A Comprehensive Review on Handling of Plastic Waste For Energy Generation—Current Status and Future Challenges

• Published in: Water, air, and soil pollution air, and soil pollution, 2023-12, Vol.234 (12), p.773-773, Article 773
• Main Authors: Jatoi, Abdul Sattar, Ahmed, Jawad, Mubarak, Nabisab Mujawar, Shaikh, Muhammad Shuaib, Kumar, Sandeep, Ahmed, Muhammad Ismail, Karri, Rama Rao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: air; Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; Chemical recycling; Clean energy; Climate Change/Climate Change Impacts; Earth and Environmental Science; Energy; Energy industry; Energy management systems; Energy resources; Energy sources; Energy technology; Environment; Environmental impact; Environmental management; Environmental monitoring; Gasification; Handling; Hydrogeology; Incineration; Innovations; Landfills; Natural resources; New technology; Plastic debris; Plastic pollution; pollution; Pyrolysis; Recycling; Renewable energy; renewable energy sources; Reviews; soil; Soil Science & Conservation; Strategic planning (Business); Sustainability; Sustainability management; Sustainable waste management; Waste disposal sites; Waste management; Waste to energy; wastes; water; Water Quality/Water Pollution
• ISSN: 0049-6979; 1573-2932
• DOI: 10.1007/s11270-023-06784-w

The growing global concern regarding plastic waste pollution and its detrimental environmental impact has prompted significant research and innovation in waste management and energy generation. This comprehensive review explores the current state of handling plastic waste for energy generation, encompassing various technologies and approaches. It also identifies and addresses the imminent challenges facing pursuing sustainable and efficient plastic waste-to-energy solutions. The review discusses the alarming rise in plastic waste production, emphasizing the critical need for sustainable waste management strategies. It provides an overview of the existing methods for handling plastic waste, including mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and landfill disposal. Special attention is given to emerging technologies such as pyrolysis, gasification, and waste-to-energy incineration, which offer promising avenues for converting plastic waste into valuable energy resources. This comprehensive review provides a valuable overview of the current state of handling plastic waste for energy generation. It underscores the significance of sustainable waste management practices and outlines the potential benefits and challenges associated with various plastic-to-energy technologies. By addressing these challenges and embracing a holistic approach, society can move closer to a sustainable future where plastic waste is managed effectively and contributes to generating clean and renewable energy.