JournalTOCs

Open Waste Management Journal
Number of Followers: 1

This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Online) 1876-4002
Published by Bentham Open

[69 journals]

Sustainable Use of Recycled Glass Powder as Cement Replacement in Concrete
- Abstract: Aims:This paper introduces a sustainable way of using Recycled Glass Powder (RGP) as a cement replacement in concrete.Background:In Australia, almost one million tons of glass waste is collected annually for recycling purpose. However, the inconsistency in chemical composition and the presence of impurities make glass recycling process difficult. Besides, the lack of local recycling plants coupled with high transportation costs makes the recycling process expensive.Objective:For the successful use of recycled glass in concrete for industrial applications, it is therefore, important to characterize the physical and chemical properties of recycled glass collected by the local councils. Furthermore, the effects of replacement levels of cement with recycled glass on the strength and durability properties of concrete need to be assessed as well.Methods:Mechanical strength and durability properties of concrete with 10%, 20% and 30% of RGP as a partial cement replacement were tested and compared with typical concrete and fly ash blend concrete. The relative strength test of mortar was conducted to assess the reactivity of glass powder with the cement.Results:RGP concrete showed an improvement in strength over time like fly ash. Using RGP significantly improved the resistance against chloride penetration with increasing glass powder content. Furthermore, RGP also met the relative strength requirement as per Australian Standard requirement to be considered as a supplementary cementitious material.Conclusion:This research showed that the use of RGP as cement replacement is feasible for replacement level up to 10%. The outcome of this research aims to contribute towards sustainable development by reducing the consumption of cement, as well as reduction of glass waste going into landfill.
Consumers’ Perceptions on Plastic Bags Tax Levy in Peri-urban Areas of
Eswatini: A Case of Kwaluseni and Logoba Chiefdoms
- Abstract: Introduction:This study focused on assessing the perceptions of consumers on plastic bags tax levy in peri-urban areas of Eswatini, using Kwaluseni and Logoba chiefdoms as case studies.Methods:The areas of key focus include knowledge of and attitudes of consumers towards plastic bags pollution, strategies employed by consumers to manage plastic bags, consumers’ willingness to pay for plastic bags and what Eswatini Environment Authority has done so far in controlling plastic bags pollution.Results:A total of 165 households, (99 from Kwaluseni and 66 from Logoba) were conveniently sampled and interviewed with the aid of a questionnaire. Community leaders and an environmental inspector from Eswatini Environment Authority were also interviewed. The findings show that the use of plastic bags is increasing in both chiefdoms (92.93% at Kwaluseni and 92.42% at Logoba). Concerning what respondents do with the plastics bags after ferrying their goods home, 25% at Kwaluseni and 19% at Logoba of the respondents claimed to reuse some bags and throw away the rest.Conclusion:With regard to willingness to pay, the findings indicate that 49.70% of the respondents are willing to buy plastic bags.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Hempcrete
- Abstract: Background:Environment-friendly materials attract attention whilst the construction sector causes excessive global energy consumption and emission of greenhouse gas. Renewable plant-based biomaterials, which have a low environmental impact, are very beneficial in order to prevent environmental pollution and to preserve natural resources. Hempcrete provides environment-friendly construction materials as well as thermal and hygroscopic properties.Objective:This paper presents a review of hempcrete research about understanding the environmental effects and construction methods of hempcrete; moreover, the benefits and innovations it has provided throughout its life cycle, have been investigated.Methods:For this purpose, experimental studies of hempcrete were compared to each other in all aspects in order to determine density, thermal conductivity, vapor permeability, hygrometric behavior, durability, acoustic absorption, mechanical properties and life cycle analysis. Moreover, binder characteristics, hemp shiv proportions, water content, curing conditions and results have been focused on to explain the benefits of hempcrete.Results:The results obtained show that hempcrete has high porosity and vapor permeability, medium-low density, low thermal conductivity, Young’s modulus and compressive strength.Conclusion:Based upon the findings of the studies reviewed, hempcrete is an advantageous material in buildings with its extraordinary thermal and hygrometric behaviour. Hemp is also an eco-friendly and economical plant-based raw material for the construction industry.