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Circular Economy Strategies for Waste Management: Innovations in Resource Recovery and Sustainability

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Waste and Recycling".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 September 2025 | Viewed by 2292

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Adriana Gómez-Sanabria

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Pollution Management Research Group. Energy, Climate and Environment Program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria
Interests: waste and resources management; climate change; air pollution; sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Haniyeh Jalalipour

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
Interests: waste management; circular economy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Introduction:

Circular economy represents a fundamental shift from the traditional linear economic model of "take, make, dispose" to a more sustainable framework that prioritizes resource efficiency, waste prevention and reduction, and environmental preservation. In a circular economy, materials and products are designed for longevity, reuse, and recycling, creating closed-loop systems that minimize waste and maximize resource utilization. This approach not only reduces the burden on natural resources but also fosters innovation, stimulates economic growth, and addresses pressing global challenges such as climate change and air and water pollution.

Effective waste management practices aim to reduce the amount of waste generated, divert materials from landfills, and recover valuable resources. Traditional waste management methods often focus on disposal, leading to significant environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions and habitat degradation. In contrast, circular economy strategies emphasize the importance of resource recovery, encouraging practices such as recycling, composting, and biogas recovery and use.

Implementing circular economy principles in waste management involves a comprehensive approach that engages stakeholders across all sectors, including government, businesses, and communities. By fostering collaboration and promoting sustainable practices, cities and organizations can enhance their resilience, create economic opportunities, and improve the quality of life for residents.

Scope:

This Special Issue aims to explore and highlight innovative circular economy strategies that advance sustainable waste management. The focus is on solutions that promote resource recovery, minimize environmental impact, and shift from traditional linear economy to more sustainable systems. The goal is to bring together pioneering research, case studies, and practical applications that support the global transition to a circular economy. Additionally, this Special Issue seeks successful financing models that facilitate the implementation of measures to enhance waste management systems, serving as catalysts for decarbonization and providers of valuable materials.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:  

  • Waste prevention;
  • Material circularity;
  • Circularity in the waste management systems;
  • Organic waste diversion from landfills through innovative techniques to reduce methane emissions;
  • Reduction in open burning of waste;
  • Valorization of waste materials (e.g., plastics, textiles, metals, etc.);
  • Financing models to implement waste management systems;
  • Public–private partnerships;
  • Repair initiatives;
  • Just transition and inclusion;
  • Plastic treaty;
  • Wastewater management and nutrient recovery.

I look forward to receiving your contributions. 

Dr. Adriana Gómez-Sanabria
Dr. Haniyeh Jalalipour
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • waste and materials management
  • circular economy
  • financing models
  • sustainability
  • decarbonization
  • public–private partnerships
  • stakeholders

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 5101 KiB  
Article
Promoting Sustainability in the Recycling of End-of-Life Photovoltaic Panels and Li-Ion Batteries Through LIBS-Assisted Waste Sorting
by Agnieszka Królicka, Anna Maj and Grzegorz Łój
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030838 - 21 Jan 2025
Viewed by 762
Abstract
To promote sustainability and reduce the ecological footprint of recycling processes, this study develops an analytical tool for fast and accurate identification of components in photovoltaic panels (PVs) and Li-Ion battery waste, optimizing material recovery and minimizing resource wastage. The laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy [...] Read more.
To promote sustainability and reduce the ecological footprint of recycling processes, this study develops an analytical tool for fast and accurate identification of components in photovoltaic panels (PVs) and Li-Ion battery waste, optimizing material recovery and minimizing resource wastage. The laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique was selected and employed to identify fluoropolymers in photovoltaic back sheets and to determine the thickness of layers containing fluorine. LIBS was also used for Li-Ion batteries to reveal the elemental composition of anode, cathode, and separator materials. The analysis not only revealed all the elements contained in the electrodes but also, in the case of cathode materials, allowed distinguishing a single-component cathode (cathode A containing LiCoO2) from multi-component materials (cathode B containing a mixture of LiMn2O4 and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4). The results of LIBS analysis were verified using SEM-EDS analysis and XRD examination. Additionally, an indirect method for identifying fluoropolymers (polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)) employed to prepare dispersions of cathode materials was proposed according to the differences in wettability of both polymers. By enabling efficient material identification and separation, this study advances sustainable recycling practices, supporting circular economy goals in the renewable energy sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy Strategies for Waste Management: Innovations in Resource Recovery and Sustainability)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1
<p>Microscopic images of the back sheet surface of the photovoltaic panel sample after completing the LIBS spectroscopy studies: (<b>a</b>) View of the nine ablation sites for laser pulses of low (ablation A), medium (ablation B), and high (ablation C) power. The ablation sites where fluorine was detected are marked with yellow circles. Two ablation points formed during stratigraphic studies (6 laser pulses in the same place) are visible next to the sampling areas of ablation A and B. (<b>b</b>–<b>d</b>) Three-dimensional representation of samples after ablation with low (<b>b</b>), medium (<b>c</b>), and high (<b>d</b>) power of laser pulses. For ablation C presented in panels (<b>a</b>,<b>d</b>), the craters were numbered 1, 2, and 3 for identification.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>(<b>a</b>,<b>b</b>) SEM images of the back sheet surface of the photovoltaic panel and the relation of their microstructure to (<b>a</b>) the depth of ablation craters (ablation C) and (<b>b</b>) the diameter of ablation craters A–C. (<b>c</b>) Result of the EDS analysis conducted for the back sheet sample of the photovoltaic panel.</p> Full article ">Figure 2 Cont.
<p>(<b>a</b>,<b>b</b>) SEM images of the back sheet surface of the photovoltaic panel and the relation of their microstructure to (<b>a</b>) the depth of ablation craters (ablation C) and (<b>b</b>) the diameter of ablation craters A–C. (<b>c</b>) Result of the EDS analysis conducted for the back sheet sample of the photovoltaic panel.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>(<b>a</b>) SEM microscopic image of the surface of anode A. (<b>b</b>) The results of the EDS analysis of anode A. (<b>c</b>) Diffractograms of anode A and B with identified components (1—graphite, 2—copper).</p> Full article ">Figure 3 Cont.
<p>(<b>a</b>) SEM microscopic image of the surface of anode A. (<b>b</b>) The results of the EDS analysis of anode A. (<b>c</b>) Diffractograms of anode A and B with identified components (1—graphite, 2—copper).</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Microscopic image of the anode surface with marked points where LIBS spectroscopy was performed, along with information on the detected elements. Inset: Microscopic image of the surface of the anode after three successive ablations conducted at the same point. The boundaries of the ablation craters are highlighted in yellow.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>(<b>a</b>) The results of contact angle measurements for separators obtained from batteries A and B, as well as the PTFE block sample. (<b>b</b>,<b>c</b>) LIBS analysis results for the separator A (<b>a</b>) and the Teflon block (<b>c</b>).</p> Full article ">Figure 5 Cont.
<p>(<b>a</b>) The results of contact angle measurements for separators obtained from batteries A and B, as well as the PTFE block sample. (<b>b</b>,<b>c</b>) LIBS analysis results for the separator A (<b>a</b>) and the Teflon block (<b>c</b>).</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>(<b>a</b>) SEM microscopic image of the surface of cathode B with four regions affected by corrosion initiated by contact of the cathode with water. (<b>b</b>) The results of the EDS analysis conducted at point 1, located in the middle of the area affected by corrosion. (<b>c</b>,<b>d</b>) SEM images of cathode A (<b>c</b>) and cathode B (<b>d</b>). (<b>e</b>–<b>h</b>) Contact angle measurements of cathode A (<b>e</b>,<b>g</b>) and cathode B (<b>f</b>,<b>h</b>) before (<b>e</b>,<b>f</b>) and after (<b>g</b>,<b>h</b>) cleaning of cathodes with DMC followed by sonication in a mixture of water and detergent.</p> Full article ">Figure 6 Cont.
<p>(<b>a</b>) SEM microscopic image of the surface of cathode B with four regions affected by corrosion initiated by contact of the cathode with water. (<b>b</b>) The results of the EDS analysis conducted at point 1, located in the middle of the area affected by corrosion. (<b>c</b>,<b>d</b>) SEM images of cathode A (<b>c</b>) and cathode B (<b>d</b>). (<b>e</b>–<b>h</b>) Contact angle measurements of cathode A (<b>e</b>,<b>g</b>) and cathode B (<b>f</b>,<b>h</b>) before (<b>e</b>,<b>f</b>) and after (<b>g</b>,<b>h</b>) cleaning of cathodes with DMC followed by sonication in a mixture of water and detergent.</p> Full article ">Figure 7
<p>(<b>a</b>) Microscopic image of the surface of cathode A after seven successive ablations conducted at the same point. The boundaries of the ablation craters are highlighted in yellow. (<b>b</b>) LIBS spectrum recorded during the analysis of cathode A. (<b>c</b>,<b>d</b>) Results of the LIBS analysis conducted for cathode A (<b>c</b>) and cathode B (<b>d</b>). The red points in <a href="#sustainability-17-00838-f007" class="html-fig">Figure 7</a>c indicate the calculated elemental composition of pure LCO.</p> Full article ">Figure 8
<p>(<b>a</b>,<b>b</b>) SEM images of cathode A (<b>a</b>) and cathode B (<b>b</b>). (<b>c</b>) Results of the EDS analysis conducted at points 1 and 2 on the surface of the cathodes, with components identified as LCO (cathode A) and LMO or LNMO (cathode B). (<b>d</b>) Diffractograms of cathode A and B with identified components. JCPDS cards used for identification: LCO (PDF #75-0532), LMO (PDF #35-0782), LNMO (PDF #80-2162).</p> Full article ">Figure 8 Cont.
<p>(<b>a</b>,<b>b</b>) SEM images of cathode A (<b>a</b>) and cathode B (<b>b</b>). (<b>c</b>) Results of the EDS analysis conducted at points 1 and 2 on the surface of the cathodes, with components identified as LCO (cathode A) and LMO or LNMO (cathode B). (<b>d</b>) Diffractograms of cathode A and B with identified components. JCPDS cards used for identification: LCO (PDF #75-0532), LMO (PDF #35-0782), LNMO (PDF #80-2162).</p> Full article ">
13 pages, 2581 KiB  
Article
Preparation of Lignin-Based Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer
by Yiru Zhang, Gaojie Jiao, Jian Wang and Diao She
Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10289; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310289 - 25 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1077
Abstract
Slow-release nitrogen fertilizer technology is essential for sustainable agriculture, reducing field pollution and enhancing fertilizer efficiency. Lignin, a natural polymer derived from agricultural and forestry waste, offers unique benefits for slow-release fertilizers due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability and low cost. Unlike conventional biochar-based [...] Read more.
Slow-release nitrogen fertilizer technology is essential for sustainable agriculture, reducing field pollution and enhancing fertilizer efficiency. Lignin, a natural polymer derived from agricultural and forestry waste, offers unique benefits for slow-release fertilizers due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability and low cost. Unlike conventional biochar-based fertilizers that often rely on simple pyrolysis, this study employs hydrothermal activation to create a lignin-based slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (LSRF) with enhanced nutrient retention and controlled release capabilities. By incorporating porous carbon derived from industrial alkaline lignin, this LSRF not only improves soil fertility, but also reduces nitrogen loss and environmental contamination, addressing key limitations in existing fertilizer technologies. We studied the hydrothermal carbonization and chemical activation of IAL, optimizing the conditions for producing LSRF by adjusting the ratios of PC, IAL and urea. Using BET, SEM and FT-IR analyses, we characterized the PC, finding a high specific surface area of 1935.5 m2/g. A selected PC sample with 1923.51 m2/g surface area and 0.82 cm3/g pore volume and yield (37.59%) was combined with urea via extrusion granulation to create the LSRF product. Soil column leaching experiments showed that LSRF effectively controls nutrient release, reducing nitrogen loss and groundwater contamination, ensuring long-term crop nutrition. This research demonstrates LSRF’s potential in improving fertilizer efficiency and promoting sustainable agriculture globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Circular Economy Strategies for Waste Management: Innovations in Resource Recovery and Sustainability)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1
<p>Preparation of lignin-based slow-release nitrogen fertilizer.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>The diagrammatic picture of equipment used in the soil column leaching experiment.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>FT-IR spectra of HC (AC<sub>1</sub>–AC<sub>9</sub>). (<b>a</b>) AC<sub>1</sub>–AC<sub>3</sub>; (<b>b</b>) AC<sub>4</sub>–AC<sub>6</sub>; (<b>c</b>) AC<sub>7</sub>–AC<sub>9</sub>.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>(<b>a</b>) SEM images of activated carbon AC<sub>5</sub> and (<b>b</b>) activated carbon after urea loading in autoclave.</p> Full article ">Figure 5
<p>The nitrogen release behavior of biochar-based slow-release fertilizer with different usage amounts of activated carbon. (<b>a</b>) Cumulative leaching amount of NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>-N (<b>b</b>) Cumulative leaching amount of NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup>-N (<b>c</b>) Cumulative leaching amount of total nitrogen.</p> Full article ">Figure 6
<p>The nitrogen release behavior of biochar-based slow-release fertilizer with different usage amount of lignin. (<b>a</b>) Cumulative leaching amount of NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>-N (<b>b</b>) Cumulative leaching amount of NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup>-N (<b>c</b>) Cumulative leaching amount of total nitrogen.</p> Full article ">
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