Open access

Introductory Chapter: Foundations and Challenges in Hazardous Waste Management

Written By

Hosam M. Saleh, Amal I. Hassan and Refaat F. Aglan

Submitted: 24 November 2023 Published: 06 March 2024

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.1003971

From the Edited Volume

Advances and Challenges in Hazardous Waste Management

Hosam M. Saleh, Amal I. Hassan and Refaat F. Aglan

Chapter metrics overview

32 Chapter Downloads

View Full Metrics

1. Introduction

Hazardous waste can arise from diverse origins, including industrial manufacturing procedures, laboratories, hospitals, and even residences (e.g., specific cleansers, pesticides, or electronics) (Table 1). Proper management of these wastes necessitates specific procedures for managing, treating, and disposing of them in order to minimize their detrimental impact on human health and the environment [1]. The specific delineation and oversight of perilous waste can differ among nations and regions, conforming to both domestic legislation and global accords. Ingesting or absorbing the excrement can be detrimental or lethal. The potential long-term health hazards of this substance include chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity (producing developmental abnormalities), or other systemic consequences [2].

OriginExamples of hazardous waste
Industrial
  • Chemical solvents and byproducts

  • Heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury)

  • Toxic chemicals and compounds

  • Radioactive materials

Laboratories
  • Laboratory chemicals

  • Contaminated glassware and equipment

  • Biohazardous materials (e.g., pathogens)

  • Old or expired chemicals and reagents

Hospitals
  • Pharmaceuticals and expired medications

  • Infectious waste (e.g., used needles, cultures)

  • Chemical disinfectants

  • Radioactive medical waste

Residences
  • Household cleaning products (e.g., bleach)

  • Pesticides and herbicides

  • Electronic waste (e-waste)

  • Batteries and fluorescent light bulbs

Table 1.

Understanding hazardous wastes: Origins and examples.

Hazardous waste items frequently include noxious compounds that, when released into the environment, can present substantial health hazards to humans [3]. Exposure to these compounds can result in a range of detrimental health consequences, such as cancer, reproductive abnormalities, respiratory diseases, and neurological impairments [3]. Hence, it is imperative to implement effective management strategies to avert or alleviate these health risks.

The efficient handling of hazardous waste is crucial for environmental preservation. Inadequate management of such trash can lead to significant ecological harm. Toxic waste has the potential to pollute ecosystems, cause harm to wildlife, and disturb natural habitats. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt waste management solutions that reduce the ecological consequences of hazardous waste, thereby safeguarding the fragile equilibrium of ecosystems [4].

Moreover, ensuring the prevention of soil and water contamination is an essential component of effectively managing hazardous waste. Hazardous waste possesses the capability to infiltrate the ground and pollute soil and groundwater reserves [5]. Remediating polluted soil and water can be prohibitively expensive and arduous. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the appropriate confinement, management, and elimination of dangerous waste in order to avert such forms of pollution and their resultant ecological and financial repercussions [6].

Air quality maintenance is intricately connected to the management of hazardous waste. If certain categories of dangerous waste are not properly managed, they can release noxious fumes and fine particles into the atmosphere [7]. Implementing efficient waste management strategies aids in minimizing the emission of these contaminants into the air, thereby enhancing air quality and mitigating potential health hazards [8].

Moreover, the management of hazardous waste is crucial for ensuring adherence to legal regulations and minimizing responsibility. Numerous nations have strict legislation and regulations that control the management, transportation, processing, and elimination of dangerous waste. Adhering to these requirements is not only a legal obligation but also essential for mitigating the possibility of litigation, fines, and the possible harm to an organization’s reputation and financial stability [9].

Advertisement

2. Waste management technologies and regulatory framework

Hazardous waste management also brings about substantial economic advantages. Effective management procedures can result in the retrieval of valuable materials through recycling and reuse, hence diminishing the overall expense of trash disposal [10]. In addition, efficient administration prevents the significant costs related to medical interventions for persons impacted by exposure to dangerous waste and the expensive remediation of polluted locations.

Furthermore, the management of hazardous waste entails a global obligation, in addition to these pragmatic factors. The transboundary movement of hazardous waste is a worldwide environmental issue. Adopting responsible practices for processing and disposing of waste is crucial in order to avoid the spread of contamination across borders and safeguard the ecosystem worldwide [11].

The successful handling of dangerous waste ultimately corresponds to the ideas of sustainable development. Sustainable development guarantees the satisfaction of present requirements while safeguarding the capacity of future generations to fulfill their own demands, thereby fostering a balanced cohabitation of human endeavors and environmental conservation [12]. To summarize, effectively handling hazardous waste is of utmost significance, as it involves crucial aspects of public health, environmental welfare, adherence to laws, economic advantages, and worldwide accountability. Global agreements, such as the Basel Convention, have a critical function in regulating and managing the cross-border transportation and disposal of dangerous waste [13]. They provide a vital foundation for international collaboration and environmental safeguarding. The Basel Convention, ratified in 1989 and operational since 1992, serves as a fundamental pillar in the worldwide regulation of dangerous waste. The main goals of this initiative are many, including reducing the production of dangerous trash, controlling the transit of waste across borders, and encouraging the adoption of environmentally responsible waste management methods [14]. The primary objective of the Basel Convention is to promote the reduction of hazardous waste generation directly at its origin. It achieves this by promoting the use of more environmentally friendly production practices and tactics to reduce waste [15]. The Convention aims to address the problem at its source in order to reduce the amount of hazardous waste that needs to be managed and disposed of, thereby minimizing the hazards to human health and the environment. The Basel Convention establishes a comprehensive framework to govern the responsible handling of hazardous waste across borders in order to control transboundary migrations [16]. This is especially important in preventing the transfer of dangerous trash from highly developed countries to less developed countries, a practice that can have harmful effects on the environment and public health of the latter. The provisions of the Convention are designed to protect the interests of nations that receive aid and encourage fair global accountability.

Another crucial element of the Basel Convention is the advocacy for the implementation of ecologically sustainable management practices in every member nation. This encompasses the creation of strong and reliable systems for the management, containment, and elimination of dangerous waste [17]. The Convention promotes the adoption of optimal methods and the utilization of cutting-edge technologies to decrease the environmental hazards linked to the management of dangerous waste [17]. The Basel Convention includes a Prior Informed Consent Process, which is crucial in guaranteeing that countries receiving dangerous waste are adequately informed about its characteristics and potential hazards. This approach enables recipient countries to make well-informed decisions and gives them the chance to either accept or reject imports of hazardous waste. By engaging in this action, the Convention maintains and supports values of openness and responsibility in the global exchange of waste materials.

Moreover, the Convention deals with issues related to accountability and compensation that arise from occurrences involving hazardous waste. It highlights the significance of implementing systems for financial accountability among those who produce garbage, which acts as a disincentive against reckless waste disposal methods [18].

The Basel Convention aids developing nations in achieving these goals by facilitating technical assistance and capacity-building activities. The Convention facilitates the improvement of less developed nations’ skills, promoting fair and efficient management of hazardous waste worldwide [19].

In addition to the Basel Convention, several other international agreements and initiatives play a role in governing and overseeing hazardous waste. These include the Rotterdam Convention, the Stockholm Convention, the Minamata Convention, and various multilateral environmental agreements that intersect with the management of hazardous waste [20, 21].

The principles dictating hazardous waste management encompass a complete structure that directs the responsible management, processing, and elimination of hazardous waste. These concepts are crucial for reducing the environmental and health hazards linked to hazardous waste [22].

The notion of waste reduction is a fundamental aspect of competent hazardous waste management. To effectively manage hazardous waste, it is best to reduce its production at the point of origin. This notion is in line with the concept of “source reduction,” which prioritizes minimizing waste generation [23]. By advocating for cleaner manufacturing techniques, making adjustments to processes, and implementing waste reduction initiatives, industries and organizations can substantially reduce the amount of hazardous waste they produce. This reduction not only decreases the expenses associated with disposal but also mitigates the possible hazards to human health and the environment [23]. Another core idea involves the reuse of materials obtained from hazardous waste. This principle promotes the practice of recycling and reusing hazardous materials whenever feasible. The act of recycling hazardous waste not only helps to save resources but also diminishes the need for new materials, which can have a detrimental impact on the environment due to the energy-intensive extraction and processing processes involved. Recycling initiatives involve extracting useful components from waste streams, which helps to achieve both environmental sustainability and economic efficiency [24].

Implementing suitable treatment methods is a crucial aspect of the management of dangerous waste. The harmful waste frequently necessitates specialist treatment to reduce its harmful nature or to immobilize pollutants. The treatment methods employed for different waste streams may encompass physical, chemical, or biological processes. Treatment procedures such as burning, chemical stabilization, and bioremediation are employed to handle various categories of hazardous waste. The choice of the best appropriate treatment approach is contingent upon the specific attributes of the waste, environmental factors, and regulatory obligations.

Appropriate means of disposal are a fundamental principle in the management of hazardous waste. When hazardous waste is unable to be reduced, recycled, or treated to eliminate its harmful qualities, it is necessary to safely dispose of it [25]. Disposal procedures must comply with rigorous environmental regulations to avoid soil, water, and air contamination. Typical means of trash disposal include the use of secure landfills that are specifically built to store hazardous waste, deep-well injection for particular types of waste, and some forms of land application. The most suitable form of disposal is contingent upon the specific attributes of the trash and the regulations set forth by the local governing body.

The concepts of hazardous waste management include a comprehensive approach aimed at minimizing the environmental and health hazards associated with hazardous waste [26]. Industries, regulatory organizations, and communities can collaborate to ensure the responsible management of hazardous waste by giving priority to waste reduction, reutilization of materials, employing suitable treatment techniques, and implementing adequate disposal methods. These principles not only protect human health and the environment but also encourage sustainability by minimizing waste production and preserving valuable resources. Adhering to these principles is crucial for attaining environmentally responsible and sustainable methods in the treatment of hazardous waste. The focus of responsible hazardous waste management is on implementing strategies to reduce trash generation at its source, with the goal of minimizing waste production [27]. These measures are crucial for minimizing environmental effects, lowering disposal expenses, and fostering sustainability. This section focuses on essential tactics for minimizing waste [27].

Implementing cleaner production procedures is a key approach to reduce waste. Industries and organizations have the capability to adopt procedures that automatically produce a reduced amount of waste or utilize fewer items that are potentially harmful. This strategy prioritizes the optimization of manufacturing techniques to limit the formation of waste while ensuring that product quality and efficiency are not compromised. For example, implementing alterations to production procedures to minimize the usage of toxic chemicals or creating goods with fewer hazardous components can greatly diminish the amount of hazardous waste generated [28].

The importance of product design is crucial to reducing waste. Eco-design, also known as designing things with an emphasis on sustainability, seeks to minimize the environmental impact of products from their creation to their disposal [29]. Manufacturers can minimize the production of hazardous waste at the end of a product’s life cycle by carefully addressing variables such as material selection, ease of disassembly, and recyclability throughout the design phase. This approach is especially efficient in sectors characterized by items with a limited duration of usefulness, such as the electronics industry [29].

Implementing trash segregation and separation techniques is an effective approach to minimizing the presence of dangerous waste. Through the practice of segregating hazardous and non-hazardous waste from its origin, companies can guarantee that dangerous substances are handled and disposed of separately, thereby diminishing the total amount of hazardous waste produced. Appropriate categorization and containment of dangerous substances streamline this procedure and reduce the likelihood of unintentional blending [30].

Effective inventory management and procurement methods are crucial to minimizing waste. Implementing effective inventory management practices minimizes the probability of hazardous products reaching their expiration date or becoming obsolete, therefore reducing the risk of their turning into hazardous waste [31]. In addition, firms can implement procurement rules that give priority to the acquisition of non-hazardous or less hazardous alternatives, thereby diminishing the overall influx of hazardous materials into the workplace. Waste audits and monitoring systems are highly beneficial instruments for reducing waste. Conducting routine waste audits enables firms to detect recurring waste-generating trends, precisely identify areas for improvement, and establish specific reduction objectives [32]. Through the process of monitoring and tracking trash generation over a period of time, companies can evaluate the efficiency of their waste reduction methods and implement any required modifications.

Contemporary treatment technologies have completely transformed the manner in which hazardous waste is handled. The purpose of these modern techniques is to mitigate the detrimental effects of hazardous waste or to immobilize pollutants, thereby minimizing their adverse influence on the environment and public health. Hazardous waste incineration is the deliberate combustion of waste materials at elevated temperatures. This technique decomposes perilous substances and diminishes the quantity of waste [33]. Advanced incineration methods, such as high-temperature incineration and waste-to-energy incineration, reduce emissions and harness energy from the process. Chemical stabilization procedures entail the addition of substances to hazardous waste in order to bind or chemically modify pollutants, thereby reducing their leachability and toxicity [34]. This approach is highly efficient in the treatment of specific categories of dangerous waste, such as soils contaminated with heavy metals. Bioremediation utilizes microorganisms to degrade toxic chemicals in polluted soil or water. It is highly beneficial for remedying organic pollutants. Bioremediation is an ecologically sustainable and economically efficient approach that harnesses natural processes. Thermal desorption is a technique that uses heat to vaporize and segregate dangerous pollutants from soil or solids. Subsequently, the impurities are trapped and subjected to individual treatment. This technique is beneficial for eliminating volatile organic compounds from polluted substances [35].

Advertisement

3. Risk assessment and safety procedures

Safe disposal techniques are crucial for the ultimate confinement and administration of hazardous waste that cannot be diminished, processed, or reused. Secure landfills are purpose-built structures designed to effectively confine and manage hazardous garbage in a safe manner. These products incorporate numerous layers and liners to effectively prevent the seepage of liquids into the adjacent soil and groundwater. To adhere to environmental rules, hazardous garbage is carefully deposited in specific compartments within the landfill and closely supervised. Deep-well injection is the process of injecting hazardous waste into specially built underground wells at significant depths. The garbage is effectively segregated from groundwater and the surface environment due to the presence of impermeable rock formations. This approach is appropriate for specific categories of dangerous waste. Land application is a method of disposing of non-hazardous liquid hazardous waste, such as treated wastewater, by spreading it onto the land. Vigilant supervision and strict compliance with regulatory protocols are necessary to avert any potential environmental pollution with this approach. Encapsulation is the process of enclosing hazardous waste in materials that effectively immobilize pollutants, thereby preventing their release. This technique is frequently employed for materials that contain asbestos and waste that is radioactive.

The significance of contemporary treatment technologies and secure disposal procedures cannot be exaggerated. These strategies guarantee that dangerous waste is handled in a way that reduces hazards to human health and the environment. Contemporary treatment technologies effectively neutralize or stabilize dangerous substances, reducing their level of harm. Implementing proper disposal techniques serves as a conclusive safeguard against the infiltration of dangerous waste into the soil, the contamination of groundwater, or the pollution of the air [36]. To ensure the efficacy of these measures in protecting our environment and well-being, it is crucial to adhere to environmental standards and conduct thorough monitoring.

The implementation of sustainable management techniques is crucial in the realm of hazardous waste management, as it provides a comprehensive and accountable strategy for tackling the difficulties presented by hazardous waste [9]. These practices provide the highest importance to safeguarding the environment, ensuring long-term sustainability, and promoting the well-being of both present and future generations.

The main rationale for implementing sustainable management techniques is their pivotal role in protecting the environment. Sustainable methods aim to mitigate the environmental consequences of hazardous waste management, thereby diminishing pollution and the exhaustion of natural resources. Through the prioritization of sustainability, we may effectively minimize the negative impact on ecosystems, avert soil and water pollution, and decrease air pollution caused by incorrect waste management [37].

Furthermore, sustainable management techniques are in accordance with the principles of environmental preservation. Their objective is to save natural habitats, conserve biodiversity, and secure the sustainability of crucial ecosystems. Improper management of hazardous waste can pose a significant peril to wildlife and cause disruption to delicate ecosystems. Implementing sustainable practices helps to reduce these hazards, thereby making a positive contribution towards the well-being of our world [38].

Resource efficiency is another vital component of sustainable management. Sustainable approaches promote the retrieval and reutilization of valuable materials from hazardous waste streams. This not only diminishes the need for new resources but also preserves energy and diminishes greenhouse gas emissions linked to the mining and processing of resources. Sustainable waste management is in line with the principles of the circular economy, wherein garbage is transformed into a valuable asset rather than being seen as a burden [39].

Moreover, the implementation of sustainable management methods is crucial to advancing public health and safety. Through the reduction of the emission of perilous compounds into the surroundings, these methods diminish the chances of human contact with detrimental chemicals and impurities. Sustainable waste management places a high priority on safeguarding the health and well-being of vulnerable communities situated in close proximity to hazardous waste facilities, thereby ensuring that their safety is not compromised [40].

Economic factors are essential components of sustainable management strategies. Although it may necessitate initial financial commitments, implementing sustainable waste management practices can result in significant long-term cost reductions [41]. Recycling and resource-efficient technologies can help reduce waste management costs by recovering valuable resources. Furthermore, there are economic benefits to be gained from reducing the environmental and health expenses linked to inappropriate garbage disposal.

Sustainable management practices are future-oriented and take into account the requirements of future generations. Their main focus is on prioritizing the responsible management of trash and implementing long-term strategies to prevent hazardous waste from becoming a burden for future generations. By adopting sustainable behaviors in the present, we alleviate the responsibility of future generations to rectify the repercussions of previous mismanagement [42].

The management of hazardous waste will encounter changing and complex issues and trends in the future, influenced by factors such as technical progress, shifting waste compositions, regulatory changes, and environmental considerations [43]. Tackling these obstacles is crucial to guaranteeing efficient and enduring handling of hazardous waste. With the introduction of novel chemicals and materials, the composition of hazardous waste streams may change to incorporate emerging pollutants. These compounds may possess health and environmental consequences that are either unknown or not well comprehended. In order to ensure appropriate treatment and containment of developing pollutants, future management of hazardous waste must be able to adjust to the evolving composition of trash. The widespread use of electronic devices has resulted in a significant increase in the amount of electronic garbage (e-waste). The management of electronic trash presents distinct difficulties as a result of the inclusion of perilous substances like lead, mercury, and flame retardants within electronic parts. Future endeavors will entail the development of effective and sustainable techniques for the recycling and disposal of electronic trash [44]. The adoption of a circular economy, characterized by the minimization of waste and the recycling and reutilization of resources, will have a substantial effect on the management of hazardous waste. The increasing prominence of sustainable practices that promote resource recovery and waste reduction will lead to a restructuring of waste management techniques. The presence of climate change presents potential dangers to the infrastructure used for managing hazardous waste, such as landfills and treatment facilities. It is essential to prioritize the preparation for climate change effects, including the escalation of severe weather events, the rise in sea levels, and the alteration of precipitation patterns, in order to safeguard the effectiveness of hazardous waste containment systems [44].

The future of hazardous waste management will be greatly influenced by advancements in waste treatment technology, robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence. These technologies have the potential to improve the effectiveness and security of waste management and processing procedures [45]. The landscape of hazardous waste management will be influenced by changing legislation and policies at the local, national, and international levels. Possible future avenues may encompass more stringent regulations for waste management, heightened levels of openness, and broader mandates for waste tracking and reporting. The future trajectory will be influenced by the augmentation of public consciousness about hazardous waste matters and the significance of conscientious waste administration [46]. The trend of increasing community involvement in waste management decision-making and the need for more environmentally friendly methods will persist. International collaboration and agreements will be crucial due to the worldwide scope of hazardous waste challenges. Cooperative endeavors to tackle the cross-border transportation and disposal of dangerous waste will continue to be crucial for safeguarding the environment on a worldwide scale [47]. Continued attention and remediation efforts will be necessary for legacy hazardous waste sites, such as abandoned industrial buildings and toxic landfills. Upcoming difficulties include discovering inventive and economical methods to tackle these locations. Progress in monitoring technologies will enable more precise monitoring of the effects of hazardous waste on human health and the environment. Implementing real-time monitoring and data analysis will facilitate expedited responses to possible contamination occurrences.

Overall, the trajectory of hazardous waste management will be influenced by the convergence of technological progress, regulatory modifications, environmental factors, and public consciousness [48]. The field’s primary directions include adapting to developing toxins, embracing the circular economy, and addressing the issues posed by climate change. Effective management of hazardous waste necessitates cooperation among governments, industry, communities, and researchers to guarantee its sustainability and proper handling, thereby protecting human health and the environment.

Advertisement

4. Future challenges and opportunities

As we contemplate the future, the management of hazardous waste encounters ever-changing difficulties. The persistent growth in industrial activities, particularly in fast-emerging nations, results in a corresponding escalation in the production of hazardous waste. The current trend presents a substantial obstacle for the existing waste management infrastructure, which frequently faces difficulties keeping up with the quantity and intricacy of garbage generated. In addition, the rise of newer hazardous substances, especially from the technology and pharmaceutical sectors, presents significant complexities in the management and elimination of waste.

The effects of climate change also have a substantial impact on the management of hazardous waste. Severe weather phenomena, such as floods and hurricanes, can cause the accidental discharge of dangerous substances into the environment, making existing environmental and health dangers worse [49]. Moreover, it is increasingly important to take into account the carbon footprint of methods used for treating and disposing of hazardous waste, ensuring that they are in line with international efforts to address climate change.

Amidst these difficulties, there exist significant prospects for innovation and progress. The advancement of technology in trash treatment, including the utilization of modern chemical and biological treatment techniques, shows potential for improving efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of waste management [50]. Bioremediation techniques, which employ microorganisms to render harmless or eliminate dangerous pollutants, are increasingly being recognized as a sustainable substitute for conventional approaches [50].

The incorporation of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) in waste management has the potential to fundamentally transform the processes of monitoring, treating, and disposing of hazardous waste. These technologies provide improved monitoring and reporting capabilities, resulting in more knowledgeable decision-making and higher compliance with regulatory standards [51].

These new challenges and opportunities are anticipated to prompt changes in policy and regulatory frameworks. More stringent restrictions for the production and disposal of dangerous waste, in accordance with global standards, are expected to be enforced in order to protect human health and the environment [52]. Moreover, the implementation of policies that advocate for circular economy concepts, which consider garbage as a valuable resource rather than a problem, has the potential to completely transform the field of waste management.

Global collaboration and the standardization of legislation are crucial for efficiently controlling the cross-border transportation of dangerous waste. Collective endeavors are required to avert the unlawful disposal of perilous waste, especially in nations with less rigorous environmental legislation [53].

An area for improvement is the implementation of risk-based management systems that entail evaluating potential hazards linked to certain waste categories and disposal techniques. Researchers contend that by integrating toxicological and epidemiological data, it is possible to develop customized management strategies that address the specific risks associated with a particular waste stream to both human and environmental well-being [54]. Canada has adopted a risk-matrix approach to categorize dangerous waste based on its type and levels of exposure. This method is used to develop specific laws for the treatment and disposal of such garbage. In addition, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has created risk assessment tools such as SW-846 [55]. These tools offer methodology for evaluating the risks associated with site pollution resulting from landfills or spills. The assessment takes into account elements such as transport mechanisms, chemical fate data, and probable routes of exposure [55]. As emerging complex waste streams proliferate in the future that do not fit neatly into traditional categories, developing robust risk-based classification schemes and contingency protocols will be essential for responsible, sustainable management [56]. Standardizing these more adaptable hazardous waste assessment methods globally can help drive innovation in life-cycle handling while avoiding reliance on primitive disposal options. Overall, a transition towards flexible and information-driven hazardous waste management systems will present major advantages moving forward.

References

  1. 1. Akpan VE, Olukanni DO. Hazardous waste management: An African overview. Recycling. 2020;5:15
  2. 2. Camacho JA, Ruíz-Peñalver SM, Rodríguez M. Identification of leading hazardous waste generating industries with high improvement potential in Spain. Science of the Total Environment. 2020;731:139207
  3. 3. Khan WU, Ahmed S, Dhoble Y, Madhav S. A critical review of hazardous waste generation from textile industries and associated ecological impacts. Journal of the Indian Chemical Society. 2023;100(1):100829
  4. 4. Arora NK, Fatima T, Mishra I, Verma M, Mishra J, Mishra V. Environmental sustainability: Challenges and viable solutions. Environmental Sustainability. 2018;1:309-340
  5. 5. Alao JO, Fahad A, Abdo HG, Ayejoto DA, Almohamad H, Ahmad MS, et al. Effects of dumpsite leachate plumes on surface and groundwater and the possible public health risks. Science of the Total Environment. 2023;897:165469
  6. 6. Rathoure AK. Heavy metal pollution and its management: Bioremediation of heavy metal. In: Waste Management: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications. PA, USA: IGI Global; 2020. pp. 1013-1036
  7. 7. Mazzei HG, Specchia S. Latest insights on technologies for the treatment of solid medical waste: A review. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. 2023;11(2):109309
  8. 8. Hewitt CN, Ashworth K, MacKenzie AR. Using green infrastructure to improve urban air quality (GI4AQ). Ambio. 2020;49:62-73
  9. 9. Ilankoon I, Ghorbani Y, Chong MN, Herath G, Moyo T, Petersen J. E-waste in the international context–a review of trade flows, regulations, hazards, waste management strategies and technologies for value recovery. Waste Management. 2018;82:258-275
  10. 10. Kaya M. Recovery of metals and nonmetals from electronic waste by physical and chemical recycling processes. Waste Management. 2016;57:64-90
  11. 11. Zhamiyeva R, Sultanbekova G, Balgimbekova G, Mussin K, Abzalbekova M, Kozhanov M. Problems of the effectiveness of the implementation of international agreements in the field of waste management: The study of the experience of Kazakhstan in the context of the applicability of European legal practices. International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics. 2022;22:177-199
  12. 12. del Olmos-Gómez MC, Estrada-Vidal LI, Ruiz-Garzón F, López-Cordero R, Mohamed-Mohand L. Making future teachers more aware of issues related to sustainability: An assessment of best practices. Sustainability. 2019;11:7222
  13. 13. Mitsilegas V, Fasoli E, Giuffrida F, Fitzmaurice M. Environmental crime at the international level: Criminalisation of illegal traffic of hazardous wastes under the Basel convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal (Basel convention). In: The Legal Regulation of Environmental Crime. Netherlands: Brill Nijhoff; 2022. pp. 55-94
  14. 14. Krueger J. The Basel convention and the international trade in hazardous wastes. Yearbook of International Cooperation on Environment and Development. 2001;2002:43-51
  15. 15. Andrews A. Beyond the ban-can the Basel convention adequately safeguard the interests of the World’s poor in the international trade of hazardous waste. Law, Environment and Development Journal. 2009;5:167
  16. 16. Tobing C, Della M, Prakoso E. Defending Indonesian boundary from trans boundary waste: Implementing Basel convention on National Level. In: Proceedings of 3rd International Conference on Strategic and Global Studies, ICSGS 2019, 6-7 November 2019. Bekasi, Indonesia: University of Bhayangkara Jakarta Raya; 2020
  17. 17. Mohapatra P, Nøklebye E, Arora T, Basu AR. International regulatory frameworks and best practices in management of POPs. In: Managing Persistent Organic Pollutants in India: Case Studies on Vapi and Surat. Gujarat: Springer; 2023. pp. 127-151
  18. 18. Chen T-L, Kim H, Pan S-Y, Tseng P-C, Lin Y-P, Chiang P-C. Implementation of green chemistry principles in circular economy system towards sustainable development goals: Challenges and perspectives. Science of the Total Environment. 2020;716:136998
  19. 19. Ajibo KI. Transboundary hazardous wastes and environmental justice: Implications for economically developing countries. Environmental Law Review. 2016;18:267-283
  20. 20. Escobar-Pemberthy N, Ivanova M, Bueno G. The international chemicals regime: Protecting health and the environment. In: Green Chemistry. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier; 2018. pp. 999-1023
  21. 21. Wu H-H. A study on transnational regulatory governance for marine plastic debris: Trends, challenges, and prospect. Marine Policy. 2022;136:103988
  22. 22. Das S, Lee S-H, Kumar P, Kim K-H, Lee SS, Bhattacharya SS. Solid waste management: Scope and the challenge of sustainability. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2019;228:658-678
  23. 23. Malinauskaite J, Jouhara H, Czajczyńska D, Stanchev P, Katsou E, Rostkowski P, et al. Municipal solid waste management and waste-to-energy in the context of a circular economy and energy recycling in Europe. Energy. 2017;141:2013-2044
  24. 24. Wang X, Li C, Lam CH, Subramanian K, Qin Z-H, Mou J-H, et al. Emerging waste valorisation techniques to moderate the hazardous impacts, and their path towards sustainability. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2022;423:127023
  25. 25. Datta P, Mohi G, Chander J. Biomedical waste management in India: Critical appraisal. Journal of Laboratory Physicians. 2018;10:6-14
  26. 26. Zabihian-Bisheh A, Vandchali HR, Kayvanfar V, Werner F. A sustainable multi-objective model for the hazardous waste location-routing problem: A real case study. Sustainable Operations and Computers. 2023;(23):1-33. DOI: 10.1016/j.susoc.2023.11.001
  27. 27. Zorpas AA. Strategy development in the framework of waste management. Science of the Total Environment. 2020;716:137088
  28. 28. Hahladakis JN, Velis CA, Weber R, Iacovidou E, Purnell P. An overview of chemical additives present in plastics: Migration, release, fate and environmental impact during their use, disposal and recycling. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2018;344:179-199
  29. 29. Cicconi P. Eco-design and eco-materials: An interactive and collaborative approach. Sustainable Materials and Technologies. 2020;23:e00135
  30. 30. Chihiya JM, Nhedzi E, Mapira J. Challenges of solid waste segregation at Unki platinum mine in Shurugwi, Zimbabwe. European Journal of Social Sciences Studies. 2022;7(6):115-131
  31. 31. Chebet E, Kitheka S. Effects of inventory management system on firm performance–an empirical study. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology. 2019;4:34-242
  32. 32. Berchicci L, Dutt N, Mitchell W. Knowledge sources and operational problems: Less now, more later. Organization Science. 2019;30:1030-1053
  33. 33. Jha R, Dwivedi S, Modhera B. Measurement and practices for hazardous waste management. In: Hazardous Waste Management. Elsevier; 2022. pp. 89-115. DOI: 10.1016/C2020-0-01689-0
  34. 34. Xu D-M, Fu R-B, Wang J-X, Shi Y-X, Guo X-P. Chemical stabilization remediation for heavy metals in contaminated soils on the latest decade: Available stabilizing materials and associated evaluation methods-a critical review. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2021;321:128730
  35. 35. Ramírez-García R, Gohil N, Singh V. Recent advances, challenges, and opportunities in bioremediation of hazardous materials. Phytomanagement of Polluted Sites. 2019:517-568. DOI: 10.1016/C2017-0-00586-4
  36. 36. Omeiza AJ, Adeniyi LH, Shettima NM. Investigation of groundwater vulnerability to open dumpsites and its potential risk using electrical resistivity and water analysis. Heliyon. 2023;9:e13265
  37. 37. Gajdzik B, Grabowska S, Saniuk S, Wieczorek T. Sustainable development and industry 4.0: A bibliometric analysis identifying key scientific problems of the sustainable industry 4.0. Energies. 2020;13:4254
  38. 38. Khurshid A, Rauf A, Qayyum S, Calin AC, Duan W. Green innovation and carbon emissions: The role of carbon pricing and environmental policies in attaining sustainable development targets of carbon mitigation—Evidence from Central-Eastern Europe. Environment, Development and Sustainability. 2023;25:8777-8798
  39. 39. Onungwe I, Hunt DVL, Jefferson I. Transition and implementation of circular economy in municipal solid waste management system in Nigeria: A systematic review of the literature. Sustainability. 2023;15:12602
  40. 40. Corvalan C, Villalobos Prats E, Sena A, Campbell-Lendrum D, Karliner J, Risso A, et al. Towards climate resilient and environmentally sustainable health care facilities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020;17:8849
  41. 41. Dey PK, Malesios C, De D, Budhwar P, Chowdhury S, Cheffi W. Circular economy to enhance sustainability of small and medium sized enterprises. In: Supply Chain Sustainability in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. United Kingdom: Routledge; 2022. pp. 10-45
  42. 42. Sheng G, Xie F, Gong S, Pan H. The role of cultural values in green purchasing intention: Empirical evidence from Chinese consumers. International Journal of Consumer Studies. 2019;43:315-326
  43. 43. Sharma HB, Vanapalli KR, Cheela VRS, Ranjan VP, Jaglan AK, Dubey B, et al. Challenges, opportunities, and innovations for effective solid waste management during and post COVID-19 pandemic. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 2020;162:105052
  44. 44. Lu J, Desta B, Wu KD, Nith R, Passananti JE, Lopes P. ecoEDA: Recycling E-waste during electronics design. In: Proceedings of the 36th Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology. U.S and Canada; 2023. pp. 1-14
  45. 45. Rene ER, Sethurajan M, Ponnusamy VK, Kumar G, Dung TNB, Brindhadevi K, et al. Electronic waste generation, recycling and resource recovery: Technological perspectives and trends. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2021;416:125664
  46. 46. Tze San O, Latif B, Di Vaio A. GEO and sustainable performance: The moderating role of GTD and environmental consciousness. Journal of Intellectual Capital. 2022;23:38-67
  47. 47. Albayrak T, Atodiresei D, Popa C. Cross border cooperation for sustainable environment protection. Scienctific Bulletin Mircea cel Batran Naval Academy. 2021;24:1-13
  48. 48. Roco MC. Possibilities for global governance of converging technologies. In: Emerging Technologies. United Kingdom: Routledge; 2020. pp. 447-465
  49. 49. Cruz AM, Krausmann E. Vulnerability of the oil and gas sector to climate change and extreme weather events. Climatic Change. 2013;121:41-53
  50. 50. Khan S, Anjum R, Raza ST, Bazai NA, Ihtisham M. Technologies for municipal solid waste management: Current status, challenges, and future perspectives. Chemosphere. 2022;288:132403
  51. 51. Pigola A, da Costa PR, Carvalho LC, da Silva LF, Kniess CT, Maccari EA. Artificial intelligence-driven digital technologies to the implementation of the sustainable development goals: A perspective from Brazil and Portugal. Sustainability. 2021;13:13669
  52. 52. Mitrano DM, Wohlleben W. Microplastic regulation should be more precise to incentivize both innovation and environmental safety. Nature Communications. 2020;11:5324
  53. 53. Bisschop L. Transnational environmental crime: Exploring (un) charted territory. EU Criminal Justice, Financial & Economic Crime: New Perspectives (Government of Security Research Paper). 2011;5:155-183
  54. 54. Huang Q , Cuadros DF, Sun Z. Actionable science in environmental health. In: Actionable Science of Global Environment Change: From Big Data to Practical Research. New York City: Springer; 2023. pp. 297-326
  55. 55. Hattaway J, Hardin CD, Daniels JL. Recommended guidelines for the use and application of the leaching environmental assessment framework (LEAF) for coal combustion residuals. In: World of Coal Ash (WOCA) Conference. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA); 2013. pp. 22-25
  56. 56. Richins G, Stapleton A, Stratopoulos TC, Wong C. Big data analytics: Opportunity or threat for the accounting profession? Journal of Information Systems. 2017;31:63-79

Written By

Hosam M. Saleh, Amal I. Hassan and Refaat F. Aglan

Submitted: 24 November 2023 Published: 06 March 2024