Primary Definition: Waste-to-energy (WTE) is the process of generating energy in the form of electricity and/or heat from the primary treatment of waste or the processing of waste into a fuel source[1]. Secondary Definition: WTE is a form of energy recovery. Most WTE processes generate electricity and/or heat directly through combustion, or produce a combustible […]

Primary Definition: Conservation of all resources, through responsible production, consumption, reuse and recovery of all products, packaging and materials, is not burned, without emissions to land, water or air that threatens the environment or human health.[1] Secondary Definition: -Zero Waste refers to waste prevention as opposed to end-of-pipe waste management.[2] -It includes more than removing waste […]

Primary Definition:  Recycling sewage sludge aims to use the energy and nutrients that are owned by sewage sludge and replace some other virgin materials toward sustainable development [1]. Secondary Definition: Biosolids or sewage sludge is the byproduct of municipal wastewater, sewage effluent and effluent treatment plants [2]. 2. Background         Technology History: – Large-scale cropland application […]

Primary Definition: Automated waste collection systems are garbage collection systems where the waste is directly transported from the bin to the collection site by means of underground networks. Secondary Definition: The automated waste collection systems implemented are usually vacuum based pipeline networks which are also known as Automated Vacuum Collection Systems (AVCS) or pneumatic refuse […]

Primary Definition: Any material that is of no value or has no use is termed as ‘waste’. Construction waste recycling refers to recycling of waste materials used for construction. Secondary Definition: Thousands of kilograms of construction wastes are produced every year [1]. With decreasing resources, recycling has become the need of the hour. The main […]

Primary Definition: Gasification is a technology that converts carbon-containing materials, including coal, waste and biomass, into synthetic gas which in turn can be used to produce electricity and other valuable products, such as chemicals, fuels, and fertilizers. [1]. Secondary Definition: Gasification does not involve combustion, but instead uses little or no oxygen or air in […]

Primary Definition: Pyrolysis, known as thermal degradation, is a method where organic product is exposed to a high temperature above 430oC without an oxidizing agent and usually under pressure [1], [2]. Secondary Definition: 2. Background         Technology History: The practice of carbonizing wood to manufacture char has existed for a long time, however the well-developed technologies […]

Primary Definition: Food waste contains large amount of organics that can be utilized as an energy source. Main process for food waste recycling includes methane production during the anaerobic digestion, and their application as an external carbon source for biological denitrification. Secondary Definition: Among their recycling technologies, their application as an external carbon source for […]

Primary Definition: Aluminium recycling is the treatment of aluminium scrap to produce new aluminium called an ingot [7]. Secondary Definition: The process involves simply melting the aluminium scrap, which is far less expensive and energy-intensive than creating new aluminium through the electrolysis process, which must first be mined from bauxite ore and then refined using the Bayer process [1].  2. Background Technology […]

Primary Definition: The term plastic, refers to a spectrum of synthetic and semi-synthetic organic polymers of high molecular mass, with ductile properties that allow it to be formed into various solid products. A majority of plastics are obtained from petrochemicals, with a number of alternatives derived from renewable sources such as corn.  [1]. Secondary Definition: Plastic […]