Abstract This paper identifies potential sources, and the key chemical properties, of methane. Guidance is provided on deriving a conceptual site model for methane, utilizing various lines of evidence to inform a robust, scientific, reasoned and logical assessment of associated gas risk. Discussion is provided regarding the legislative context of permanent gas risk assessment for methane, including via qualitative, semi-quantitative and detailed quantitative (including finite element modelling) techniques. Strategies for mitigating risks associated with methane are also outlined, together with the legal context for consideration of methane both in relation to the planning regime and under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

We reviewed the current state of waste management practices in Nigeria using examples from different parts of the country. Commonly practiced waste disposal methods in Nigeria, such as burial, open-air burning, and open dumping, were found to be ineffective and detrimental to public health and the environment. It was also shown that waste management cannot be successfully operated as a social service. Rather, the generator of waste must be held responsible. Problems confronting efficient waste management in Nigeria include the proliferation of unplanned settlements, traffic congestion, insecurity, and ignorance. An experimental model being used in Lagos State for the management of wastes may be the solution. Given the rate of population growth, industrialization, and urbanization, forward-looking and effective waste management plans need to be set in motion for the protection of public health. Such plans must involve all stakeholders, including the waste generators, the private sector, the informal sector, and regulatory agencies.

The University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) has been offering educational programs in waste management and environmental science for ~25 yr and has recently added a sustainability minor to its bachelor’s degree in environmental science and environmental studies. With collective input from students, faculty, administrators, and staff, the university has established a highly successful sustainability program geared toward attaining zero waste. Students enrolled in the Introduction to Waste Management class are required to work on a term project that involves performing a waste audit. For the past several years, students have been conducting waste audits at various buildings on the campus. The term project not only allows students to gain familiarity with the principles of waste audits, but it also provides valuable hands-on experience with the procedures used for conducting a waste audit, data collection, analyses, interpretation, and preparing a written report followed by an oral Power-Point presentation. These reports have played a key role in designing a successful recycling program at UMKC that led to its earning first place among 523 colleges and universities in the annual RecycleMania competition in 2013, as well as its inclusion in Sierra magazine’s listing of top 100 “green schools” in the country. This paper includes a profile of the university and a detailed discussion of the waste audit project, recycling program, and sustainability efforts, along with suggestions on how to implement successful recycling programs elsewhere.

Abstract Residual sludge from dimension-stone working plants, both from gangue saws with abrasive shot and frame saws, is classified as waste and presents a number of problems for the stone industry. These problems include a fine size distribution, heavy metals and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) content, all of which impede recovery and reuse. Residual sludge, management of which is administered in accordance with the Italian Legislative Decree 152/06, can be used in waste form for environmental restoration or for cement plants. However, it is also possible that sludge applications could go beyond these limited uses with incorporation of systematic treatment for the production of secondary raw materials (SRM), for example, filler, or for ‘new products’, for example, artificial loam. Such new products or SRM have to be certified not only on the basis of their technical and physical characteristics but also by means of appropriate chemical analyses to guarantee that the products are not contaminated. This paper outlines the results from laboratory and in situ characterization of residual sludge. In particular, three potential applications of sludge either by itself or mixed with other materials were evaluated: landfill waterproofing material, filler material for civil works and artificial soil for land rehabilitation.