RARE PHOTOS: 10 - The Real Truth

In 2023, a PhD student helped build a 387-square-foot house in Indonesia using 1.7 cubic metres of waste from used baby diapers

Used nappies are among the less obvious materials that could end up in a building. In Indonesia, however, a team of engineers explored exactly that possibility while looking for ways to reduce both construction material use and the growing volume of disposable waste. They collected used nappies, cleaned and sterilised…

The Times of India · Sep 3

In 2011, ICE Chicago relied on 1 recycling bin for 200 workers; a hybrid system of 4 centers and desk boxes raised recycling to 38% and participation to 85%

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Chicago Field Office enhanced its recycling program. They established four recycling centers and provided individual workstation boxes for employees. This initiative achieved a significant 38% recycling rate and high participation. Education and handling sensitive documents were key program components.

The Economic Times · Sep 2

In 2022, Duke students shredded and melted plastics 1, 2, 4 and 5 into bricks; a $248.84 setup produced blocks holding over 5,000 N in compression tests

Students at Duke University embarked on an innovative project, transforming everyday household plastic waste into strong building bricks. Their cost-effective approach utilized widely available plastics, such as PET and HDPE, which exhibited superior strength and insulation compared to traditional materials. A related study revealed that walls made from these plastic…

The Economic Times · Sep 2

In 2007, Capannori rejected a new incinerator and embraced zero waste. 19 years later, its door-to-door system helped push recycling above 80% and inspire Italy’s movement

Capannori, a town near Lucca in Tuscany, developed a Zero Waste approach after residents opposed a proposed incinerator. Rossano Ercolini and Dr Paul Connett helped build opposition to the project, while later efforts focused on reducing waste and improving collection. Door-to-door collection expanded across the municipality, reaching 82% source separation…

The Economic Times · Sep 1

In 2003, Kamikatsu made a zero-waste pledge for 2020. 17 years later, residents sorted trash into 45 categories and recycled over 80%, but producers needed to change too

Kamikatsu, a Japanese town, pursued a zero-waste goal starting in 2003. Residents meticulously sort waste into 45 categories at a central site. This system achieved an 81% recycling rate by 2016. However, some materials still required incineration outside the town. The town's waste management evolved over several decades from burning…

The Economic Times · Sep 1

In 2012, Chicago’s Railroad Retirement Board found new life for 3,200 pounds of electronics through reuse and recycling; the effort lifted waste diversion nearly 10%

The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board successfully recycled over 3,200 pounds of electronic waste. This achievement was driven by federal programs like Computers for Learning and property management. Excess computers were donated to schools, boosting staff morale and program continuation. Other electronics were recycled by certified vendors, ensuring best practices were…

The Economic Times · Sep 1

In 1991, Curitiba began exchanging recyclables for bus tokens and food. 35 years later, the city recycles 70% of its waste while creating jobs and supporting families

In Curitiba, Brazil, residents can exchange recyclable waste for fresh food. Other cities have found different uses for what people throw away. Belo Horizonte has brought waste pickers into formal recycling systems. Bogotá captures landfill methane to produce energy. These programs reveal a practical shift in urban waste management: garbage…

The Economic Times · Sep 1

Notting Hill Carnival clean-up sees 300 tonnes of rubbish cleared from streets after two million party in west London

Around 200 staff worked through the night on Sunday and Monday to clear waste left across the Carnival footprint

Evening Standard · Sep 1

In 1993, Taiwan collected 70% of its trash while recycling virtually none. 33 years later, paid bags, musical trucks and sorting helped drive recycling to 55% nationwide

Taiwan’s experience therefore challenges the idea that recycling depends mainly on individual environmental enthusiasm. People certainly need to participate, but participation becomes easier when governments create systems that are convenient, predictable and enforceable.

The Economic Times · Aug 31

In 2023, Rice researchers flashed mixed waste plastic for about 4 seconds at 3,100 K; the process recovered up to 68% of its hydrogen at purities reaching 94% and produced graphene

A group of researchers has pioneered a groundbreaking technique that transforms landfill plastic into hydrogen gas, a valuable energy source. By employing flash Joule heating, this process effectively disintegrates plastic waste, resulting in a cleaner alternative for hydrogen production. Additionally, it produces graphene, a byproduct that can finance the hydrogen…

The Economic Times · Aug 31