 3130; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17233130 - 25 Nov 2025

Abstract

This study develops a high-performance triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) through Citrullus lanatus rind powder (CLP) which originates from watermelon waste to generate sustainable power and detect humidity. The SEM and FTIR results showed that CLP contains a natural porous structure and multiple polar functional [...] Read more.

This study develops a high-performance triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) through Citrullus lanatus rind powder (CLP) which originates from watermelon waste to generate sustainable power and detect humidity. The SEM and FTIR results showed that CLP contains a natural porous structure and multiple polar functional groups which improve both the charge transfer and retention capabilities. The CLP-TENG device operated in vertical contact–separation mode with PTFE as the counter layer to generate a 255 V open-circuit voltage and 30 µA short-circuit current and 35 µW peak power output at 4 Hz and 20 MΩ load. The device successfully charged a 4.7 µF capacitor to 5 V during a 80 s period and operated low-power electronic devices to prove its ability as a sustainable power source. The device output increased with increasing operating frequency while showing operation stability throughout more than 1000 cycles and seven days of continuous operation. The device demonstrated a strong humidity detection ability through its voltage response which decreased from 250 V to 120 V when the relative humidity rose from 30% to 90%. The research proves that agricultural waste can be transformed into environmentally friendly materials which perform well in green energy systems and environmental monitoring applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances and Innovations in Waste Management)

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22 pages, 6082 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Activated Desulfurized Rubber Powder/SBS/SEBS Composite-Modified Asphalt: Performance and Synergistic Modification Mechanism

by Qidong Su, Songqiao Yang, Wenjing Liu, Mingming Zhang, Aoxue Li and Dongwei Cao

Polymers 2025, 17(23), 3113; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17233113 - 24 Nov 2025

Viewed by 253

Abstract

Due to the poor comprehensive performance of traditional rubber powder-modified asphalt (RA) and issues like easy segregation in rubber powder/Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene (SBS) composite-modified asphalt, the application of RA in high-grade highways is limited. This study combined SEBS (Styrene–Ethylene–Butylene–Styrene) and SBS to form SEBS/SBS (SE-S) [...] Read more.

Due to the poor comprehensive performance of traditional rubber powder-modified asphalt (RA) and issues like easy segregation in rubber powder/Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene (SBS) composite-modified asphalt, the application of RA in high-grade highways is limited. This study combined SEBS (Styrene–Ethylene–Butylene–Styrene) and SBS to form SEBS/SBS (SE-S) and investigated the effect of the SE-S system on asphalt performance. The activated desulfurized rubber powder (ARP) was prepared via mechanical thermal oxidation and used to produce ARP/SE-S composite-modified asphalt (ASSA) combined with SE-S. The performance and modification mechanism of ASSA were evaluated through conventional, rheological, and microstructural tests. The results showed that SEBS improved storage stability more effectively than SBS. With SEBS:SBS = 0.4:0.6 and a SE-S content of 2–4%, the modified asphalt exhibited better overall performance. The synergy of ARP and SE-S enhances both low-temperature crack resistance and high-temperature deformation resistance, endowing ASSA with excellent viscoelastic rheological properties. The modification mechanism of ASSA was primarily physical and the changes in chemical bonds were mainly caused by decrosslinking of the rubber powder during ARP preparation. SE-S and ARP fully swelled and crosslinked in the asphalt, exhibiting excellent compatibility and endowing the ASSA with superior stability and performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances and Innovations in Waste Management)

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21 pages, 1746 KB  

Open AccessReview

Carbon Recovery from Wastewater Feedstocks: Synthesis of Polyhydroxyalkanoates for Target Applications

by Mario I. Sepúlveda, Michael Seeger and Gladys Vidal

Resources 2025, 14(10), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/resources14100156 - 1 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1044

Abstract

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics are produced from wastewater as a carbon recovery strategy. However, the tuneable characteristics of PHAs and wastewater biorefinery potential have not been comprehensively reviewed. The aim of this study is to review the main challenges and strategies for carbon recovery [...] Read more.

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics are produced from wastewater as a carbon recovery strategy. However, the tuneable characteristics of PHAs and wastewater biorefinery potential have not been comprehensively reviewed. The aim of this study is to review the main challenges and strategies for carbon recovery from wastewater feedstocks via PHA production, assessing potential target biopolymer applications. Diverse PHA-accumulating prokaryotes metabolize organic pollutants present in wastewater through different metabolic pathways, determining the biopolymer characteristics. The synthesis of PHAs using mixed microbial cultures with wastewater feedstocks derived from municipal, agro-industrial, food processing, lignocellulosic biomass processing and biofuel production activities are described. Acidogenic fermentation of wastewater feedstocks and mixed microbial culture enrichment are key steps in order to enhance PHA productivity and determine biopolymer properties towards customized bioplastics for specific applications. Biorefinery of PHA copolymers and extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs), including alginate-like polysaccharides, are alternatives to enhance the value-chain of carbon recovery from wastewater. PHAs and EPSs exhibit a wide repertoire of applications with distinct safety control requirements; hence, coupling biopolymer production demonstrations with target applications is crucial to move towards full-scale applications. This study discusses the relationship between the metabolic basis of PHA synthesis and composition, wastewater type, and target applications, describing the potential to maximize carbon resource valorisation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances and Innovations in Waste Management)

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19 pages, 1981 KB  

Open AccessArticle

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 1275

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  

Open AccessArticle

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 879

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  

Open AccessReview

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 4 | Viewed by 9071

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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