A review of plastic waste management for a sustainable environment: Composition and approaches
Full Text (PDF)
More Detail
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, NIGERIA* Corresponding Author
Abstract
Globally, the production, consumption, and environmental impact of plastics are all growing rapidly. We utilize plastics more often in our daily lives these days. They work, for instance, in the packaging of different food and beverage companies, cosmetics companies, pharmaceutical companies, and other industries that need to package their finished goods for public distribution in a safe and efficient manner. Plastic garbage can have a lot of detrimental consequences on the environment such as pollution, endangering wildlife, and releasing toxic chemicals if it is not properly treated and controlled. This review looks at the different techniques to manage plastic waste (PW) sustainably, the types and content of plastics, the life cycle of PW, the impact of PW on the environment, and future perspectives on plastic trash. The evaluated conclusion addressed the problems caused by inadequate processing of PW as well as potential solutions that could be provided to ensure a sustainable environment and reduce the causes of climate change, in line with the sustainable development goals. Significant environmental degradation has been seen as a result of the physical and chemical properties of plastic trash, its non-biodegradable nature, overuse, and negligence. Moreover, plastic so enters the food chain and poses a major threat to aquatic and human health.
License
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Article Type: Review Article
EUR J SUSTAIN DEV RES, Volume 9, Issue 3, 2025, Article No: em0314
https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/16359
Publication date: 01 Jul 2025
Online publication date: 06 May 2025
Article Views: 152
Article Downloads: 121
Open Access References How to cite this articleReferences
- Abad-Segura, E., Fuente, A. B. D. L., González-Zamar, M. D., & Belmonte-Ureña, L. J. (2020). Effects of circular economy policies on the environment and sustainable growth: Worldwide research. Sustainability, 12(14), Article 5792. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145792
- Abdul-Latif, A. Menouer, A, Baleh, R., & Deiab, I. M. (2021). Plastic response of open cell aluminum foams of highly uniform architecture under different quasi-static combined biaxial compression-torsion loading paths. Materials Science and Engineering: B, 266, Article 115051. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mseb.2021.115051
- Abelsohn, A., Sanborn, M. D., Jessiman, B. J., & Weir, E. (2002). Identifying and managing adverse environmental health effects: 6. Carbon monoxide poisoning. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 166(13), 1685-1690.
- Abidli, S., Lahbib, Y., & El Menif, N. T. (2019). Microplastics in commercial molluscs from the lagoon of Bizerte (Northern Tunisia). Marine Pollution Bulletin, 142, 243-252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.03.048
- Acomb, J. C., Wu, C., & Williams, P. T. (2014). Control of steam input to the pyrolysis-gasification of waste plastics for improved production of hydrogen or carbon nanotubes. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 147, 571-584. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2013.09.018
- Ageyeva, T., Sibikin, I., & Kovacs, J. G. (2019). A review of thermoplastic resin transfer molding: Process modeling and simulation. Polymers, 11(10), Article 1555. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101555
- Aizudin, M., Goei, R., Ong, A. J., Tan, Y. Z., Lua, S. K., Pottammel, R. P., Geng, H., Wu, X.-L., Tok, A. L. Y., & Ang, E. H. (2022). Sustainable development of graphitic carbon nanosheets from plastic wastes with efficient photothermal energy conversion for enhanced solar evaporation. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 10, 19612-19617. https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA02092K
- Alam, M. S., Kaur, J., Khaira, H., & Gupta, K. (2016). Extrusion and extruded products: Changes in quality attributes as affected by extrusion process parameters: A review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 56(3), 445-473. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2013.779568
- Alexy, P., Anklam, E., Emans, T., Furfari, A., Galgani, F., Hanke, G., Koelmans, A., Pant, R., Saveyn, H., Sokull & Kluettgen, B. (2020). Managing the analytical challenges related to micro-and nanoplastics in the environment and food: Filling the knowledge gaps. Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, 37(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/19440049.2019.1673905
- Ali, S. S., Abdelkarim, E. A., Elsamahy, T., Al-Tohamy, R., Li, F., Kornaros, M., Zuorro, A., Zhu, D., & Sun, J. (2023). Bioplastic production in terms of life cycle assessment: A state-of-the-art review. Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, 15, Article 100254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ese.2023.100254
- Ali, S. S., Elsamahy, T., Al-Tohamy, R., Zhu, D., Mahmoud, Y. A.-G., Koutra, E., Metwally, M. A., Kornaros, M., & Sun, J. (2021). Plastic wastes biodegradation: Mechanisms, challenges and future prospects. Science of The Total Environment, 780, Article 146590. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146590
- Allen, S., Allen, D., Phoenix, V. R., Le Roux, G., Jimenez, P. D., Simonneau, A., Binet, S., & Galop, D. (2019). Atmospheric transport and deposition of microplastics in a remote mountain catchment. Nature Geosciences, 12, 339-344. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-019-0335-5
- Almeshal, I., Tayeh, B. A., Alyousef, R., Alabduljabbar, H., & Mohamed, A. M. (2020). Eco-friendly concrete containing recycled plastic as partial replacement for sand. Journal of Material Science Research and Technology, 9(3), 4631-4643. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2020.02.090
- Al-Tohamy, R., Ali, S. S., Li, F. Okasha, K. M., Mahmoud, Y. A. G., Elsamahy, T., Jiao, H., Fu, Y., & Sun, J. (2022). A critical review on the treatment of dye-containing wastewater: Ecotoxicological and health concerns of textile dyes and possible remediation approaches for environmental safety. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 231, Article 113160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.113160
- Al-Tohamy, R., Ali, S. S., Zhang, M., Elsamahy, T., Abdelkarim, E. A., Jiao, H., Sun, S., & Sun, J., (2023a). Environmental and human health impact of disposable face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic: Wood-feeding termites as a model for plastic biodegradation. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 195, 2093-2113. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-022-04216-9
- Al-Tohamy, R., Ali, S. S., Zhang, M., Sameh, M., Mahmoud, Y. A.-G., Waleed, N., Okasha, K. M., Sun, S., & Sun, J. (2023b). Can wood-feeding termites solve the environmental bottleneck caused by plastics? A critical state-of-the-art review. Journal of Environmental Management, 326, Article 116606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116606
- Amereh, F., Babaei, M., Eslami, A., Fazelipour, S., & Rafiee, M. (2020). The emerging risk of exposure to nano (micro) plastics on endocrine disturbance and reproductive toxicity: From a hypothetical scenario to a global public health challenge. Environmental Pollution, 261, Article 114158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114158
- Amobonye, A., Bhagwat, P., Singh, S., & Pillai, S. (2021). Plastic biodegradation: Frontline microbes and their enzymes. Science of The Total Environment, 759, Article 143536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143536
- Amthor, J. S. (1991). Respiration in a future, higher-CO2 world. Plant, Cell & Environment, 14 1), 13-20. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3040.1991.tb01367.x
- Anwar, Z., Anjum, F., & Ghayas, S. (2021). Polycarbonate plastics and neurological disorders: From exposure to preventive interventions environmental contaminants and neurological disorders. In M. S. H. Akash, & K. Rehman (Eds.), Environmental contaminants and neurological disorders (pp. 147-183). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-66376-6_8
- Armenise, S., SyieLuing, W., Ramírez-Velasquez, J. M., Launay, F., Wuebben, D., Ngadi, N., Rams, J., & Munoz, M. (2021). Plastic waste recycling via pyrolysis: A bibliometric survey and literature review. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 158, Article 105265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaap.2021.105265
- Asgher, M., Muzammil, M., Qamar, S.A., Khalid, N., and Bilal, M. (2020). Environmentally friendly color stripping of solar golden yellow R dyed cotton fabric by ligninolytic consortia from Ganoderma lucidum IBL-05. Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, 2, Article 100031. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2020.100031
- Askham, C., Pauna, V. H., Boulay, A. M., Fantke, P., Jolliet, O., Lavoie, J., Booth, A. M., Coutris, C., Verones, F., Weber, M., & Vijver, M. G. (2023). Generating environmental sampling and testing data for micro-and nanoplastics for use in life cycle impact assessment. Science of The Total Environment, 859, Article 160038. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160038
- Azike, R. U., Orhorhoro, E. K., & Fashanu, O. (2022). Analysis and evaluation of a developed municipal solid waste shredding machine for Okada Community, Nigeria. Journal of International Environmental Application and Science, 17(3), 104-114.
- Baran, B. (2020). Plastic waste as a challenge for sustainable development and circularity in the European Union. Ekonomia I Prawo. Economics and Law, 19(1), 7-20. https://doi.org/10.12775/EiP.2020.001
- Bassiouny, R., Ali, M. R. O., & Hassan, M. K. (2016). An idea to enhance the thermal performance of HDPE pipes used for ground-source applications. Applied Thermal Engineering, 109 (Part A), 15-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2016.08.055
- Beaumont, N. J., Aanesen, M., Austen, M. C., Börger, T., Clark, J. R., Cole, M., Hooper, T., Lindeque, P. K., Pascoe, C., & Wyles, K. J. (2019). Global ecological, social and economic impacts of marine plastic. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 142, 189-195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.03.022
- Bhuyan, S. (2022). Effects of microplastics on fish and in human health. Frontiers in Environmental Science, Sec. Toxicology, Pollution and the Environment, 10, Article 827289. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.827289
- Bishop, G., Styles, D., & Lens, P. N. (2022). Land-use change and valorisation of feedstock side-streams determine the climate mitigation potential of bioplastics. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 180, Article 106185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106185
- Boyle, D., Catarino, A. I., Clark, N. J., & Henry, T. B. (2020). Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic fragments release Pb additives that are bioavailable in zebrafish. Environmental Pollution, 263(Part A), Article 114422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114422
- Braun, T., Ehrlich, L., Henrich, W., Koeppel, S., Lomako, I., Schwabl, P., & Liebmann, B. (2021). Detection of microplastic in human placenta and meconium in a clinical setting. Pharmaceutics, 13(7), Article 921. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13070921
- Chae, Y., & An, Y.-J. (2017). Effects of micro-and nanoplastics on aquatic ecosystems: Current research trends and perspectives. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 124(2), 624-632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.01.070
- Chen, Z., Fang, J., Wei, W., Ngo, H. H., Guo, W., & Ni, B. J. (2022). Emerging adsorbents for micro/nanoplastics removal from contaminated water: Advances and perspectives. Journal of Cleaner Production, 19, Article 133676. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133676
- Cura, K., Rintala, N., Kamppuri, T., Saarimäki, E., Heikkilä, P. (2021). Textile recognition and sorting for recycling at an automated line using near infrared spectroscopy. Recycling, 6(1), Article 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling6010011
- Das, A., & Mahanwar, P. (2020). A brief discussion on advances in polyurethane applications. Advanced Industrial and Engineering Polymer Research, 3(3), 93-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aiepr.2020.07.002
- Dilkes-Hoffman, L., Ashworth, P., Laycock, B., Pratt, S., & Lant, P. (2019). Public attitudes towards bioplastics – knowledge, perception and end-of-life management. Resources, Conservation, and Recycling, 151, Article 104479. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104479
- Ding, H., Zhang, J., He, H., Zhu, Y., Dionysiou, D. D., Liu, Z., & Zhao, C. (2021). Do membrane filtration systems in drinking water treatment plants release nano/microplastics? Science of The Total Environment, 755(Part 2), Article 142658. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142658
- Dris, R., Imhof, H. K., Sanchez, W., Gasperi, J., Galgani, F., Tassin, B., & Laforsch, C. (2015). Beyond the ocean: Contamination of freshwater ecosystems with (micro-) plastic particles. Environmental Chemistry, 12(5), 539-550. https://doi.org/10.1071/EN14172
- Elsamahy, T., Sun, J., Elsilk, S. E., & Ali, S. S. (2023). Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene plastic waste by a constructed tri-culture yeast consortium from woodfeeding termite: Degradation mechanism and pathway. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 448, Article 130944. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130944
- European Commission. (2013). European strategy on plastic waste in the environment. European Commission. https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/da9aa65e-b822-4dd8-83d8-b80310315be6/language-en
- Folkins, I., & Chatfield, R. (2000). Impact of acetone on ozone production and OH in the upper troposphere at high NOX. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 105(D9), 11585-11599. https://doi.org/10.1029/2000JD900067
- Franzellitti, S., Canesi, L., Auguste, M., Wathsala, R. H. G. R., & Fabbri, E. (2019). Microplastic exposure and effects in aquatic organisms: A physiological perspective. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 68, 37-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2019.03.009
- Galafassi, S., Sabatino, R., Sathicq, M. B., Eckert, E. M., Fontaneto, D., Fontana, G. D., Mossotti, R., Corno, G., Volta, P., & Di Cesare, A. (2021). Contribution of microplastic particles to the spread of resistances and pathogenic bacteria in treated wastewaters. Water Research, 1, Article 117368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2021.117368
- Gao, G., Zhao, X., Jin, P., Gao, K., & Beardall, J. (2021). Current understanding and challenges for aquatic primary producers in a world with rising micro-and nano-plastic levels. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 406, Article 124685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124685
- George, N., Debroy, A., Bhat, S., Bindal, S., & Singh, S. (2021). Biowaste to bioplastics: An ecofriendly approach for a sustainable future. Journal of Applied Biotechnology Reports, 8(3), 221-233. https://doi.org/10.30491/jabr.2021.259403.1318
- Gopinath, K. P., Nagarajan, V. M., Krishnan, A., & Malolan, R. (2020). A critical review on the influence of energy, environmental and economic factors on various processes used to handle and recycle plastic wastes: Development of a comprehensive index. Journal of Cleaner Production, 274(2020), Article 123031. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.123031
- Gourmelon, G. (2015). Global plastic production rises, recycling lags. Vital Signs, 22, 91-95.
- Gunaalan, K., Fabbri, E., & Capolupo, M. (2020). The hidden threat of plastic leachates: A critical review on their impacts on aquatic organisms. Water Research, 184, Article 116170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2020.116170
- Hahladakis, J. N., Velis, C. A., Weber, R., Iacovidou, E., & Purnell, P. (2018). An overview of chemical additives presents in plastics: Migration, release, fate and environmental impact during their use, disposal and recycling. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 344, 179-199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2017.10.014
- Halden, R. U. (2010). Plastics and health risks. Annual Review of Public Health, 31, 179-194. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.publhealth.012809.103714
- Hale, R. C., Seeley, M. E., La Guardia, M. J., Mai, L., & Zeng, E. Y. (2020). A global perspective on microplastics. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 125(1), e2018JC014719. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JC014719
- Haodi, W., Jing, H., & Xiangke, W. (2023). A review of microplastic pollution in aquaculture: Sources, effects, removal strategies and prospects. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 252, Article 114567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114567
- Hoarau, L., Ainley, L., Jean, C., & Ciccione, S. (2014). Ingestion and defecation of marine debris by loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, from by-catches in the South-West Indian Ocean. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 84(1-2), 90-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.05.031
- Huang, W., Song, B., Liang, J., Niu, Q., Zeng, G., Shen, M., Deng, J., Luo, Y., Wen, X., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Microplastics and associated contaminants in the aquatic environment: A review on their ecotoxicological effects, trophic transfer, and potential impacts to human health. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 405, Article 124187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124187
- Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., Siegler, T. R., Perryman, M., Andrady, A., Narayan, R., & Law, K. L. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347(6223), 768-771. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1260352
- Jiao, H., Ali, S. S., Alsharbaty, M. H. M., Elsamahy, T., Abdelkarim, E., Schagerl, M., Al-Tohamy, R., & Sun, J. (2024). A critical review on plastic waste life cycle assessment and management: Challenges, research gaps, and future perspectives. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 271, Article 115942. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115942
- Kaur, H., Rawat, D., Poria, P., Sharma, U., Gibert, Y., Ethayathulla, A. S., Dumee, L. F., Sharma, R. S., & Mishra, V. (2022). Ecotoxic effects of microplastics and contaminated microplastics–Emerging evidence and perspective. Science of The Total Environment, 841, Article 156593. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156593
- Kedzierski, M., Frere, D., Le Maguer, G., & Bruzaud, S. (2020). Why is there plastic packaging in the natural environment? Understanding the roots of our individual plastic waste management behaviours. Science of The Total Environment, 740, Article 139985. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139985
- Kershaw, P., Katsuhiko, S., & Lee, S. (2011). Plastic debris in the ocean. IUCN. https://iucn.org/content/plastic-debris-ocean
- Khoaele, K. K., Gbadeyan, O. J., Chunilall, V., & Sithole, B. (2023). The devastation of waste plastic on the environment and remediation processes: A critical review. Sustainability, 15(6), Article 5233. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065233
- Korhonen, J., Nuur, C., Feldmann, A., & Birkie, S. E. (2018). Circular economy as an essentially contested concept. Journal of Cleaner Production, 175, 544-552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.12.111
- Kumar, P., Verma, A., Shome, A., Sinha, R., Sinha, S., Jha, P. K., Kumar, R., Kumar, P., Shubham, Das, S., Sharma, P., & Vara Prasad, P. V. (2021). Impacts of plastic pollution on ecosystem services, sustainable development goals, and need to focus on circular economy and policy interventions. Sustainability, 13(17), Article 9963. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179963
- Landsecker, K., & Bonten, C. (2019). Thermoforming simulation of heat conductive plastic materials using the K-BKZ model. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2065(1), Article 030049. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5088307
- Lavers, J. L., Hutton, I., & Bond, A. L. (2019). Clinical pathology of plastic ingestion in marine birds and relationships with blood chemistry. Environmental Science and Technology, 53(15), 9224-9231. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b02098
- Lavoie, J., Boulay, A. M., & Bulle, C. (2022). Aquatic micro-and nano-plastics in life cycle assessment: Development of an effect factor for the quantification of their physical impact on biota. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 26(6), 2123-2135. https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.13140
- Law, K. L., Starr, N., Siegler, T. R., Jambeck, J. R., Mallos, N. J., & Leonard, G. H. (2020). The United States’ contribution of plastic waste to land and ocean. Science Advances, 6(44), Article eabd0288. https://doi:10.1126/sciadv.abd0288
- Lear, G., Kingsbury, J. M., Franchini, S., Gambarini, V., Maday, S. D. M., Wallbank, J. A., Weaver, L., & Pantos, O. (2021). Plastics and the microbiome: Impacts and solutions. Environmental Microbiome, 16, Article 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40793-020-00371-w
- Lebreton, L., & Andrady, A. (2019). Future scenarios of global plastic waste generation and disposal. Palgrave Communications, 5, Article 6. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-018-0212-7
- Le Pera, A., Sellaro, M., Grande, G., Bencivenni, E., & Migliori, M. (2023). Effect of quality of separately collected glass, paper plus cardboard and lightweight packaging waste on environmental, energetic and economic sustainability of the material recovery facility operations. Journal of Cleaner Production, 425(2023), Article 138973. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.138973
- Li, H., Aguirre-Villegas, H. A., Allen, R. D., Bai, X., Benson, C. H., Beckham, G. T., Bradshaw, S. L., Brown, J. L., Brown, R. C., Cecon, V. S., Curley, J. B., Curtzwiler, G. W., Dong, S., Gaddameedi, S., Garcia, J. E., Hermans, I., Kim, M. S., Ma, J., Mark, L. O., …, & Huber, G. W. (2022). Expanding plastics recycling technologies: Chemical aspects, technology status and challenges. Green Chemistry, 24(7), 8899-9002. https://doi.org/10.1039/D2GC02588D
- Liu, Y., Zhou, C., Li, F., Liu, H., & Yang, J. (2020). Stocks and flows of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in China: 1980-2050. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 154, Article 10484. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104584
- Lomonaco, T., Manco, E., Corti, A., La Nasa, J., Ghimenti, S., Biagini, D., Di Francesco, F., Modugno, F., Ceccarini, A., Fuoco, R., & Castelvetro, V. (2020). Release of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from photodegraded plastic debris: A neglected source of environmental pollution. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 394, Article 122596. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122596
- Lopez, G., Artetxe, M., Amutio, M., Alvarez, J., Bilbao, J., & Olazar, M. (2018). Recent advances in the gasification of waste plastics. A critical overview. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 82(Part 1), 576-596. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.09.032
- Maurizzi, E., Bigi, F., Quartieri, A., De Leo, R., Volpelli, L.A., & Pulvirenti, A. (2022). The green era of food packaging: General considerations and new trends. Polymers, 14(20), Article 4257. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14204257
- Mendible, G. A., Rulander, J. A., & Johnston, S. P. (2017). Comparative study of rapid and conventional tooling for plastics injection molding. Rapid Prototyping Journal, 23(2), 344-352. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-01-2016-0013
- Miandad, R., Barakat, M. A., Aburiazaiza, A. S., Rehan, M., & Nizami, A. S. (2016). Catalytic pyrolysis of plastic waste: A review. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 102, 822-838. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2016.06.022
- Mitsoulis, E. (2008). Numerical simulation of calendering viscoplastic fluids. Journal of Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics, 154(2-3), 77-88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnnfm.2008.03.001
- Mullins, M. J., Liu, D., & Sue, H.-J. (2018). Mechanical properties of thermosets. Thermosets, 212, 35-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-101021-1.00002-2
- Nabi, G., Amin, F., Jacob, J., Tahir, M. B., Tanveer, M., Usman, Z., & Hussain, S. (2021). Smooth growth, characterization and optical properties of Cu2SnS3 thin film via spray pyrolysis method. Physica B: Condensed Matter, 602, Article 412498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physb.2020.412498
- Navarro, G. P. P. (2020). Micro-plastics, nano-plastics and it’s components on the impact of human health [Doctoral dissertation, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences].
- Navarro, M. V., Martínez, J. D., Murillo, R., García, T., López, J. M., Callén, M. S., & Mastral, A. M. (2012). Application of a particle model to pyrolysis. Comparison of different feedstock: Plastic, tyre, coal and biomass. Fuel Processing Technology, 103, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuproc.2011.12.031
- Nkwachukwu, O. I., Chima, C. H., Ikenna, A. O., & Albert, L. (2013). Focus on potential environmental issues on plastic world towards a sustainable plastic recycling in developing countries. International Journal of Industrial Chemistry, 4, Article 34. https://doi.org/10.1186/2228-5547-4-34
- Ogila, K., Shao, M., Yang, W., & Tan, J. (2017). Rotational molding: A review of the models and materials. eXPRESS Polymer Letters, 11(10), 778-798. https://doi.org/10.3144/expresspolymlett.2017.75
- Ojo, O., & Shittu, R. (2023). Design and finite element method based structural analysis of a pet bottles-to-plastic flakes recycling plant. International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management, 14(1), 25-40. https://doi.org/10.24867/IJIEM-2023-1-322
- Onyedibe, V., Kakar, F. L., Okoye, F., Elbeshbishy, E., & Hamza, R. (2023). Sources and occurrence of microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment. In R. D. Tyagi, A. Pandey, & P. Drogui (Eds.), Current developments in biotechnology and bioengineering (pp. 33-58). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-99908-3.00019-1
- Orhorhoro, E. K., Ikpe, A. E., & Tamuno, R. I. (2016). Performance analysis of locally design plastic crushing machine for domestic and industrial use in Nigeria. European Journal of Engineering Research and Science, 1(2), 26-30. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejeng.2016.1.2.153
- Panda, A. K., Singh, R. K., & Mishra, D. K. (2010). Thermolysis of waste plastics to liquid fuel: A suitable method for plastic waste management and manufacture of value-added products–A world prospective. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 14(1), 233-248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2009.07.005
- Pandey, P., & Saini, V. K. (2017). Natural husks as potential adsorbents for uptake of heavy metals. In Inamuddin, A. Mohammad, & A. M. Asiri (Eds.), Inorganic pollutants in wastewater. Materials Research Foundations.
- Pellis, A., Malinconico, M., Guarneri, A., & Gardossi, L. (2021). Renewable polymers and plastics: performance beyond the green. New Biotechnology, 60, 146-158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbt.2020.10.003
- Peng, L., Fu, D., Qi, H., Lan, C. Q., Yu, H., & Ge, C. (2020). Micro-and nano-plastics in marine environment: Source, distribution and threats–A review. Science of The Total Environment, 698, Article 134254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134254
- Prata, J. C., Silva, A. L. P., da Costa, J. P., Mouneyrac, C., Walker, T. R., Duarte, A. C., & Rocha-Santos, T. (2019). Solutions and integrated strategies for the control and mitigation of plastic and microplastic pollution. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(13), Article 2411. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16132411
- Qureshi, M. S., Oasmaa, A., Pihkola, H., Deviatkin, I., Tenhunen, A. Mannila, J., & Laine-Ylijoki, J. (2020). Pyrolysis of plastic waste: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 152, Article 104804. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaap.2020.104804
- Ragaert, K., Delva, L., & Van Geem, K. (2017). Mechanical and chemical recycling of solid plastic waste. Waste Management, 69, 24-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2017.07.044
- Raji, A. N., Kuku, O. R., Ojo, S. S., & Hunvu, M. S. (2020). Design development and performance evaluation of waste plastic shredder. Journal of Production Engineering, 23(1), 22-28. https://doi.org/10.24867/JPE-2020-01-022
- Rajmohan, K. V. S., Ramya, C., Viswanathan, M. R., & Varjani, S. (2019). Plastic pollutants: Effective waste management for pollution control and abatement. Current Opinion in Environmental Science and Health, 12, 72-84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coesh.2019.08.006
- Ray, R., & Thorpe, R. B. (2007). A comparison of gasification with pyrolysis for the recycling of plastic containing wastes. International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.2202/1542-6580.1504
- Romo-Uribe, A., & Lichtenhan, J. D. (2021). Melt extrusion and blow molding parts-per-million POSS interspersed the macromolecular network and simultaneously enhanced thermomechanical and barrier properties of polyolefin films. Polymer Engineering & Science, 61(1), 245-257. https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.25572
- Rosen, J. F. (1995). Adverse health effects of lead at low exposure levels: Trends in the management of childhood lead poisoning. Toxicology, 97(1-3), 11-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/0300-483X(94)02963-U
- Ross, S., & Evans, D. (2003). The environmental effect of reusing and recycling a plastic-based packaging system. Journal of Cleaner Production, 11(5), 561-571. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0959-6526(02)00089-6
- Roy, P., Mohanty, A. K., & Misra, M. (2022). Microplastics in ecosystems: Their implications and mitigation pathways. Environmental Science: Advances, 1(1), 9-29. https://doi.org/10.1039/D1VA00012H
- Royer, S.-J., Ferron, S., Wilson, S.T. (2018). Production of methane and ethylene from plastic in the environment. PLoS ONE, 13(8), Article e0200574. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0200574
- Sakarika, M., Sventzouri, E., Pispas, K., Ali, S. S., & Kornaros, M. (2023). Production of biopolymers from microalgae and cyanobacteria. In P. N. L. Lens, & A. Khandelwal (Eds.), Algal systems for resource recovery from waste and wastewater (pp. 207-228). IWA Publishing. https://doi.org/10.2166/9781789063547_0207
- Sankar, M., Nowicka, E., Carter, E., Murphy, D. M., Knight, D. W., Bethell, D., & Hutchings, G. J. (2014). The benzaldehyde oxidation paradox explained by the interception of peroxy radical by benzyl alcohol. Nature Communications, 5, Article 3332. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms4332
- Sarker, M. (2011). Converting waste plastic to hydrocarbon fuel materials. Energy Engineering, 108(2), 35-43. https://doi.org/10.1080/01998595.2011.10389018
- Schulze, C., Juraschek, M., Herrmann, C., & Thiede, T. (2017). Energy analysis of bioplastics processing. Procedia CIRP, 61, 600-605. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2016.11.181
- Schwarz, A. E., Ligthart, T. N., Bizarro, D. G., De Wild, P., Vreugdenhil, B., & Van Harmelen, T. (2021). Plastic recycling in a circular economy; determining environmental performance through an LCA matrix model approach. Waste Management, 121, 331-342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2020.12.020
- Shamoon, A., Haleem, A., Bahl, S., Javaid, M., Garg, S. B., Sharma, R. C., & Garg, J. (2022). Environmental impact of energy production and extraction of materials-a review. Materials Today: Proceedings, 57(2), 936-941. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.03.159
- Sharuddin, S. D. A., Abnisa, F., Daud, W. M. A. W., & Aroua, M. K. (2016). A review on pyrolysis of plastic wastes. Energy Conversion and Management, 115, 308-326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2016.02.037
- Sheldon, R. A., & Norton, M. (2020). Green chemistry and the plastic pollution challenge: Towards a circular economy. Green Chemistry, 19. https://doi.org/10.1039/D0GC02630A
- Shent, H., Pugh, R. J., & Forssberg, E. (1999). A review of plastics waste recycling and the flotation of plastics. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 25(2), 85-109. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-3449(98)00017-2
- Siracusa, V. (2019). Microbial degradation of synthetic biopolymers waste. Polymers, 11(6), Article 1066. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11061066
- Slovak, A. J. (1981). Occupational asthma caused by a plastics blowing agent, azodicarbonamide. Thorax, 36(12), 906-909. https://doi.org/10.1136/thx.36.12.906
- Sonawane, Y. B., Shindikar, M. R., & Khaladkar, M. Y. (2014). Onsite conversion of thermoplastic waste into fuel by catalytic pyrolysis. International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, 3(9), 15903-15908. https://doi.org/10.15680/IJIRSET.2014.0309016
- Stephan, A., Crawford, R. H., & Bontinck, P.-A. (2019). A model for streamlining and automating path exchange hybrid life cycle assessment. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 24, 237-252. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-018-1521-1
- Suzuki, G., Uchida, N., Tuyen, L. H., Tanaka, K., Matsukami, H., Kunisue, T., Takahashi, S., Viet, P. H., Kuramochi, H., & Osako, M. (2022). Mechanical recycling of plastic waste as a point source of microplastic pollution. Environmental Pollution, 303, Article 119114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119114
- Szostak, E., Duda, P., Duda, A., and G´orska, N., Fenicki, A., & Molski, P. (2021). Characteristics of plastic waste processing in the modern recycling plant operating in Poland. Energies, 14(1), Article 35. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14010035
- Tumu, K., Vorst, K., & Curtzwiler, G. (2023). Global plastic waste recycling and extended producer responsibility laws. Journal of Environmental Management, 348, Article 119242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119242
- Van Roijen, E. C., & Miller, S. A. (2022). A review of bioplastics at end-of-life: Linking experimental biodegradation studies and life cycle impact assessments. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 181, Article 106236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106236
- Vinayagamoorthy, R., & Rajmohan, T. (2018). Machining and its challenges on bio-fibre reinforced plastics: A critical review. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 37(16), 1037-1050. https://doi.org/10.1177/0731684418778356
- Wagoner, J. K. (1983). Toxicity of vinyl chloride and poly (vinyl chloride): A critical review. Environmental Health Perspectives, 52, 61-66. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.835261
- Walker, S., & Rothman, R. (2020). Life cycle assessment of bio-based and fossil-based plastic: A review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 261, Article 121158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121158
- Wang, F., Pan, S., Zhang, P., Fan, H., Chen, Y., & Yan, J. (2018). Synthesis and application of phosphorus-containing flame-retardant plasticizer for polyvinyl chloride. Fibers and Polymers,19(5),1057-1063. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12221-018-7493-8
- Waring, R. H., Harris, R. M., & Mitchell, S. C. (2018). Plastic contamination of the food chain: A threat to human health? Maturitas, 115, 64-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2018.06.010
- Watkins, E. (2022). Towards greater plastics circularity. Institute for European Environmental Policy. https://ieep.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Towards-greater-plastics-circularity_IEEP-2022.pdf
- Wojnowska-Baryła, I., Kulikowska, D., & Bernat, K. (2020). Effect of bio-based products on waste management. Sustainability, 12(5), Article 2088. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12052088
- Wrońska, N., Katir, N., Nowak-Lange, M., El Kadib, A., & Lisowska, K. (2023). Biodegradable chitosan-based films as an alternative to plastic packaging. Foods, 12(18), Article 3519. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12183519
- Yoshida, A. (2022). China’s ban of imported recyclable waste and its impact on the waste plastic recycling industry in China and Taiwan. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 24, 73-82. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-021-01297-2
- Zhang, Y., Wu, P., & Xu, R. (2023). Plastic waste discharge to the global ocean constrained by seawater observations. Nature Communications, 14, Article 1372. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-37108-5
- Zubair, M., & Adrees, A. (2019). Dioxins and furans: Emerging contaminants of air. In J. D. R. Olvera (Ed.), Air pollution-monitoring, quantification and removal of gases and particles (pp. 111-125). IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.80680
How to cite this article
APA
Orhorhoro, E. K. (2025). A review of plastic waste management for a sustainable environment: Composition and approaches. European Journal of Sustainable Development Research, 9(3), em0314. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/16359
Vancouver
Orhorhoro EK. A review of plastic waste management for a sustainable environment: Composition and approaches. EUR J SUSTAIN DEV RES. 2025;9(3):em0314. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/16359
AMA
Orhorhoro EK. A review of plastic waste management for a sustainable environment: Composition and approaches. EUR J SUSTAIN DEV RES. 2025;9(3), em0314. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/16359
Chicago
Orhorhoro, Ejiroghene Kelly. "A review of plastic waste management for a sustainable environment: Composition and approaches". European Journal of Sustainable Development Research 2025 9 no. 3 (2025): em0314. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/16359
Harvard
Orhorhoro, E. K. (2025). A review of plastic waste management for a sustainable environment: Composition and approaches. European Journal of Sustainable Development Research, 9(3), em0314. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/16359
MLA
Orhorhoro, Ejiroghene Kelly "A review of plastic waste management for a sustainable environment: Composition and approaches". European Journal of Sustainable Development Research, vol. 9, no. 3, 2025, em0314. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/16359