A systematic scoping review of solid waste sampling and manual analyses, focusing on assessing mechanical waste processing

Resources Conservation and Recycling, vol. 231, pp. 108855

Abstract

In the context of a circular economy, the use of secondary raw materials from municipal solid waste (MSW) is gaining importance. To produce preconcentrates and facilitate material recycling, mechanical waste processing (MWP) is applied. Sampling and manual analysis are commonly used to assess MWP, supporting a wide range of applications, including environmental assessments, process optimization, and the determination of material recovery potential. However, to date, no comprehensive literature overview exists of the sampling and manual analysis of MSW, with a specific focus on MWP assessment. To address this gap, a scoping review was conducted based on systematic search criteria. In total, more than 12,000 English- and German-language publications were screened, resulting in a comprehensive overview of current standards, methods, and practical applications. The results revealed methodological and terminological heterogeneity, underscoring the need for harmonized specifications in the waste management sector. As an initial step, approaches, terminology, and relevant criteria that may support the development of frameworks for MSW sampling and manual analysis to assess MWP were contextualized. Therefore, this scoping review supports improved planning and execution of sampling campaigns. This, in turn, leads to more accurate and comparable data, thereby contributing to a more quantifiable circular economy.

Authors 7

1. Alena Maria Spies corresponding Aachen Chair of Anthropogenic Material Cycles

   Montanuniversität Leoben · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Anthropogenic Material Cycles (ANTS), RWTH Aachen University, Wüllnerstraße 2, 52062 Aachen, Germany

   Chair of Waste Processing Technology and Waste Management (AVAW), Technical University of Leoben, Franz Josef-Straße 18, 8700, Leoben, Austria

2. Steffen Herbert Schmädecker Aachen Chair of Anthropogenic Material Cycles

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Anthropogenic Material Cycles (ANTS), RWTH Aachen University, Wüllnerstraße 2, 52062 Aachen, Germany

3. Nikolai Kuhn

   Montanuniversität Leoben

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Waste Processing Technology and Waste Management (AVAW), Technical University of Leoben, Franz Josef-Straße 18, 8700, Leoben, Austria

4. Karoline Raulf Aachen Chair of Anthropogenic Material Cycles

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Anthropogenic Material Cycles (ANTS), RWTH Aachen University, Wüllnerstraße 2, 52062 Aachen, Germany

5. Gerald Koinig

   Montanuniversität Leoben

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Waste Processing Technology and Waste Management (AVAW), Technical University of Leoben, Franz Josef-Straße 18, 8700, Leoben, Austria

6. Kathrin Greiff Aachen Chair of Anthropogenic Material Cycles

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Anthropogenic Material Cycles (ANTS), RWTH Aachen University, Wüllnerstraße 2, 52062 Aachen, Germany

7. Roland Pomberger

   Montanuniversität Leoben

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Waste Processing Technology and Waste Management (AVAW), Technical University of Leoben, Franz Josef-Straße 18, 8700, Leoben, Austria