2009 | unep
Globally, 140 billion metric tons of biomass1 is generated every year from agriculture. This volume of biomass can be converted to an enormous amount of energy and raw materials. Equivalent to approximately 50 billion tons of oil2, agricultural biomass waste converted to energy can substantially displace fossil fuel, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and provide renewable energy to some 1.6 billion people in developing countries, which still lack access to electricity3. As raw materials, biomass wastes have attractive potentials for large-scale industries and community-level enterprises. Biomass takes the form of residual stalks, straw, leaves, roots, husk, nut or seed shells, waste wood and animal husbandry waste. Widely available, renewable, and virtually free, waste biomass is an important resource. With the global campaign to combat climate change, countries are now looking for alternative sources of energy to minimize green house gas (GHG) emissions. Aside from being carbon neutral, the use of biomass for energy reduces dependency on the consumption of fossil fuel; hence, contributing to energy security and climate change mitigation.
The manual aim to support both formal and informal recycling enterprises in preventing plastic pollution by advocating best practices and promoting proper housekeeping within informal recycling facilities.
The main goal of this study is to evaluate plastic and pellet losses and leakage from the logistical handling and pre-processing operations of informal recycling groups in Thailand, focusing on recovered post-consumer plastic waste and factory processing operations. The focus areas of this study are the Nonthaburi Municipality and Pattaya City.
This study was conducted following on a simplified three-step approach: 1) collect and analyse data and information relevant to plastic leakage from informal sector recycling; 2) engage with key stakeholders; and 3) disseminate the outcomes of the study.
Situation Assessment Report on Plastic Leakage Prevention from Formal and Informal Recycling Facilities, Maninla City and Iloilo City - Philippines
Situation Assessment Report on the Prevention of Plastic and Resin Pellet Leakage from Formal and Informal Recycing Factories, Hanoi - Vietnam
The guidelines aim to fill knowledge gaps and promote contextually appropriate best practices. They will also encourage industry actors to implement measures to prevent and contain plastic and pellet leakages. Based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the post-consumer plastic recycling value chain, which analyzed primary sources of plastic loss and leakage, including technology applications, resource availability, access, and regulatory and policy gaps, these guidelines are designed.