Recycling of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene from Electronic Waste for the Production of Eco-Friendly Filaments for 3D Printing.

In this work, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymer from electronic waste (e-waste) was used to produce filaments for application in 3D printing. Recycled ABS (rABS) from e-waste was blended with virgin ABS (vABS) in different concentrations. By differential scanning calorimetry, it was observed that the values of the glass transition temperatures for vABS/rABS blends ranged between the values of vABS and rABS. Torque rheometry analysis showed that the processability of vABS was not compromised with the addition of rABS. Rheological measurements showed that the viscosity of vABS was higher than that of rABS at low frequencies and indicated that vABS and rABS are immiscible. Impact strength (IS) tests of the 3D printed samples showed an increase in the IS with an increase in the rABS content up to 50 wt%. Blending vABS with rABS from e-waste is promising and proved to be feasible, making it possible to recycle a considerable amount of plastics from e-waste and, thus, contributing to the preservation of the environment.

Dataset on recovered waste post-earthquake 2016 in Manabi Province, Ecuador for recycling and reuse.

The earthquake in Ecuador on 16 April 2016 generated large volumes of debris and waste. This dataset contains data on recovered and reused disaster materials. Data were collected through a census survey of the scrap dealers of earthquake 2016 debris and waste (n = 62). This dataset was compiled to demonstrate how earthquake waste was generated during the 2016 earthquake and compare it with the pre-disaster period 2015 and the 2019 current when the data were collected. The recovered disaster materials include plastic, metal, cardboard, paper, glass, other recyclable materials, and reused materials. Likewise, the database allows us to observe the time response of medium- and small-sized scrap businesses as scrap dealers engage in the commercial transaction of disaster materials, and this dataset shows the process phases of recovering disaster waste. In addition, the dataset includes profit perceptions and factual earnings from scrap businesses after an earthquake. Considering the significant volume of waste and debris generated, this database can provide useful data for evaluating disaster waste management as an important task in post-disaster recovery.

AUTORECYCLER: Prototype based on artificial vision to automate the material classification process (Plastic, Glass, Cardboard and Metal).

Environmental protection has gained greater importance over time due to the negative impact and irreversible consequences that have occurred worldwide and stem from pollution. One of the great challenges faced in different parts of the world is the inadequate management and classification of solid waste. In order to contribute to tackling this issue, this paper proposes an automated sorting system based on artificial vision which allows recognition and separation of recyclable materials (Plastic, Glass, Cardboard and Metal) through a webcam connected in real time to the Nvidia® Jetson Nano™ 2 GB programming board, which has a convolutional neural network (CNN) trained for the proper classification of waste. The system had a 95 % accuracy in separating plastic, 96 % in glass and metal, and 94 % in cardboard. With this in mind, we conclude it contributes to the recycling effort, which has an impact on the reduction of environmental pollution worldwide.

Opportunities and Challenges in the Application of Bioplastics: Perspectives from Formulation, Processing, and Performance.

Tremendously negative effects have been generated in recent decades by the continuously increasing production of conventional plastics and the inadequate management of their waste products. This demands the production of materials within a circular economy, easy to recycle and to biodegrade, minimizing the environmental impact and increasing cost competitiveness. Bioplastics represent a sustainable alternative in this scenario. However, the replacement of plastics must be addressed considering several aspects along their lifecycle, from bioplastic processing to the final application of the product. In this review, the effects of using different additives, biomass sources, and processing techniques on the mechanical and thermal behavior, as well as on the biodegradability, of bioplastics is discussed. The importance of using bioplasticizers is highlighted, besides studying the role of surfactants, compatibilizers, cross-linkers, coupling agents, and chain extenders. Cellulose, lignin, starch, chitosan, and composites are analyzed as part of the non-synthetic bioplastics considered. Throughout the study, the emphasis is on the use of well-established manufacturing processes, such as extrusion, injection, compression, or blow molding, since these are the ones that satisfy the quality, productivity, and cost requirements for large-scale industrial production. Particular attention is also given to fused deposition modeling, since this additive manufacturing technique is nowadays not only used for making prototypes, but it is being integrated into the development of parts for a wide variety of biomedical and industrial applications. Finally, recyclability and the commercial requirements for bioplastics are discussed, and some future perspectives and challenges for the development of bio-based plastics are discussed, with the conclusion that technological innovations, economic incentives, and policy changes could be coupled with individually driven solutions to mitigate the negative environmental impacts associated with conventional plastics.

Circular fertilisers combining dehydrated human urine and organic wastes can fulfil the macronutrient demand of 15 major crops.

This study evaluated the potential for combining dehydrated human urine with one other form of organic waste to create circular fertilisers tailored to meet the macronutrient demand of 15 major crops cultivated globally. Through a reverse blending modelling approach, data on 359 different organic wastes were used to identify 38 fertiliser blends. Materials found to be particularly suitable as blending materials were various biochars and ashes, due to their low nitrogen and high phosphorus and/or potassium content, and byproduct concentrates, due to their high phosphorus content, since the nitrogen content of human urine is disproportionately higher than its phosphorus content. Several organic wastes were suitable for fertilising more than one crop. The macronutrient content of the simulated fertiliser blends was comparable to that of blended inorganic fertilisers, but only a few blends precisely matched the macronutrient demand of crops. Fertilising crops with some simulated fertilisers would potentially result in excess application of one or more macronutrients, and thus overfertilisation. For organic wastes with data available on their content of six or more heavy metals, it was found that the simulated fertilisers generally met European Union regulations on use of fertilisers of organic origin in agriculture. Overall, these findings suggest that fertiliser blends combining dehydrated human urine and organic wastes, both of which are widely available globally, could replace inorganic blended fertilisers in agriculture. Such recycling would help the global food system and water sector transition to circularity and promote better management of plant-essential nutrients in society.

Technologies for Mechanical Recycling of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) Composites: End Mill, High-Energy Ball Milling, and Ultrasonication.

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have very high specific properties, which is why they are used in the aerospace, wind power, and sports sectors. However, the high consumption of CFRP compounds leads to a high volume of waste, and it is necessary to formulate mechanical recycling strategies for these materials at the end of their useful life. The recycling differences between cutting-end mills and high-energy ball milling (HEBM) were evaluated. HEBM recycling allowed us to obtain small recycled particles, but separating their components, carbon fiber, epoxy resin, and CFRP particles, was impossible. In the case of mill recycling, these were obtained directly from cutting a CFRP composite laminate. The recycled materials resulted in a combination of long fibers and micrometric particles-a sieving step allowed for more homogeneous residues. Although long, individual carbon fibers can pass through the sieve. Ultrasonication did not significantly affect HEBM recyclates because of the high energy they are subjected to during the grinding process, but it was influential on end mill recyclates. The ultrasonication amplitude notably impacted the separation of the epoxy resin from the carbon fiber. The end mill and HEBM waste production process promote the presence of trapped air and electrostatics, which allows recyclates to float in water and be hydrophobic.

Effect of the Addition of PLA on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Reprocessed HDPE.

Amid the current environmental crisis caused by plastic accumulation, one of the proposed solutions to manage this problem is using biodegradable polymers. However, the impact of adding biodegradable polymers to the well-established circular economy of recyclable polymers, such as HDPE, has not been fully considered. Therefore, there is a need to reconsider the way we consume, dispose of, and manage biodegradable polymers after use. This study evaluates the effect of varying the contents of a biodegradable polymer, taking poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a model biodegradable polymer, on the thermal and mechanical properties of HDPE. The study highlights the importance of identifying and disposing of biodegradable polymers to avoid mixtures with HDPE, in order not to affect mechanical performance when considering reprocessing and a new life cycle of this conventional polymer.

Towards Sustainable Packaging Using Microbial Cellulose and Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) Bagasse.

The high consumption of packaging has led to a massive production of waste, especially in the form of nonbiodegradable polymers that are difficult to recycle. Microbial cellulose is considered a biodegradable, low-cost, useful, ecologically correct polymer that may be joined with other biomaterials to obtain novel characteristics and can, therefore, be used as a raw material to produce packaging. Bagasse, a waste rich in plant cellulose, can be reprocessed and used to produce and reinforce other materials. Based on these concepts, the aim of the current research was to design sustainable packaging material composed of bacterial cellulose (BC) and sugarcane bagasse (SCB), employing an innovative shredding and reconstitution method able to avoid biomass waste. This method enabled creating a uniform structure with a 0.10-cm constant thickness, classified as having high grammage. The developed materials, particularly the 0.7 BC/0.3 SCB [70% (w/w) BC plus 30% (w/w) SCB] composite, had considerable tensile strength (up to 46.22 MPa), which was nearly thrice that of SCB alone (17.43 MPa). Additionally, the sorption index of the 0.7 BC/0.3 SCB composite (235.85 ± 31.29 s) was approximately 300-times higher than that of SCB (0.78 ± 0.09 s). The packaging material was also submitted to other analytical tests to determine its physical and chemical characteristics, which indicated that it has excellent flexibility and can be folded 100 times without tearing. Its surface was explored via scanning electron microscopy, which revealed the presence of fibers measuring 83.18 nm in diameter (BC). Greater adherence after the reconstitution process and even a uniform distribution of SCB fibers in the BC matrix were observed, resulting in greater tear resistance than SCB in its pure form. The results demonstrated that the composite formed by BC and SCB is promising as a raw material for sustainable packaging, due to its resistance and uniformity.

Multifactorial evaluation of an ultra-fast process for electrospinning of recycled expanded polystyrene to manufacture high-efficiency membranes for nanoparticle air filtration.

The increased production of polystyrene waste has led to the need to find efficient ways to dispose of it. One possibility is the use of solid waste to produce filter media by the electrospinning technique. The aim of this work was to develop an ultra-fast electrospinning process applied to recycled polystyrene, with statistical evaluation of the influence of polymeric solution parameters (polymer concentration and percentage of DL-limonene) and process variables (flow rate, voltage, and type of support) on nanoparticle collection efficiency, air permeability, and fiber diameter. An extensive characterization of the materials and evaluation of the morphology of the fibers was also carried out. It was found that recycled expanded polystyrene could be used in electrospinning to produce polymeric membranes. The optimized condition that resulted in the highest nanoparticle collection efficiency was a polymer concentration of 13.5%, percentage of DL-limonene of 50%, voltage of 25 kV, and flow rate of 1.2 mL/h, resulting in values of 99.97 ± 0.01%, 2.6 ± 0.5 × 10-13 m2, 0.19 Pa-1, and 708 ± 176 nm for the collection efficiency of nanoparticles in the range from 6.38 to 232.9 nm, permeability, quality factor, and mean fiber diameter, respectively. All the parameters were found to influence collection efficiency and fiber diameter. The use of DL-limonene, a natural solvent, provided benefits including increased collection efficiency and decreased fiber size. In addition, the electrostatic filtration mechanism was evaluated using the presence of a copper grid as a support for the nanofibers. The findings demonstrated that an electrospinning time of only 5 min was sufficient to obtain filters with high collection efficiencies and low pressure drops, opening perspectives for the application of polystyrene waste in the development of materials with excellent characteristics for application in the area of atmospheric pollution mitigation.

Hierarchical analysis of barriers to circular business models in the recycling industry.

Circular business models in manufacturing, especially in the recycling industry, face many barriers that need to be managed and mitigated for successful business implementation. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the hierarchy of the main barriers to the implementation of circular business models in the recycling industry and evaluate strategies to overcome them. To achieve this goal, we first conducted a systematic literature review on barriers to implementing circular business models. Second, barriers were prioritized through a survey followed by an expert focus group. Building on these steps, we used interpretive structural modeling combined with a 'matrix of cross-impact multiplications applied to classification' to identify the hierarchy among barriers and describe their interdependencies. As key findings, 10 barriers were prioritized through a survey to identify the most important barriers for the recycling industry. The hierarchy of these barriers highlights regulation and government incentives as the most important, followed by those related to supply chain collaboration and lack of material flow indicators. Finally, internal barriers appear as high investments and associated risks. Finally, we suggest strategies to overcome these barriers based on their hierarchy. The implications of this study provide a proposal of strategies for implementing circular business models in the recycling industry, derived from the hierarchical correlation among the barriers, and can be applied in different regions through expert opinion assessment.

O uso de embalagens cartonadas no envase asséptico de alimentos e bebidas: uma revisão narrativa / The use of carton packaging in the aseptic packaging Of food and beverages: a narrative review

A embalagem constitui um importante componente para a preservação de alimentos. Um dos avanços mais notáveis na tecnologia de alimentos foi o método de envase asséptico, criado para atender à necessidade de prolongar a vida útil dos alimentos, otimizar a qualidade do produto e reduzir custos. A embalagem cartonada pode ser utilizada no envase asséptico e está presente em diversos mercados, como o de lácteos, sucos, e até alimentos sólidos, como vegetais e grãos. O presente trabalho fez uma revisão narrativa da literatura científica com informações de estudos disponíveis sobre o uso da embalagem cartonada no envase asséptico de alimentos e bebidas, com ênfase nos aspectos nutricionais, sensoriais e de sustentabilidade. As embalagens cartonadas são consideradas seguras e não foram identificados na literatura problemas de saúde associados a elas. O alumínio presente nas embalagens não possui proximidade direta com o alimento, pois existe uma camada interna de polietileno de baixa densidade que entra em contato com o produto. O envase asséptico em embalagens cartonadas não possui impacto negativo na qualidade nutricional dos produtos e as tecnologias disponíveis são capazes de preservar as características sensoriais dos mesmos. O envase em embalagens que atuam como uma barreira à luz e oxigênio, como a embalagem cartonada, pode representar uma boa alternativa para redução de alterações físico-químicas em alimentos. Alguns obstáculos ainda dificultam a reciclagem completa das embalagens cartonadas, no entanto, esforços e investimentos vêm sendo empregados para encontrar novas soluções.(AU)

Packaging is an important component for food preservation. One of the most notable advances in food technology has been the aseptic filling method, created to meet the need to extend the shelf life of food, optimize product quality and reduce costs. Carton packaging can be used in aseptic packaging and is present in several markets, such as dairy products, juices, and even solid foods, such as vegetables and grains. The present work carried out a narrative review of the scientific literature with information from available studies on the use of carton packaging in the aseptic packaging of food and beverages, with an emphasis on nutritional, sensory and sustainability aspects. Carton packaging is considered safe and no health problems associated with it have been identified in the literature. The aluminum present in the packaging is not directly close to the food, as there is an internal layer of low-density polyethylene that comes into contact with the product. Aseptic packaging in carton packaging does not have a negative impact on the nutritional quality of products and the available technologies are capable of preserving their sensory characteristics. Filling in packaging that acts as a barrier to light and oxygen, such as carton packaging, can represent a good alternative for reducing physical-chemical changes in food. Some obstacles still make it difficult to completely recycle carton packaging, however, efforts and investments have been made to find new solutions.(AU)

Where R-SNAREs like to roam - the vesicle-associated membrane proteins VAMP721 & VAMP722 in trafficking hotspots.

VAMP721 and VAMP722, play crucial roles in membrane fusion at post-Golgi compartments. They are involved in cell plate formation, recycling, endocytosis, and secretion. While individual SNARE actors and regulators exhibit significant overlap, specificity is achieved through distinct combinations of these components. Cytokinesis-related SNAREs traffic as preformed CIS-complexes, which require disassembly by the NSF/αSNAP chaperoning complex to facilitate subsequent homotypic fusion at the cell plate. Recent findings suggest a similar mechanism may operate during secretion. Regulation of VAMP721 activity involves interactions with tethers, GTPases, and Sec1/Munc18 proteins, along with a newly discovered phosphorylation at Tyrosine residue 57. These advances provide valuable insights into the fascinating world of cellular trafficking and membrane fusion.

Copper recovery by solvent extraction for nanoparticle synthesis from waste motherboards.

Printed circuit boards, which make up part of waste from electrical and electronic equipment, contain elements that can be economically reused, such as copper, silver, gold, and nickel, as well as metals that are harmful to the environment and health, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Thus, through recycling this scrap, materials that would otherwise be discarded can be reinserted as secondary raw materials to produce new consumer goods through urban mining. In this context, the synthesis of nanoparticles shows promise as it allows the reinsertion of these materials in the manufacture of new products. Therefore, this study used obsolete computer motherboards as a secondary material to obtain copper to produce nanoparticles of this metal. From a solution based on the leach liquor of this scrap, a purification route using solvent extraction was defined and applied to the real leach liquor. Applying the hydroxyoxime extractant at a dilution of 20% (v/v) in kerosene, A/O of 1/1, 298 K, and 0.25 h of contact during extraction, and stripping in H2SO4 (2 M), 298 K, 0.25 h, W/O ratio of 3/1, and two theoretical countercurrent stages, a solution containing more than 95% of the copper in the leach liquor could be obtained with less than 1% of contaminants. From this purified liquor, nanoparticles containing copper and metallic copper oxides and hydroxides were produced, with an average size of 84 nm, at pH 11, 3 h of hot stirring, volume of 0.015 L of ascorbic acid (0.50 M) and 0.015 L of precursor solution (0.03 M Cu), and temperature (343 K).

Technological characterization and environment-friendly possibilities to reuse water treatment sludge in building materials.

Water treatment plants (WTPs) produce thousands of tons of sludge annually, which is destined for landfill disposal, an environmentally and economically impractical alternative. Chemical, mineralogical, and morphological characterization besides environmental classification has been performed for WTP sludge and it was evaluated application potential in building materials, from a literature review. The characterization was carried out by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy analysis, and leaching and solubilization tests. The results show that the presence of activated charcoal residues from water treatment in one type of sludge was of little relevance for changes in the properties of the waste. Both sludges have a wide range of particle sizes, consisting mainly of silica, aluminum and iron oxides, as well as kaolinite, quartz, and iron minerals. Special attention must be paid to the solubilization of metallic contaminants to avoid contamination risks and order to make the application safer and more effective, it is necessary to study deeply ways to inert the WTP sludge. The sludges studied have a high potential for application in ceramic products, mortars, geopolymers and concrete paving stones. Depending on the type of building material, different contents of sludge in natural or calcined state can be incorporated.

Una odontología sustentable para Chile: revisión narrativa desde una perspectiva ecológica y sustentable

Introducción: la gestión inadecuada de residuos en el sector de la salud, especialmente en odontología, conlleva riesgos para la salud y el medio ambiente. En Chile, el reglamento sobre manejo de residuos de establecimientos de atención de salud (REAS) clasifica los residuos según su riesgo. La odontología sostenible, mediante prácticas como las 3 R y un modelo ampliado de 5 R, reduce impactos ambientales y costos, atrayendo a pacientes ecoconscientes. Objetivos: identificar el impacto ambiental de residuos en odontología y, utilizando el modelo de 5R, proponer acciones ecológicas basadas en evidencia, que se puedan aplicar en Chile. Materiales y Métodos: se realizó una revisión narrativa sobre el manejo de residuos generados en servicios dentales y prácticas sustentables durante la atención. Se utilizaron 30 artículos para lograr los objetivos. Resultados: los residuos odontológicos, en especial los quirúrgicos, provocan un impacto desmesurado en el medio ambiente. La generación y gestión de estos residuos dependen directamente de los profesionales. La odontología ecológica se centra en la adopción de prácticas sustentables y diferentes tecnologías e innovaciones para reducir el consumo de energía y la generación de residuos. Se presentan alternativas basadas en las 5R (reducir, reutilizar, reciclar, reflexionar e investigar) para disminuir la huella ambiental en la odontología. Conclusión: abordar el impacto ambiental de la odontología es crucial. La odontología sostenible requiere un enfoque interdisciplinario, prácticas más ecoamigables y políticas públicas adecuadas. La educación continua, la investigación y la concienciación ambiental son esenciales para este cambio. El método de las 5R es clave para fomentar la sostenibilidad en la odontología.

Introduction: Inadequate waste management in the healthcare sector, especially in dentistry, poses risks to health and the environment. In Chile, regulations on waste management from health care facilities (REAS) classify waste according to its risk level. Sustainable dentistry, through practices such as the 3 Rs and an expanded model of the 5 Rs, reduces environmental impacts and costs, appealing to eco-conscious patients. Materials and Methods: A review of the literature was performed on the management of waste generated in dental services and sustainable practices during care. Thirty articles were used to achieve the objectives. Results: Dental waste, especially surgical waste, has a disproportionate impact on the environment. The generation and management of these wastes depend directly on professionals. Ecological dentistry focuses on adopting sustainable practices and different technologies and innovations to reduce energy consumption and waste generation. Alternatives based on the 4 Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle, and reflect) are presented to reduce the environmental footprint in dentistry. Alternatives based on the 5Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink, and research) are presented to reduce the environmental footprint in dentistry. Conclusion: Addressing the environmental impact of dentistry is crucial. Sustainable dentistry requires an interdisciplinary approach, eco-friendly practices, and appropriate public policies. Continuous education, research, and environmental awareness are essential for this change. The 5R method is key to promoting sustainability in dentistry.

Aplicativo móvel de auxílio à captação de materiais recicláveis: desenvolvimento centrado no usuário / Mobile application to assist recyclable materials: user-centred development / Aplicación móvil para ayudar a materiales reciclables: desarrollo centrado en el usuario

Objetivo: Desenvolver um aplicativo móvel de auxílio à captação de materiais recicláveis. Métodos: Estudo metodológico, de desenvolvimento tecnológica centrado no usuário, realizado entre março e dezembro de 2020, a partir de cinco fases sequenciais: reconhecimento do contexto; idealização; prototipação; teste de usabilidade, complementado por um processo de validação e implementação. Participaram dessa produção tecnológica pesquisadores, desenvolvedores e integrantes de uma Associação de Materiais Recicláveis de Santa Maria, RS, Brasil. Resultados: As três fases iniciais resultaram num protótipo de aplicativo móvel. Na fase do teste de usabilidade verificouse, por meio de simulação intuitiva do protótipo, que o aplicativo é de manejo acessível, rápido e prático, podendo ser acessado por qualquer cidadão que dispõem de celular. Constatou-se, no processo de validação, que o dispositivo possui os requisitos necessários para o adequado funcionamento e interlocução entre doadores e associações receptoras de materiais recicláveis. Está disponível online após obter registro no Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial. Conclusão: Revela-se que o desenvolvimento centrado no usuário é uma estratégia que amplia a difusão de conhecimento, possibilita a inclusão social e favorece o empoderamento. Como tecnologia social, o dispositivo móvel é capaz de potencializar melhores condições de trabalho e renda às associações de reciclagem. (AU)

Objective: To develop a mobile application to help the collection of recyclable materials. Methods: This is a methodological study, of user-oriented technological production, carried out between March and December 2020, from five phases: context recognition; idealization; prototyping; usability testing, complemented by a process of validation and implementation. Researchers, developers, and members of a Recyclable Materials Association in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, participated in the collaborative production. Results: The three initial phases resulted in a prototype mobile application. In the usability test phase it was verified, through intuitive simulation of the prototype, that the application is accessible, fast and practical, and can be accessed by any citizen with a cell phone. It was verified, in the validation process, that the device has the necessary requirements for the proper functioning and dialogue between donors and associations that receive recyclable materials. It is available online after being registered with the National Institute of Industrial Property. Conclusion: It is revealed that user-centered development is a strategy that expands the dissemination of knowledge, enables social inclusion, and favors empowerment. As a social technology, the mobile device is capable of potentiating better work and income conditions for recycling associations. (AU)

Objetivo: Desarrollar una aplicación móvil para ayudar a capturar materiales reciclables. Métodos: Consiste en un estudio metodológico de producción tecnológica orientada hacia el usuario, ocurrido entre marzo y diciembre de 2020, basado en cinco fases: reconocimiento del contexto; idealización; creación de prototipos; prueba de usabilidad, complementada un proceso de validación e implementación. Participaron en la producción colaborativa investigadores, desarrolladores y miembros de una Asociación de Materiales Reciclables de Santa María, RS, Brasil. Resultados: Las tres fases iniciales resultaron en un prototipo de aplicación móvil. En la fase de prueba de usabilidad, se verificó, por medio de una simulación intuitiva del prototipo, que la aplicación es de uso accesible, rápida y práctica, y puede ser accedida por cualquier ciudadano que disponga de un teléfono celular. Se constató, en el proceso de validación, que el dispositivo cuenta con los requisitos necesarios para el correcto funcionamiento y diálogo entre donantes y asociaciones receptoras de materiales reciclables. Está disponible en línea tras obtener el registro en el Instituto Nacional de Propiedad Industrial. Conclusión: Resulta que el desarrollo centrado en el usuario es una estrategia que amplía la difusión del conocimiento, posibilita la inclusión social y favorece el empoderamiento. Como tecnología social, el dispositivo móvil es capaz de mejorar las condiciones laborales y los ingresos de las asociaciones de reciclaje. (AU)

The role of Geographic Information Systems in mitigating plastics pollution in the Global South-A spatial analysis of recycling facilities in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is at the forefront of environmental conservation in Central America, with its focus on sustainability and green practices. Building on this foundation, the country joins a cohort of middle-income developing countries that have set forth ambitious goals to eliminate plastic pollution and become plastics-free. Recycling remains one of the most effective ways of removing plastic waste from the environment. Although GIS has been utilized in environmental research, its use is still expanding in developing countries of the Global South. These countries are experiencing unprecedented adverse climate and ecological impacts while also pursuing fundamental socioeconomic growth. The application of more cost-effective and strategic technological solutions, as well as data-driven decision-making, could fast-track the achievement of their urgent environmental goals. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis, this study applies hot spot, location-allocation, and time-distance measures to examine Costa Rica's capacity to recycle plastic waste. Focusing specifically on availability and the public's access to recycling facilities, this article offers insights into the resource constraints and evolution of plastics governance in developing countries with environmentally-focused priorities. The findings of this study suggest that while Costa Rica is implementing progressive plastics regulatory policies, the ability to achieve plastics-free status is hampered by shortfalls in the number and distribution of recycling facilities and the public's access to recycling services. Expanding recycling infrastructure, including transportation, and adopting a less canton-centric waste administration system could contribute to resolving these challenges. This study contributes to discourses on global plastics governance and environmental change management in the Global South.

Polymer Waste Recycling of Injection Molding Purges with Softening for Cutting with Fresnel Solar Collector-A Real Problem Linked to Sustainability and the Circular Economy.

A plastic injection waste known as "purge" cannot be reintegrated into the recycling chain due to its shape, size, and composition. Grinding these cannot be carried out with traditional mills due to significant variations in size and shape. This work proposes a process and the design of a device that operates with solar energy to cut the purges without exceeding the degradation temperature. The size reduction allows reprocessing, revalorization, and handling. The purges are mixtures of processed polymers, so their characterization information is unavailable. Some characterizations were conducted before the design of the process and after the cut of the purges. Some of the most representative purges in a recycling company were evaluated. The flame test determines that all material mixtures retain thermoplasticity. The hardness (Shore D) presented changes in four of the purges being assessed, with results in a range of 59-71 before softening and 60-68 after softening. Young's modulus was analyzed by the impulse excitation technique (IET), which was 2.38-3.95 GPa before softening and 1.7-4.28 after softening. The feasibility of cutting purges at their softening temperature was evaluated. This was achieved in all the purges evaluated at 250-280 °C. FTIR allowed for corroboration of no significant change in the purges after softening. The five types of purges evaluated were polypropylene-ABS, polycarbonate-ABS-polypropylene, yellow nylon 66, acetal, and black nylon 66 with fillers, and all were easily cut at their softening temperature, allowing their manipulation in subsequent process steps.

Applying social life cycle assessment in the informal recycling sector: Understanding challenges and limitations.

The transition towards Circular Economy (CE) is a promising approach to sustainable development that may cause significant social impacts. Despite the benefits of CE initiatives, key players such as informal recyclers face serious social issues such as poverty, lack of social security, and discrimination. Although evaluating social impacts remains a considerable challenge, Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) is recognized as a suitable methodology with a life cycle perspective. While most SLCA experiences are conducted in the formal sector, it is important to consider the informal sector, which plays a crucial role in developing countries. This article presents an analysis of SLCA studies in informal recycling settings in order to identify the challenges and adjustments required for informal settings. The analysis is based on a literature review and a documentary review of a pilot application of SLCA in the informal recycling system in Cuenca, Ecuador. The results show that SLCA requires adaptation to be applied in informal settings. There are particular challenges in delineating boundaries due to the fuzzy nature and variability of informal activities. Tasks such as establishing specific indicators, developing reference scales and data collection, require careful planning and active stakeholder participation. For instance, indicators regarding Fair Salary or Working hours were adapted based on best practices. Furthermore, tasks such as verifying and disseminating results should be included in interpretation phases to generate long-term impacts and influence behaviors. The study underscores SLCA's multidimensional view but highlights the need for further standardization and adaptation for informal sectors.