Abstract: The global plastic crisis, characterized by over 400 million metric tons of annual production and low recycling rates, has evolved into a pressing environmental and energy challenge. Photocatalytic plastic photoreforming presents a dual-benefit strategy that transforms non-recyclable waste plastics into hydrogen fuel and valuable organic byproducts using solar energy under mild conditions. This review critically examines recent advances in photocatalyst design, including semiconductors, metal-organic frameworks-derived composites, and co-catalyst systems, alongside emerging insights into polymer degradation pathways and reactor configurations. Key operational parameters such as pH, light intensity, flow dynamics, and substrate properties are analyzed for their influence on hydrogen yields and byproduct selectivity. Life-cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis reveal that while current photoreforming systems face hurdles related to quantum efficiency, scalability, and cost competitiveness, innovations in material synthesis, light management, and integrated system design offer promising solutions. The potential to upcycle complex plastic waste into hydrogen aligns photoreforming with circular economy principles, particularly if combined with policy incentives and advanced separation strategies to mitigate environmental risks. With the convergence of environmental remediation and renewable energy production, plastic photoreforming emerges as a viable contributor to sustainable hydrogen economies.

Abstract: Freeze-thaw (F/T) technology is an environmentally friendly and efficient method for residual sludge treatment. This study investigates the enhancement of sludge de-watering performance through the addition of straw during F/T cycles. A mathemati-cal model was established using the Box-Behnken central composite design and vali-dated via COMSOL Multiphysics simulations. Optimal conditions were identified as freezing at -16°C for 24 hours, 12.5 freeze-thaw cycles, and a straw mixing ratio of 20%, reducing the sludge moisture content from 62.7% to 35.9%. The specific resistance to filtration (SRF) and cake moisture content decreased significantly with increasing straw addition, reaching a minimum SRF of 1.30×1012m/kg at the optimal straw ratio. Straw conditioning also intensified the combustion stage of sludge by increasing the maximum weight loss rate and elevating the thermal decomposition temperature. Numerical simulations confirmed the experimental results, demonstrating that straw addition significantly improves sludge dewaterability by modifying heat and mass transfer mechanisms.

Abstract: The growing environmental concerns associated with petroleum-based plastics require the development of sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a family of biodegradable bioplastics, offer promising potential as eco-friendly substitutes due to their renewable origin and favorable degradation properties. This research investigates the use of synthetic condensate mimicking the liquid fraction from drying and shredding of household food waste as a viable substrate for PHA production using mixed microbial cultures. Two draw-fill reactors (DFRs) operated under different organic loading rates (2.0 ± 0.5 and 3.8 ± 0.6 g COD/L), maintaining a consistent carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to selectively enrich microorganisms capable of accumulating PHAs through alternating nutrient availability and deficiency. Both reactors achieved efficient organic pollutant removal (>95% soluble COD removal), stable biomass growth, and optimal pH levels. Notably, the reactor with the higher organic load (DFR-2) demonstrated a modest increase in PHA accumulation (19.05 ± 7.18%) compared to the lower-loaded reactor (DFR-1; 15.19 ± 6.00%), alongside significantly enhanced biomass productivity. Polymer characterization revealed the formation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), influenced by the substrate composition. Microbial community analysis showed an adaptive shift towards Proteobacteria dominance, signifying successful enrichment of effective PHA producers.

Abstract: Experimental studies of steam and CO2-assited allothermal gasification of the original wet (moisture α=70%) and partly dried pig manure (PM) with α=45% and 15% are conducted on a laboratory-scale flow-through gasifier equipped with cyclones to capture fly ash particles. The high-temperature (~2000 °C) gasifying agent (GA) is generated by a pulsed-detonation gun operating on the stoichiometric natural gas (NG) – oxygen mixture. The dry off-gas obtained from the original wet PM typically contains 33–41 vol.% CO2, 34–40 vol.% CO, 17–22 vol.% H2, 2.5–4.0 vol.% CH4, and 0–2.5 vol.% CxHy with propane being the highest registered (less than 0.1%) hydrocarbon in CxHy, i.e., there is no tar as a gasification by-product. The reduction of feedstock moisture allows for reducing the yield of CO2 to 25% and increasing the yields of CO, H2, and CH4 to 45%, 25% and 5%, respectively. The size of solid residue particles taken from the cyclones ranges from 0.5 to 12 μm. The mass of solid residue is somewhat larger than the ash content in the dry PM due to the premature escape of partly gasified PM particles from the flow reactor. The results of experiments in terms of the off-gas temperature and composition agree satisfactorily with the results of thermodynamic calculations if one takes heat losses into account. In the existing version of the laboratory-scale setup, only about 33% of the thermal energy of the high-temperature GA is utilized for PM gasification, while the rest 67% is transferred to the coolant and environment. At these conditions, gasification of 1 kg of dry PM with the use of 1 kg of stoichiometric NG-oxygen mixture results in the production of 1.91 kg of combustible off-gas diluted with 25 vol.% CO2. To improve the energy efficiency of the gasification process, it is recommended to apply proper thermal insulation and heat recovery. To increase the yield of combustible gas, it is recommended to use the continuous supply of feedstock from a feeder and to improve mixing of PM and GA. To increase the carbon conversion efficiency, special measures must be taken to prevent premature entrainment of PM particles.

Abstract: Replay Engineering is introduced as an interdisciplinary framework that redefines waste as a strategic resource, integrating AI, IoT, and blockchain to enhance circularity, climate resilience, and social equity. This study reviews global challenges in conventional recycling systems—such as low recovery rates, high energy consumption, and lack of transparency—and proposes Replay Engineering as a holistic alternative. Methodologically, the research synthesizes case studies and lifecycle assessment data, supported by machine learning models like ResNet and SVM, achieving over 90% ac-curacy in waste classification. OpenLCA tools are applied to assess environmental impacts, while ROI modeling and market forecasts quantify economic potential. Results show that Replay Engineering can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 45%, increase material recovery by 40%, and lower operational costs by 20%. Applications span e-waste management, vehicle remanufacturing, and resource redistribution during disasters. The framework aligns with UN SDGs and the EU Circular Economy Action Plan, offering a scalable solution for sustainable development. This study concludes that Replay Engineering not only enhances environmental and economic outcomes but also addresses global disparities through ethical redistribution and policy integration. Future research should explore behavioral incentives, AI-driven logistics, and ESG-oriented policy adoption to accelerate implementation at scale.

Abstract: This paper presents an algorithm for evaluating the environmental impact of clothing swaps, promoting extended use and responsible consumption. Implemented in an online swapping platform, the algorithm quantifies reductions in environmental impact due to extended clothing lifespan and avoided purchase of new garment, promoting swapping activities. Developed through scientific literature analysis, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and swapping practice studies, the algorithm uses key environmental indicators: carbon footprint, water use, energy consumption, and land use. It integrates consumer behaviour insights and uses both default and user-entered clothing data to calculate environmental savings. Results show that clothing impact varies by fabric. Viscose and polyester garments have the lowest environmental impact, while swapping cotton and wool items yields the highest savings, as these materials are more resource intensive. The platform-integrated algorithm recorded 251 swaps over two months, preventing 4,137 kg CO₂ emissions, 6,809 m³ of water use, 3.08 m²a crop eq of land use, and 87.23 GJ of energy consumption. These findings highlight the significant environmental benefits of prolonging clothing use through swapping instead of throwing clothes away.

Abstract: Extreme precipitation events are one of the common hazards in eastern Texas, generating a large amount of storm water. Water running off urban areas may bring non-point source (NPS) pollution to natural resources such as rivers and lakes. Urbanization exacerbates this issue by increasing impervious surfaces that prevent natural infiltration. This study evaluates the efficacy of rain gardens, a natural-based best management practice (BMP), in mitigating NPS pollution from urban stormwater runoff. Stormwater samples were collected at inflow and outflow points of three rain gardens and analyzed for various water quality parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, fluoride, chloride, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, sulfate, salts, carbonates, bicarbonates, sodium, potassium, aluminum, boron, calcium, mercury, arsenic, copper iron lead magnesium, manganese and zinc. Removal efficiencies for nitrate, phosphate, and zinc exceeded 70%, while heavy metals such as lead achieved reductions up to 80%. However, certain parameters, such as calcium, magnesium and conductivity showed increased outflow concentrations, attributed to substrate leaching. These increases resulted in a higher outflow pH. Overall, the pollutants were removed with an efficiency exceeding 50%. These findings demonstrate that rain gardens are an effective and sustainable solution for managing urban stormwater runoff and mitigating NPS pollution in eastern Texas, particularly in regions vulnerable to extreme precipitation events.

Abstract: In recent years, a market for chemical additives to improve the quality of plastic recyclates has been established. High growth opportunities are expected for these additives. The products are very diverse and can be used, for example, for the post-stabilization of recyclates or to reduce unpleasant odors. There are also products on the market that can repair damaged polymers. And additives are available that improve the miscibility of inhomogeneous sorting fractions. On behalf of a plastics recycler, the authors have attempted to find out the chemical identity and frame formulation of these plastic additives. However, this information is mostly not disclosed. Even in the available safety data sheets, the composition of these products was regularly not included. Only in individual cases, individual substances which are subject to declaration (REACH/CLP) have been specified. However, it is known from discussions and the literature that highly reactive substances are sometimes used for these products, which are to be added directly to the hot melt in the extruder. Now that the SME recycling industry is already confronted with plastic waste containing banned additives from the past (risk cycle, legacy chemicals), a new problem is emerging for the future: are these additives sufficiently safe? The authors advise caution here and therefore at least against the use of recycling additives whose chemical identity and frame formulation are not disclosed. This can lead to the 'recycling privilege' under REACH no longer applying to plastic recyclates, with serious consequences for recyclers. Scientific studies should also be carried out to determine whether these recycled additives pose any risks to consumers.

Abstract:

The rapid expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy, driven by advancements in information and communication technology (ICT), artificial intelligence-driven technologies, and industrial automation, is contributing to economic growth but also increasing technology-led greenhouse gas emissions (THGE). Globally, the hi environmental impact of digital infrastructure is gaining attention, yet limited research exists on its implications for developing economies like Nigeria. This study adopts a narrative review approach to assess the scale of THGE, identifying key emission sources. The analysis synthesizes peer-reviewed literature, national policies, and global best practices to highlight Nigeria’s reliance on fossil fuels, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and the limited integration of renewable energy in ICT operations. Comparative insights from South Africa, Brazil, and India reveal gaps in Nigeria’s sustainability strategies and policy enforcement. Findings indicate that weak emission reporting systems, inefficient e-waste management, and a lack of green technology incentives exacerbate environmental risks. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions, such as carbon taxation, enhanced regulatory enforcement, and incentives for renewable energy adoption in the ICT sector. Strengthening public-private partnerships and integrating sustainability into digital policies will be critical for aligning Nigeria’s technology-driven growth with global climate goals. Future research should focus on sectoral emission tracking, green ICT policies, and sustainable digital economy models.

Abstract: In the process of biogas production, various types of substrates with suitable energy potential are utilized, which in turn are used to generate biogas in plants designed for cogeneration (CHP) of electricity and heat. This paper presents a literature review focused on different substrates involved in biogas production, emphasizing their optimization potential. Data for this research were gathered through a comprehensive review of scientific and scholarly literature from global databases. The study examines the biogas production capabilities of various feedstocks employed in cogeneration plants. It highlights the energy potential of different substrates, including livestock byproducts such as liquid and solid manure, energy crops, organic waste from the food and slaughterhouse industries, as well as municipal wastewater and solid organic waste. The potential yield of biogas is expressed per tone of fresh, dry, or organic dry weight of the substrate. Furthermore, the findings are utilized to optimize biogas production specifically in the municipality of Čačak. Insights from this review aim to contribute to the development of effective strategies for utilizing diverse feedstocks in biogas plants.

Abstract: This study investigates the transition towards a circular economy electronics sector, focusing on the interplay between environmental regulations, technological innovation, regional context, and business models. Utilizing a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis of 78 publications (2012-2025), the research reveals a growing scholarly interest in this field, with an annual growth rate of 5.48%. The SLR highlights the significant impact of regulations like the EU Eco-design Directive and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes in driving sustainable practices. The analysis identifies key strategies for a circular economy, including eco-design, innovative recycling technologies, and circular business models (CBMs) such as product-as-a-service.However, challenges remain, including a lack of harmonized policies, limited consumer awareness, varying infrastructure, and the complexity of the global electronics value chain. The bibliometric analysis pinpoints influential journals, authors, and geographical research hotspots, emphasizing the global nature of the e-waste challenge and the need for international collaboration. The keyword analysis reveals key themes such as recycling, material recovery, and the importance of stakeholder engagement. The study concludes by proposing a framework for a regionally sensitive circular economy business model in WEEE management, emphasizing the crucial role of regulations in driving innovation and the need for collaborative efforts across the value chain. A significant contribution of this work is the demonstration of a need for local adaptation for a circular economy, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.in the This study investigates the transition towards a circular economy in the electronics sector, focusing on the interplay between environmental regulations, technological innovation, and business models. Utilizing a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis of 78 publications (2012-2025), the research reveals a growing scholarly interest in this field, with an annual growth rate of 5.48%. The SLR highlights the significant impact of regulations like the EU Eco-design Directive and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes in driving sustainable practices. The analysis identifies key strategies for a circular economy, including eco-design, innovative recycling technologies, and circular business models (CBMs) such as product-as-a-service. However, challenges remain, including a lack of harmonized policies, limited consumer awareness, and the complexity of the global electronics value chain. The bibliometric analysis pinpoints influential journals, authors, and geographical research hotspots, emphasizing the global nature of the e-waste challenge and the need for international collaboration. The keyword analysis reveals key themes such as recycling, material recovery, and the importance of stakeholder engagement. The study concludes by proposing a framework for a circular economy business model in WEEE management, emphasizing the crucial role of regulations in driving innovation and the need for collaborative efforts across the value chain.

Abstract: Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) is one of the most important palms of the genus Euterpe and is found distributed on a large scale in the Amazon. In the process of extracting its pulp, waste is generated, called the pit - which corresponds to the endocarp and kernel of the fruit. The research was conducted with the help of the R-Studio tool and took into account the quantity of waste produced, specifically, in the years 2023 and 2024, in the city of Belém do Pará, during the harvest and off-season. Through the statistical Cluster methodology, the grouping of average data was carried out for final definition in the generation of dendrograms. In this way, the present work aimed to employ statistical methods for the collection of quantitative data on the production of açaí waste generated during the high and low production periods of açaí, in addition to proposing locations for grouping for disposal points of açaí seeds based on the route, logistics, and accessibility of the Urban Solid Waste Collection company in the city of Belém. The results obtained, demonstrate that the Jurunas neighborhood had the highest açaí production and consequently, a higher production of wastes. While the Val-de-Cans neighborhood showed the lower percentage regarding the same theme.

Abstract: Management of sustainable solid waste MSW, it is how to deal with sustainable waste through services provided to the community and how to benefit from it as a product that affects the national income. which refers to the collection and treatment of solid waste before final disposal. The Mu-nicipal solid waste management in Dammam is based on generating and collecting MSW from different sources in Dammam, including individual and community bins. The main aim of this study was accessing the generation rate and composition of MSW in different income levels, evaluating the current MSW practice including knowledge, attitude, and satisfaction of residents toward the MSW management services in Dammam as a representative city of other large and important cities in Saudi Arabi. A multi-stage grouping method was used for dividing the population into three soci-oeconomic groups (high, middle- and low-class), and an equal number of participants was selected by a statistically simple random method. Collection of data was conducted by a pre-designed questionnaire for six months. Wood and garden waste represented the highest amounts (38.39 and 33.76 ton/year respectively), followed by Aluminum, paper and plastic (29.31, 28.53 and 27.29 ton/year respectively). Most of the solid waste collected from homes and community gathering places in Dammam is collected by collecting garbage and transporting it to private landfills, then the final stage is where it is buried by companies that fall under the responsibility of the Eastern Province Municipality, but it produces unpleasant odors whether in transportation or burial, which prompted the Saudi government to develop dealing with waste in a better way. Only 10-15% of the collected MSW is recycled including paper, metals, and plastics. Indeed, sorting and recycling sustainable waste has had a significant psychological impact on the community and the residents of Dammam are trying to understand how recycling can improve their income.

Abstract: Waste-to-energy (WtE) are clean technologies that support a circular economy by providing solutions to managing non-recyclable waste while generating alternative energy sources. Despite the promising benefits, technology adoption is challenged by financing constraints, technical maturity, environmental impacts, supporting policies, and public acceptance. A growing number of studies analyzed the acceptability of WtE and identified the factors affecting the adoption of WtE technologies. This study aims to analyze these research hotspots, technologies, and acceptability factors by combining bibliometric and systematic analyses. Initial search from Web of Science and Scopus databases identified 1328 unique documents, and the refinement resulted in 109 for data analysis. The results present a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art, providing researchers bases for future research directions. Among the WtE technologies in the reviewed literature are incineration, anaerobic digestion, gasification, and pyrolysis, with limited studies about refuse-derived fuel and landfilling with gas recovery. The identified common factors include perceived risks, trust, attitudes, perceived benefits, ‘Not-In-My-BackYard’ (NIMBY), awareness, and knowledge. Moreover, the findings present valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and WtE project planners to support WtE adoption while achieving sustainable, circular, and low-carbon economies.

Abstract: The presence of oil films in the ocean poses a significant environmental challenge for companies engaged in primary oil processing on offshore platforms. During crude oil treatment, residual water containing oils and greases (TOG) is discharged back into the ocean, potentially leading to the formation of oil films. The interaction between TOG levels and meteoceanographic variables — including wind direction (WD), wind speed (WS), current direction (CD), current speed (CS), wind wave direction (WWD), and peak period (PP) — influences the formation and satellite detection of these films. This study investigates the impact of these factors on the occurrence, detection, and extent of oil films using various statistical classifiers. Key findings reveal that Random Forest outperformed other classifiers, achieving an area under the ROC curve of 0.93. The combined use of classifiers, multivariate techniques, desirability analysis, and Design of Experiments (DOE) proved highly effective. Higher values of WS, WD, and CS were associated with a lower likelihood of oil film occurrence and detection, whereas higher TOG, PP, WWD, and CD values increased this probability. CS and TOG positively contributed to the extent of oil films, while high WS values reduced it. These results provide a robust decision-support framework for monitoring and mitigating the environmental impacts of offshore oil processing operations.

Abstract:

A three-year optimization study was conducted at a mechanical biological treatment (MBT) plant using a screw press to extract organic fractions from mechanically separated fine fractions (MSFF). The study aimed to optimize key operating parameters for the employed screw press (SP) such as pressure, liquid-to-MSFF, feeding quantity per hour, and press basket mesh size to enhance volatile solids and biogas recovery in the generated press water (PW) for anaerobic digestion (AD). Experiments were performed at the full-scale MBT facility to evaluate the efficiency of screw press extraction with other pretreatment methods like press extrusion, wet pulping, and hydrothermal treatment. The results indicated that hydrolysis of the organic fractions in MSFF was the most important factor for improving organic extraction from the MSFF to press water for fermentation. The optimal hydrolysis efficiency was achieved with a digestate and process water-to-MSFF of approximately 1,000 l/ton, with a feeding rate between 8.8 and 14 tons per hour. Increasing pressure from 2.5 to 4.0 bar had minimal impact on press water properties or biogas production, regardless of the press basket size. The highest volatile solids (29%) and biogas (50%) recovery occurred at 4.0 bar pressure with a 1,000 L/ton liquid-to-MSFF. Further improvements could be achieved with longer mixing times before pressing. These findings demonstrate the technical feasibility of the pressing system for preparing an appropriate substrate for the fermentation process and underscore the potential for optimizing the system. However, further research is required to assess the cost-benefit balance.

Abstract: The capacity of the ubiquitous filamentous fungus Penicillium sp. 8L2 to remove Zn(II) ions pre-sent in synthetic solutions was studied and the optimal operating conditions were obtained based on a response surface methodology (RSM). The contact time was optimized by kinetic tests. Equilibrium tests were then carried out, which allowed the biosorption isotherms to be obtained for several mathematical models. At the same time, the capacity of the fungal cell ex-tract to transform metal ions into ZnO nanoparticles with biocidal capacity was evaluated. Its inhibitory capacity on five microbial strains was then determined. The biosorption mechanisms and nanoparticle synthesis were characterized by different crystallographic, spectrophotometric and microscopic analytical techniques. The kinetics showed that the biosorption of Zn(II) oc-curred in two stages, the first very fast and the second slower. Equilibrium tests dentified a maximum biosorption capacity of 52.14 mg/g for the Langmuir model under optimized condi-tions: Contact time of 5 days, pH 5.6 and 0.2 g/L biomass dose. The success of the biological syn-thesis route was confirmed and ZnO nanoparticles with an average size of 18 nm were obtained, which showed good inhibition data against the tested microorganisms, with values ranging from 62.5 to 1000 µg/mL. Penicillium sp. 8L2 is a promising ubiquitous microorganism in the field of heavy metal biosorption and applied biotechnology

Abstract:

This study characterised and adjusted certain production process parameters (pH, C/N ratio and temperature) critical to increasing the process efficiency, stability and sustainability to optimise biogas yield. The optimised setup was a 20L biodigester filled with 4.46kg of cow manure, 4.46kg of cassava water, and 4.46kg of cow rumen as inoculum in a ratio 1:1:1 respectively. Microbial analysis was also performed using standard procedures on the substrate and digestates of the optimised set-up. Physical and chemical pre-treatments were done on the substrates to ensure favourable conditions for anaerobic digestion. After a retention period of 19 days, a cumulative volume of 0.03913m³ (39.13L) of biogas was obtained. The microbial analysis on the substrates allowed the following microorganisms to be isolated; Bacillus sp Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp Proteus sp., Klebsiella sp., Lactobacillus sp Staphylococcus aureus. Microbial analysis from the substrate (Cow rumen and Cassava water) revealed no presence of Lactic acid bacteria while digestate (Cow dung with Cow rumen and cassava water) showed the presence of lactic acid bacteria. Isolates from both digestates were glucose fermenters with the production of carbon dioxide. The presence of these microorganisms indicated possible anaerobic activities in the generation of biogas.

Abstract:

In recent years, vast amounts of plastic waste have been released into the en- vironment worldwide, posing a severe threat to human health and ecosystems. Despite the partial success of traditional plastic waste management technologies, their limitations underscore the need for innovative approaches. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in chemical and biological technologies for converting and utilizing plastic waste. Key topics include the technical parameters, characteristics, processes, and reaction mechanisms underlying these emerging technologies. Addition- ally, the review highlights the importance of conducting economic analyses and life cycle assessments of these emerging technologies, offering valuable insights and establishing a robust foundation for future research. By leveraging literature from the past five years, this review explores innovative chemical approaches, such as hydrolysis, hydrogenolysis, alcoholysis, ammonolysis, pyrolysis, and photolysis, which break down high-molecular-weight macromolecules into oligomers or small molecules by cracking or depolymerizing specific chemical groups within plastic molecules. It also examines in- novative biological methods, including microbial enzymatic degradation, which employs microorganisms or enzymes to convert high molecular -weight macromolecules into oli- gomers or small molecules through degradation and assimilation mechanisms. The r e- view concludes by discussing future research directions focused on addressing the technological, economic, and scalability challenges of emerging plastic waste manage- ment technologies, with a strong commitment to promoting sustainable solutions and achieving lasting environmental impact.

Abstract: Despite the significant recycling potential, a massive generation of plastic waste is observed year after year. One of the causes of this phenomenon is the issue of ineffective waste stream sorting, primarily arising from the uncertainty in the composition of the waste stream. The recycling process cannot be carried out without proper separation of different types of plastics from the waste stream. Current solutions in the field of automated waste stream identification rely on small-scale datasets that insufficiently reflect real-world conditions. For this reason, the article proposes a real-time identification model based on CNN and a newly constructed, self-built dataset. The model was evaluated in two stages. The first stage was based on the separated validation dataset, and the second on the developed test bench, a replica of the real system. The model was evaluated under laboratory conditions, with a strong emphasis on maximally reflecting real-world conditions. Once included in the sensor fusion, the proposed approach will provide full information on the characteristics of the waste stream, which will ultimately enable efficient separation of plastic from the mixed stream.