Exploratory study on the impact of military actions on the environment and infrastructure in the current Ukraine war with a specific focus on waste management.

The war in Ukraine and its consequences are becoming a disaster not only on a national scale but also for many other countries. The overview and considerations on such consequences given in this article shall help in managing and restoring (Ukrainian) territories after war. A structured analysis of literature about the war and post-war impact on the environment paired with 'grey literature' and the collection of currently available information from regional and national government agencies and official organizations on the specific situation in Ukraine, with a particular focus on waste management issues, was conducted.

Assessment of whole-site methane emissions from anaerobic digestion plants: Towards establishing emission factors for various plant configurations.

This study examines methane (CH) emission factors from biogas and wastewater treatment plants, based on primary and secondary data collected from 109 facilities. Primary emission data were measured at 19 facilities representing prevalent plant configurations across Europe. Statistical analysis highlights two categorical variables, namely primary feedstock and plant size, expressed as CH production (≤250 kgh: small and medium-sized plants, >250 kgh: large plants), each of which has a significant impact on whole-site CH emissions.

Barriers and framework conditions for the market entry of second-life lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles.

Transition to circular economy for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles requires integrating multiple stages of the value cycle. However, strategies aimed at extending the lifetime of batteries are not yet sufficiently considered within the European battery industry, particularly regarding repurposing. Using second-life lithium-ion batteries (SLBs) before subsequent recycling can offer several advantages, such as the development of sustainable business models, the reduction of emissions, and alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals 7, 12, and 13.

Critical review of the recovery rates of construction and demolition waste in the European Union - An analysis of influencing factors in selected EU countries.

Due to its intense use of resources, the construction sector was identified as a priority sector in the European Green Deal. Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is one of the largest waste streams of the European Union. As it shows a high potential for recycling, the European Commission set a recovery target of 70% under the Waste Framework Directive.

The dynamics of macro- and microplastic quantity and size changes during the composting process.

The quantity and type of macro- and microplastics was investigated in rotting material during the composting process of two state-of-the-art composting plants in Austria. Microplastics >0.2 mm, were found already after the first turning event in both facilities.