The 15th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology (2020 Global Waste Forum) was successfully held online from June 28 to 30, 2020. With the theme of "Systematically Building a Zero-waste City", the conference was organized by Tsinghua University, the Technical Center for Solid Waste and Chemicals Management of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the United Nations Environment Programme. It is co-hosted by Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area Management Committee, Institute of Solid Waste Pollution Control Technology of Chinese Academy of Environmental Sciences, the Society of Solid Waste of the Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences and Solid Waste Treatment and Utilization Committee of China Association of Environmental Protection Industry. United Nations Center for Regional Development (UNCRD), International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), Qingdao Hengli Institute of Environmental Technology Co., LTD., Journal of Waste Management & Research, Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, China Environmental Management, Foshan Shunde Xinhuanbao Resource Utilization Co., LTD., Agilent Technology (China) Co., LTD., and Transformation - Asia Regional Policy Advocacy Project (funded by the European Union and implemented by UNEP Asia Pacific Office) provided support for the conference. The conference invited 188 officials, experts and scholars from both domestic and international backgrounds to attend and present their reports. It hosted a total of 23 sessions, including a plenary conference and a high-level forum on "Zero-waste City". During the conference, eight representatives from UN agencies and intergovernmental organizations participated and presented their reports, including UN Environment Programme China Office, the Sustainable Transport Division of the UN Environment Programme, the International Environmental Technology Centre of the UN Environment Programme, the UN Regional Development Centre, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) China Office, and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme. More than 4563 domestic and foreign representatives from 42 countries and regions, including Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Vietnam, South Africa and 6 UN agencies (including 46 known representatives who attended the conference offline, excluding other multiple participants of the same account) attended the conference.

At the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the 15th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology, Academician Jiming Hao of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Director of the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific; Director of the Department of Solid Waste and Chemicals of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Mr. Qiwen Qiu; Academician Xiangwan Du, Chairman of the Advisory Expert Committee on the construction of the "Zero-waste City" pilot project, former Vice president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Mr. Ruihe Tu, Representative of UN Environment Programme in China, and Mr. Shaofeng Wang, Secretary of the Economic-Technological Development Area Working Committee of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, delivered opening remarks. The opening ceremony of the conference was presided over by Professor Jinhui Li, Executive Director of the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific and Tsinghua University. Also Mr. Dexuan Zhong, Director of the Industry Development and Promotion Division of the National Environment Agency of Singapore; Mr. Lihong Yuan, Deputy Director of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area Management Committee; and Mr. Derui Sun, Deputy General Manager of Beijing Yizhuang Investment Holding Co., Ltd attended the conference. Keynote speeches were delivered by Academician Jianguo Liu from Michigan State University in the USA; Professor Paul Ekins from University College London; Researcher Beidou Xi from the Chinese Academy of Environmental Sciences; and Ms. Lixia Zheng from the UN Environment Programme office in China. Mr. Alex Koerner, Coordinator of the Electric Vehicle Project of the Sustainable Transport Division of the UN Environment Programme, and Mr. Qingyin Dong, Director of the Regional Waste Management Office of the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, released the report titled “Outlook on the Power Battery Recycling Industry in the Asia-Pacific Region” during the conference.

On the afternoon of June 28th, Dr. Anupam Khajuria, United Nations Centre for Regional Development; Mr. Chengchuan Chen, Honorary President of the Institution of Engineers, Singapore; Professor Toru Matsumoto, Kitakyushu City University; Mr. Craig Boljkovac, Senior Advisor from Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific; Professor Gang Liu, University of Southern Denmark; and Dr. Alan Jocelyn Blelio, Executive Director of the MacArthur Foundation; Professor Left Knife of the University of Adelaide; and Mr. Henning Wilts, Director of the Circular Economy Department of Wuppertal Institute of Climate, Energy and Environment in Germany, gave presentations on the topic of international experience in the construction of "Zero-waste City". The session was hosted by Professor Jianguo Liu from the School of Environment, Tsinghua University.

On the morning of June 29, Professor Jiayang Cheng of North Carolina State University, Professor Guangming Li of Tongji University, Professor Jinsong Zhou of Zhejiang University, Professor Ji Li of China Agricultural University, Professor Shengming Xu of Tsinghua University, Researcher Hongbin Cao of the Institute of Process Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Professor Li Li of the School of Materials of Beijing Institute of Technology, delivered excellent presentations on technological innovations surrounding "Zero-Waste Cities" at the conference. The session was chaired by Associate Professor Wenjing Lu from the School of Environment at Tsinghua University.

On the afternoon of June 29th, Chunping YANG, Director of Circular Economy Research Center, Academy of Macroeconomic Research, National Development and Reform Commission; Yuan Chen, Associate Researcher, Basel Convention Regional Centre for the Asia and the Pacific; Researcher Rachel Hurle from Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Professor Daoji Li from East China Normal University, Deputy Director Weiwei Zhang from the National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, and Researcher Chunxin Liu from the Solid Waste and Chemical Management Technology Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment delivered excellent keynote speeches on the topic of white pollution prevention. The session was chaired by Associate Professor Ming Zhao from the School of Environment at Tsinghua University.

On the evening of June 29, Liang Cheng, Deputy director of the Research Institute of Environmental Investment and Industry Integration, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Sihuai Gao, Professor of the Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering of Tamkang University, and Baoping Xin, School of Materials of Beijing Institute of Technology, delivered excellent keynote speeches on the topic of hazardous waste safety management. This session was chaired by Associate Researcher Xianlai Zeng from the School of Environment, Tsinghua University.

 

On June 30, 2020, the session of the 15th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology - "Zero-Waste City" high-level Session was successfully held online. The conference was jointly hosted by the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, the Solid Waste and Chemical Management Technology Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. It brought international cities and China's "11+5" Zero-Waste City pilot projects for in-depth experience sharing and exchange.

At the beginning of the session, Professor Jinhui Li, Executive Director of the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, chaired the session and introduced the participants. The conference was divided into morning session and afternoon session, the morning session focused on the exchange of domestic and foreign experience in the construction of "Zero-waste City", including five links: urban development and industrial solid waste, urban development and domestic solid waste, regional eco-friendly city development, urban development and plastic reduction action, and "Zero-waste City" declaration.

The first session of the morning session was chaired by Professor Jinhui Li, and representatives of Melbourne City, Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area and Shenzhen City delivered wonderful speeches. James Rosco, City of Melbourne Waste Services Team Leader, made a presentation entitled "Improving Waste and Resource Recovery Outcomes in rapidly growing Developed Cities". Ying Li, the Director General of the Special Task Force for 'Zero-waste City' Construction in Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, introduced the progress of the 'Zero-waste City' construction in Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area. Jie Yin, deputy Director of Shenzhen Ecological Environment Bureau, introduced the pilot construction of "Zero-waste City" in Shenzhen. Boyang Li, deputy director of the Institute of Industrial Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection of the CCID Research Institute of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, commented on the first session of "urban development and industrial solid waste". The second session was chaired by Lili Liu, Assistant Director of the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, and representatives from Minamata City, Wellington City and China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City made keynote presentations. Minoru Koga, director of Minamata Environmental Research Institute, shares the sorting and recycling system of household waste for residents of Minamata City. Jenny Elliott, Director of Waste Minimization Unit at Wellington City Council, presented the experience of solid waste reduction management in Wellington City. Jing Zhang, deputy Chief of Urban Management Comprehensive Law Enforcement Team of the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City, shared the comprehensive domestic waste management system of the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City. Xin Mo, deputy director of the Research Institute for Environmental Innovation (Suzhou), Tsinghua, commented on the second session, "Urban Development and Solid waste". In the third session, Feng Yan, Deputy Director of the Cooperation Division 2 of the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center of Ministry of Ecology and Environment, delivered a report entitled "Marine Plastic Reduction Actions under the Framework of China-Asean Partnership for Eco-Friendly Urban Development". The fourth session was chaired by Mr. Lizhe Duan, Executive Deputy Director of the General Office of the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, and representatives of the World Wide Fund for Nature, the City of Oslo and the City of Sanya delivered wonderful speeches. Vincent Kneefe, Global Lead for Plastic-Free Cities at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), introduced the "Plastic-Free Cities" initiative and the case of Amsterdam. Siri Karlsen Bellika, Chief Engineer of Oslo Municipal Waste Management Bureau, introduces the case of Oslo's " Plastic-Free City". Yang Xin, deputy Director of Sanya Ecological Environment Bureau, shared the practice of plastic reduction in the construction of "Zero-waste City" in Sanya. Nana ZHAO, Assistant Director of the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, commented on the fourth session "Urban Development and Plastic Reduction Action". In the fifth session, Dr. Guijuan Shan, head of the Environmental Technology Unit of the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, read the Declaration on Promoting the Construction of "Zero-waste City" drafted by the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific during the 15th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology. Finally, Xuefeng Wen, Director of the Solid Waste Division under the Department of Solid Waste and Chemicals at the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, delivered the closing remarks. He first expressed gratitude for the establishment of the platform and for the insightful contributions of the participating experts. Wen emphasized that the "zero waste" concept has gained both domestic and international consensus, and building a "Zero-waste city" is a long-term process that requires the participation of multiple stakeholders.

The afternoon session was hosted by Dr. Ying Chen, head of the Solid Waste Management Technology Department of the Solid Waste and Chemical Management Technology Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. Guangjie Huang, Deputy Director of Xuzhou Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Jianguo Liu, Professor of School of Environment of Tsinghua University, Yuyan Song, Secretary General of Green Partnership of Industrial Parks in China, Jin Qian, Deputy Director of Shaoxing Municipal Bureau of Ecological Environment, and Tao Xue, Executive Director of E20 Research Institute, shared their domestic practical experience in key areas of "Zero-waste City" construction. Ying Chen, associate researcher of the Solid Waste and Chemical Management Technology Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, delivered a keynote report on the "Zero growth of industrial solid waste storage and disposal". Guangjie Huang, deputy director of Xuzhou Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, gave a theme report of "Highlighting the 'four bases' and making every effort to build a' Zero-waste agriculture 'Xuzhou model". Professor Jianguo Liu, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, delivered a keynote report on "Classification of domestic waste and Primary zero landfill". Yuyan Song, Secretary general of the Green Partnership of Industrial Parks in China, gave a theme report on "Green Development of the Park under the construction of 'Zero-waste City'". Qian Jin, deputy director of Shaoxing Ecological Environment Bureau, made the theme report of "Shaoxing 'Zero-waste City' information platform". Tao Xue, executive director of E20 Research Institute, delivered a keynote report entitled "Construction of 'Zero-waste City' market system". This high-level forum of "Zero-waste City" has promoted the exchange of experience and technology of "Zero-waste City" at home and abroad, and provided strong technical support for the pilot work of "Zero-waste City" construction in China.

 

The session, organized by the United Nations Center for Regional Development (UNCRD) and supported by the Northeast Asia Focal Point of IPLA, Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific (BCRC China), brought 13 experts and scholars from countries including China, Japan, Germany, and the United States, with over 110 participants attending the meeting.

The session was opened with a speech by Prof. Jinhui Li, Executive Director of the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, Tsinghua University, and moderated by Dr. Anupam Khajuria, Researcher at the United Nations Centre for Regional Development. Ruihe Tu, representative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) China Office, delivered a report titled "Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy for the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals." Academician Jianguo Liu from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences presented a report titled "System Integration for Global Sustainability—Advancing Sustainable Development Goal 15: 'Life on Land'." Dr. Le Dong, Officer for Poverty Reduction and Innovation at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) China Office, shared insights on "Food Loss and Waste—Linkages to Sustainable Development Goal 2: 'Zero Hunger' and Sustainable Development Goal 12: 'Responsible Consumption and Production'."". Ms. Guoqin Wang, United Nations Environment Programme International Ecosystem Management Network, shared "The role of Enhanced ecosystem management for the Green Economy and Sustainable Development Goals". Dr Henning Wilts, Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, Wuptal, Germany, presented a report entitled "Environmental and Economic Benefits of Sustainable Cities and Communities - towards Sustainable Development Goal 11 'Sustainable Cities and Communities'". Dr. Henning Wilts from the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment, and Energy presented a report titled "Environmental and Economic Benefits of Sustainable Cities and Communities—Towards Sustainable Development Goal 11: 'Sustainable Cities and Communities'." Ms. Nina Mitiaieva, Technical Advisor, German Agency for International Cooperation, presented a report entitled "Assessing waste management using KPIs and MRV systems in the context of Sustainable Development Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Sustainable Development Goal 13, Climate Action". Dr. Kikuko Sakai, former Representative of the Japan Overseas Fisheries Cooperation Foundation and the Federated States of Micronesia Representative Office, gave a presentation entitled "Encouraging Small Island Developing States to Achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14: 'Life Below Water'—Calm Choices and Decisions Considering Technical Assistance to the Federated States of Micronesia.". Mr. Anthony Talouli, Consultant at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, presented a report titled "Preventing and Significantly Reducing Marine Pollution in Small Island Developing States: Towards Sustainable Development Goal 14: 'Life Below Water'." Xianrong Yu, Executive Chairman of Jingfuqun Social Service Centre, delivered a report entitled "Clean Water Management Challenges to Sustainable Development Goal 6 'Clean Water and sanitation'". Arnold Wang, Project Manager of Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Plastics Program in China, gave a presentation on "Developing a Circular Economy to tackle waste plastics in the Asia-Pacific Region". Dr. Roland Weber, POPs Environmental Consultant from Germany, gave a presentation entitled "Risks and Challenges of hazardous Chemicals in the Circular Economy and the Sustainable Development Goals". At the end of the session, Dr. Anupam Khajuria, Researcher of the United Nations Center for Regional Development, the organizer of the conference, summarized the forum, and the session was successfully concluded. This forum promoted the academic exchange of experts and scholars in this field, built a knowledge-sharing platform in the 3R field, and provided experience and reference for the construction of "Zero-waste City" in China.

 

The keynote presentation session was moderated by Benjamin Steuer, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Division of Environment and Sustainability, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and introduced the significance of the institutions to China's circular economy; Liwen Chen, founder of "Zero-waste Village", gave a report entitled "Construction of garbage sorting and recycling System"; Liang Dong, an assistant professor at the City University of Hong Kong, proposed the construction of an inclusive Zero-waste City from the perspective of life cycle sustainability analysis. Roland Ramusch, EBRD expert, shared the report "Transition to a Circular Economy - Waste Management Infrastructure for Low-income Counties"; Roland Ramusch, Associate Professor, Department of Waste Management, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, presented the role of education and training in plastic recycling; Ross Barterley, director of the Trade and Environment Division of the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), presented the report entitled "The Identification of Waste and Resources"

The session, hosted by Dr. Liang Dong of the City University of Hong Kong, invited international scholars from China, Japan and South Korea to discuss the application of regional eco-industrial development in the toolbox of industrial ecology methods in the construction of Zero-waste City from a global perspective. During the presentation session, Professor Minoru Fujii, National Institute of Environmental Research, Japan, presented a report on "Smart Energy Sharing towards Decarbonized Eco-Industrial Parks", and Dr. Shauhrat Chopra, City University of Hong Kong, gave a presentation entitled "Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment Based on a Capital Approach". Professor Satoshi Ohnishi of Tokyo University of Science shared a report on "Designing 'Zero-waste Cities' with Stakeholders through the Development of Waste Management Infrastructure", and Professor Han Ling of Peking University gave a presentation entitled "Material Flow and distance-related Negative Externalities: "Economic Partial Equilibrium Analysis", Dr. Yi Dou of the University of Tokyo delivered a report titled "Environmental and Economic Benefits of Moving towards Sustainable Cities and Communities - Towards Sustainable Development Goal 11 'Sustainable Cities and Communities'", Benjamin Tu, of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Assistant Professor Steuer gave a presentation entitled "A New Method to Measure the Formation of Effective Links in China's Industrial Symbionic parks", Professor Longpeng Cui from Sinopec Research Institute of Petroleum Processing shared a report entitled "Green Enterprise Creation and Solid Waste Collaborative Utilization Practice", and Dr. Lu Sun from Japan's National Institute of Environmental Research gave a presentation entitled " Analyzing the Path to Zero Waste Cities from the Perspective of Energy Recovery and Landfill Volume Reduction: A Case Study of Beijing”, Dr Gideon Nkam Taka from Ulsan University in South Korea gave a presentation entitled "Monitoring Eco-Industrial Park Performance through Static and Dynamic Approaches: Taking the Ulsan Eco-Industrial Park in South Korea as an example”, Dr. Liang Dong of the City University of Hong Kong shared a report entitled "New Cooperation between China and the Netherlands on Inclusive Zero-waste City".

 

"Research on LCA and MFA Methods and Applications for" Zero-waste City "was co-chaired by Weiqiang Chen, Associate Professor Huabo Duan from Shenzhen University, Associate Professor Yan Zhao from Beijing Normal University, and Dr. Xiaoyu Yan from University of Exeter. The topic was divided into three sessions. In the first session, "Building and Energy", Professor Lixiao Zhang from Beijing Normal University gave a presentation on "Material Flow and Life Cycle Analysis of wind power Systems in China"; Dr. Peter Berrill, Yale University, shared the report "Forecast for Demolition and New Construction in the United States (2060) and Analysis of the Potential of Recycled Building Materials"; Associate Professor Beijia Huang from University of Shanghai for Science and Technology gave a report on "Production and management Characteristics of construction waste"; Dr. Qingbin Song, Assistant Professor, Macao University of Science and Technology, gave a presentation on "Research on Greenhouse Gas Emission Characteristics and Emission Reduction Mechanism of Urban Energy Consumption in Macau"; Dr. Xiaofeng Gao, University of Tokyo, gave a presentation on "Research on Urban Architecture MFA: A Case Study of Shanghai". In the second session, "Plastics and Packaging Waste," Professor Toshiaki Yoshioka from Tohoku University, Japan, gave a presentation on "Research on plastic recycling in the Integrated artery and vein Industry." Peng Wang, Assistant Researcher, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivered a presentation on "Based on Material Flow Analysis: Key to the Plastic Dilemma"; Yonggang Wang, Secretary-General of the Plastic Recycling Association of China Resource Recycling Association, made a report on "Construction of China's green recycled plastics supply chain System"; Jacob Rognhaug, President of TOMRA China, gave a presentation on "The Technological Foundation for the Circular Economy of Plastic Packaging"; Associate Professor Huabo Duan of Shenzhen University gave a report on "Research on Waste Flow of Express Delivery Packaging Materials in China"; In the third session, "Cities and Organic Solid Waste", Professor Thomas H Christensen from the Technical University of Denmark gave a presentation on "The role of LCA in sustainable urban development". Huan Li, Associate Professor of Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, gave a report on "Moderate Classification of Kitchen Waste for Global Optimization of Urban Solid Waste System"; Associate Professor Yan Zhao, from Beijing Normal University gave a report on "Quantitative Assessment of Sustainability of Agricultural Solid Waste Bioconversion Technology"; Professor Gang Liu, University of Southern Denmark, gave a presentation on "Food Waste and kitchen Waste in China: Scale, causes and impacts". Finally, Associate Professor Huabo Duan from Shenzhen University summarized the excellent reports of the experts.

 

The "E-Waste Recycling and Pollution Control session" convened and chaired by Professor Mengjun Chen from Southwest University of Science and Technology, was successfully held online on the morning of 29th. Professor Dele Ogunseitan from the University of California gave a presentation entitled "Zero-waste City"; A professor from the University of Cape Town discussed "E-Waste Management in South Africa—Integrating Technological Development with Social, Economic, and Regulatory Aspects."; Shuyuan Li, Deputy Director of the Comprehensive Business Department of the Solid Waste and Chemical Management Technology Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, shared insights on "Progress and Reflections of e-waste management"; Keli Yu, Secretary-General of China Resource Recycling Association, interprets the policy of the "Implementation Plan"; Junwei Han, associate Professor from Central South University, shared the research on "electric crushing and comprehensive recycling technology of waste power lithium battery"; Professor Huo Xia, Chair of the Asia-Pacific Region for the Society of Environmental Geochemistry and Health (SEGH) and a faculty member at Jinan University, delivered a report on "E-Waste Pollution and Children's Health Risks."; Jialiang Zhang, Associate professor of University of Science and Technology Beijing, shared insights on "Full components recovery and utilization of failed lithium-ion batteries"; De 'an PAN, Beijing University of Technology, shared "Waste electronic and electrical disposal and recycling technology"; Jinfeng Huang, a student from Southwest University of Science and Technology, shared the research of "classification and screening from discarded electrical and electronic product circuit boards. ".

This conference provided a high-level academic exchange platform for scholars, focusing on the theme of "System Construction for 'Zero Waste Cities'." It facilitated in-depth discussions on e-waste resource recovery research, e-waste management policies, and human health risks, which are of significant importance for advancing the construction of "Zero Waste Cities" in China. The meeting highlighted cutting-edge technologies and received positive feedback, underscoring its relevance and impact on the field.

 

The session was organized by Professor Jingping Hu from Huazhong University of Science and Technology. It is honored to have invited Professor Jiaguan Yang from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Professor Junqing Pan from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Professor Zhan Lu from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Researcher Gavin Harper from University of Birmingham, Qingyin Dong, Director of the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, Tsinghua University, Professor Yue Yang from Central South University, and Dr. Tao Zhang from Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School delivered wonderful presentations, which attracted more than 150 experts and scholars from universities, research institutes and related enterprises all over the country to participate in the forum.

The session was divided into two sessions, with a Q&A and discussion session arranged at the end of each half. At the beginning of the session, the organizer Professor Jingping Hu from Huazhong University of Science and Technology gave an opening speech. In the first session, Professor Jiakuan Yang, Professor Junqing Pan and Associate Professor Lu Zhan gave a report on the clean recycling of lead-acid batteries and the high value utilization of zinc-manganese battery recycling, followed by an engaging discussion on the research trends and challenges of hydrometallurgical recycling. In the second session, Researcher Gavin Harper, Director Qingyin Dong, Associate Professor Yue Yang and Dr. Tao Zhang respectively presented reports on lithium-ion battery recycling and reuse. After the presentations, the attending experts and scholars engaged in an in-depth discussion on topics such as the economic viability of lithium-ion battery recycling, lithium recovery technologies, cascading use, and recycling regulations.

Finally, the organizer of the session, Professor Jingping Hu from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, made a summary of the forum, and the session was successfully concluded. This conference will promote the academic exchanges of experts and scholars in this field, and make certain contributions to the technical research and development of "urban minerals and circular economy" in the construction of "Zero-waste City" in China.

 

The session was convened by Professor Rundong Li of Shenyang Aerospace University and invited 7 well-known experts from both domestic and international fields of sludge treatment and utilization. Professor Rundong Li gave a report entitled "Sludge Treatment and Disposal and High Value Utilization Technology"; Senior engineer Chein-Chi Chang (Jianqi Zhang) from DC Water Authority in Washington DC presented on "Trends in Sludge Management"; and Professor Hongtao Wang from Tsinghua University shared a report entitled " Sludge: Where Is the Path Forward? "; Professor Fei Wang from Zhejiang University discussed "Optimization and Research of Sludge Drying and Incineration Integrated disposal System"; Professor Guoren Xu from Harbin Institute of Technology shared a report entitled "Development Trend of Sludge Safety Resource Technology"; Guodi Zheng, Associate researcher from the Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, made a report entitled "Environmental Risks and Solutions for urban Sludge Land Use in China; Associate Professor Xiaowei Li from Shanghai University gave a report called "Distribution characteristics and transformation rules of microplastics in the process of sludge disposal", and senior engineer Jing Sun from Qingdao Hengli Environmental Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd. gave a report called "Identification process and application Practice of hazardous characteristics of solid waste". The eight experts engaged in in-depth discussions and exchanges on policies, current developments, new technologies, and processes for sludge treatment, disposal, and resource utilization, sharing the latest advancements. The session attracted over 340 participants, and the content was highly informative and engaging.

 

The session on "Prevention and Control of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Process of Solid Waste Disposal and Resource Utilization" was successfully held on the afternoon of June 29, 2020. The convener of the session was Yuanyuan Tang, associate researcher from Southern University of Science and Technology. The invited experts include Hailong Li from Central South University, Jing Zhang from the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiaosong He from the Chinese Academy of Environmental Sciences, Bo Yan from South China Normal University, Lili Liu from East China University of Science and Technology, Lingjun Kong and Yingheng Fei from Guangzhou University, and Yuanyuan Tang and Fanling Meng from Southern University of Science and Technology.

Nine experts and scholars delivered impressive reports around the theme of the session, covering topics that are widely relevant to both academia and industry within the solid waste management system, such as: industrial hazardous waste brought by Ms. Jing Zhang, electronic waste studied by Ms. Lili Liu, tailings concerned by Ms. Bo Yan, and urban sludge emphasized by Ms. Yingheng Fei. The session report focused on the theoretical and technical difficulties in the prevention and control of heavy metal pollutants in the process of solid waste disposal. For example, Hailong Li focused on the prevention and control of mercury pollution and resource recovery; Lingjun Kong provided an in-depth report on the immobilization of uranyl ions in nuclear waste, and Fanling Meng elaborated on the stabilization mechanism of chromium. In addition, the session also further discussed re-utilization of products from solid waste disposal in environmental management, such as “systematic investigation of humic acid formation during composting and the principles of heavy metal pollution control” by Xiaosong He, “preparation of ceramic membranes from inorganic solid waste and their oil-water separation performance” by Yuanyuan Tang. Notably, Professor Yan Bo highlighted the resource utilization potential of tailings with impressive engineering case studies, demonstrating its promising future.

The session of "Prevention and Control of Heavy Metal Pollution in the process of Solid waste Disposal and resource Utilization" was successfully held. Although the experts presented varied research content and methodologies, the forum closely focused on the central theme of controlling heavy metal pollution in solid waste. The experts addressed this challenging and trending issue from different research perspectives. Despite being an online conference, it did not hinder the participants' enthusiasm, leading to lively discussions through the virtual meeting system, with over 200 attendees at its peak. The forum sparked active engagement from participants, with some expressing in the chat window that they had learned new concepts, knowledge, and methods in solid waste pollution control throughout the entire session. Many were inspired and gained valuable insights that would help shape their future research directions in the field.

 

On the afternoon of May 20, 2020, the first session of the 15th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology - "Waste Classification and Community Space Creation" was held in the form of an online conference. This session was co-initiated by Professor Yutao Wang from the Department of Environmental Engineering of Fudan University and Associate Professor Xin Tongg from the School of Urban and Environmental Sciences of Peking University. The event brought together representatives from industry, academia, research, and social organizations to collectively explore the issue of community waste sorting in the context of building Zero-waste cities.

The conference first invited Professor Marie Harder, professor and doctoral supervisor of the School of Environmental Science and Engineering of Fudan University, and expert of the Thousand Talents Plan, to share the results of systematic research on garbage classification in Shanghai communities. Since 2011, Professor Marie Harder has been tracking and studying the problem of domestic waste management in Shanghai, working with community public welfare organizations to explore the factors that affect residents' participation in garbage sorting and forming habits. It summarizes the practical and effective success factors such as infrastructure, clear responsibility, and on-site volunteer supervision, and emphasizes the importance of local community independent participation and adaptation to local conditions in the specific implementation process. Dr. Changjun Li from Fudan University made comments on Professor Marie Harder's report based on the differences and challenges in local practices. Based on sharing work experience in Shanghai, the forum invited three representatives of enterprises engaged in garbage classification work to introduce several different community garbage classification models. Mr. Jingcheng Yu, chairman of CanFit Resource Technologies Inc. introduced the current practice and exploration of community waste classification in Beijing. Mr. Yu returned from Canada to start his own business, and has been committed to the construction of ecological cities for many years, focusing on the construction of the whole industrial chain of circular economy. Mr. Yu's report affirmed the positive progress of the current waste sorting work in Beijing, highlighted the contradictions existing in the selection of current sorting facilities and treatment technology routes, and shared some successful experiences of enterprises in community construction. Mr. Yuanhong Xu, founder of Beijing Aifenlei Technology Co., LTD., provided a detailed introduction to the "Two Bins and One Bag" full-process management model for community waste sorting from the perspective of recyclable resource recovery. He highlighted the challenges of linking recyclable resources with downstream industries in community waste sorting and showcased how breakthroughs in cost control and efficiency improvement can be achieved through resident participation at the front end, refined sorting in the middle, and full-chain digital management. Mr. Jianchao Wang, founder of Chengdu Aobag Environmental Protection Technology Company, explained the necessity and feasibility of unmanned supervision to achieve waste classification. Wang is the first innovator in China to carry out the community real-name system garbage classification mode and the recycling mode of recyclable bags. Wang addressed some of the challenges currently faced by mainstream community waste sorting models. Drawing lessons from the development and evolution of transportation systems, he highlighted the critical role of infrastructure in shaping behavioral patterns and emphasized the significance of unmanned supervision in ensuring the sustainability of these models. The three reports collectively responded to the key elements emphasized by Professor Marie Harder—namely, infrastructure, behavioral responsibility, and community governance—and demonstrated how these factors are comprehensively reflected in practical operations. They also showcased the diversity and inclusivity of community operational models. Professor Zhigang Li from the School of Urban Design at Wuhan University provided a brilliant summary and commentary on the forum, from the perspective of urban governance and community building.

 

To promote the treatment and resource utilization of agricultural and forestry solid waste, raise awareness about the pollution status, characteristics, and reuse potential of agricultural and forestry solid waste, and facilitate academic exchanges among universities in this field, the Resource Utilization Session for Agricultural and Forestry Solid Waste (hereinafter referred to as "the Session") was held online on the morning of June 30, 2019, as part of the 15th International Conference on Solid Waste Management and Technology. The leaders of the Session, Chunping Yang and Jiayang Cheng, jointly delivered opening remarks. The hosting institutions included Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, North Carolina State University in the United States, and Hunan University. The two conveners discussed the sources, pollution status, and hazards of agricultural and forestry solid waste, as well as the efforts made by countries around the world to promote the resource utilization of this waste. They also introduced relevant resolutions from the conference to the attending experts. Chunping Yang and Jiayang Cheng expressed their gratitude to the experts and emphasized the importance of conducting academic exchanges on the resource utilization of agricultural and forestry solid waste.

Chunping Yang and Jiayang Cheng co-hosted the forum, with Jiayang Cheng presenting the report titled "Thermophilic Anaerobic Digestion of Agricultural Residue for the Production of Biogas and Organic Fertilizer," which received unanimous recognition from the online experts, and the interactive effect was excellent. In addition, 20 experts and scholars, including Jun Zhu from the University of Arkansas, Erping Li from the Hunan Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Haris Nalakath Abubackar from the University of A Coruña, Yifeng Shou from Hangzhou Energy and Environmental Engineering Co., Ltd., and Wenzhao Wang from Forigin Decentralized Water Treatment Co.Ltd., introduced their research teams and key research achievements.

 

Biomass waste is an important component of solid waste. The use of advanced technological equipment to convert biomass waste into energy, fuel, materials, and chemicals, thereby achieving safe, harmless treatment and high-value resource utilization of waste, is an important direction of continuous focus for technological innovation and the development of emerging industries. This session invited Jinsong Zhou, Professor from Zhejiang University; Zhifeng Zheng, Professor from Xiamen University; Baofeng Zhao, Researcher from the Energy Research Institute of Shandong Academy of Sciences; Guanyi Chen, Professor from Tianjin University of Commerce; Xiangping Li, Associate Professor from Tianjin University; and Xiaodong Zhang, Professor from Jimei University to discuss the latest progress and development trends in areas such as biomass-based liquid fuels, catalytic conversion of biomass to prepare aromatics, hydrogen production technology through biomass pyrolysis, biomass carbonization and utilization based on ecological environment management, and biomass thermal conversion technology based on chemical looping. The session attracted over 170 participants from universities, research institutions, and industry professionals for communication and exchange, achieving good results and positively promoting the technological and industrial development in the field of biomass waste resource utilization.

 

The session on resource utilization technology for hazardous waste and its environmental risk control was held on June 28, 2020, hosted by Professor Baoping Xin from Beijing Institute of Technology. Six experts in relevant fields were invited to deliver excellent reports, with over 200 online attendees participating in lively discussions based on the content presented by the experts.

Professor Baoping Xin primarily introduced the application of bioleaching-circular enrichment technology in the high-value resource utilization of industrial solid waste and hazardous waste, focusing on risk control, policy guidance, and case studies of bioleaching technology. His innovative and clear approach provided attendees with a new understanding of the technology. Chief Engineer Fengchun Ye detailed the synergistic multi-metal smelting technology for electronic waste and multi-metal solid waste, which achieves clean metallurgical technology for electronic waste and multi-metal solid waste, separation of precious and non-precious metals, zero wastewater discharge, compliance with emissions standards for gases, especially dioxins, and comprehensive utilization of secondary waste, promoting scientific, orderly, and green sustainable development in the country and industry. General Manager Yajun Ge discussed the prospects and market scale of the electroplating sludge disposal industry in China, highlighting the advantages of electroplating factories gathering in electroplating parks and the application of bioleaching technology in electroplating sludge disposal. General Manager Wen Shi talked about the significant recovery and utilization value of waste denitrification catalysts in industries such as power plants, steel, and cement. Through regeneration or reforming treatment, these catalysts can become reusable materials with performance comparable to new catalysts. These methods not only facilitate the rational disposal of hazardous waste but also establish a new economical and practical approach to resource recycling. Professor Xingbin Li elaborated on the potential of non-ferrous metal metallurgy technology in the resource utilization process of solid waste, turning waste into treasure while achieving harmlessness, resource utilization, and reduction. Pyrometallurgy can achieve the vitrification and harmless treatment of harmful elements while simultaneously realizing the resource utilization and comprehensive recovery of various valuable metals. Hydrometallurgy technology can efficiently recover multiple precious and heavy metals, enabling deep separation of valuable components from harmful elements. Professor Xianjun Guo primarily introduced the current status and development trends of solid waste and hazardous waste generation and treatment in Shandong Province, along with the distinctive features and technological needs of the hazardous waste industry in the province, providing insights into the generation and disposal status of hazardous waste in Shandong.

 

On June 29, 2020 (Monday) afternoon, the session on "Urban Mining Resource Utilization Technology" was successfully held online as part of the 15th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology. This session was organized by Associate Professor Jia Li from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and featured esteemed speakers including Professor Zhenming Xu from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Professor Dengxin Li from Donghua University, Professor Yaqun He from China University of Mining and Technology, Senior Business Director Cheng Peng from Baowu Group Environmental Resources Technology Co., Ltd., and Deputy General Manager Yongyi Chu from Shanghai Xinjinqiao Environmental Protection Co., Ltd. The forum attracted over 100 experts and scholars from universities, research institutions, and relevant enterprises across the country. The meeting began with an opening speech by the organizer, Associate Professor Jia Li from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Following that, Professors Zhenming Xu, Dengxin Li, and Yaqun He delivered keynote reports on environmentally friendly and high-value circular utilization of urban mining resources, handling EVA in solar panels and recovering precious materials, and the pyrolysis of organic matter in used lithium-ion battery electrode materials along with flotation separation, respectively. They engaged in an exciting discussion on the future development trends of urban mining resource utilization technology.

Senior Business Director Cheng Peng and Deputy General Manager Yongyi Chu from the business sector presented practical cases on the coordinated comprehensive treatment of urban mining resources and the information management experience of WEEE community recycling and household waste recycling. The participating experts and scholars conducted insightful discussions on the challenges of coordinated urban mining resource treatment and community recycling networks. In conclusion, Associate Professor Jia Li summarized the session, marking its successful end. This meeting will enhance academic exchanges among experts and scholars in this field and contribute to the research and development of technologies and equipment for "urban mining resource utilization" in the construction of a "zero waste city" in China.

 

The meeting introduced bulk silicon-aluminum-based solid waste from various chemical industrial processes, including red mud, coal gangue, organosilicon, aluminum slag, and construction waste. These solid wastes are major components of current bulk solid waste. This session focused on in-depth academic exchanges and discussions regarding the resource utilization issues of bulk silicon-aluminum-based solid waste, exploring the current directions and hot topics in this field. Professor Jiansong Zhou from Hebei University of Technology presented a report on "Genomic Engineering Research of Low-Carbon Waste-Utilizing Cement" in the session on "Resource Utilization of Bulk Silicon-Aluminum-Based Solid Waste." Professor Zhuangqiang Zhang from Northwest A&F University presented a report on "Agricultural Utilization of Gasification Slag" in the same sub-forum. Researcher Jianming Liu from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, presented a report on "Technical System for Agricultural Applications of Bulk Industrial Solid Waste (Including Soil Remediation)." Professor Zhi Wang from Chongqing University presented a report on "Changes in Coal Ash and Its Impact on the Performance of Auxiliary Cementitious Materials" in the sub-forum. Dr. Ningning Shao from Southern University of Science and Technology presented a report on "Research on Alkali-Activated Fly Ash and Steel Slag Materials for Wastewater Treatment." Researcher Tongsheng Zhang from South China University of Technology presented a report on "Efficient Utilization of Industrial Solid Waste in Cement-Based Materials" in the sub-forum. Associate Professor Yong Ke from Central South University presented a report on "Research on Solidifying Arsenic-Alkali Slag with Friedel Salt Fly Ash-Based Cementitious Materials." Associate Researcher Hong Chen from Southern University of Science and Technology presented a report on "Zeolite Transformation Based on Construction Waste and Red Mud and Its Application in Soil Remediation."

 

To promote the development of a circular economy, disseminate scientific knowledge related to circular economy, and enhance academic exchanges among recycling economy research institutes and centers in various universities, the State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control and the Circular Economy Branch of the China Society for Environmental Sciences (hereinafter referred to as "the Branch") successfully held the National Forum for Directors of Recycling Economy Institutes online on the morning of June 29, 2020. This session was conducted with the 15th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology organized by the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, and it marks the third session held since 2018. The meeting attracted over 140 experts and scholars from both domestic and international backgrounds.

Professor Zongguo Wen, Chairman of the Expert Committee of the Circular Economy Branch of Tsinghua University and the China Society for Environmental Sciences, delivered a speech at the session. The session was hosted by Xianlai Zeng, Associate Researcher from Tsinghua University and the Circular Economy Branch, and Professor He Xu from Nankai University. Professor He Xu, Director of the Circular Economy Research Center at Nankai University, presented a report on "Research on Resource Utilization Technology for Waste Mobile Phones." Professor Xinquan Ge, Director of the Circular Economy Research Center at Beijing Information Science and Technology University, delivered a report titled "Digital Economy and Green Development." Professor Yufeng Wu, Dean of the Circular Economy Institute at Beijing University of Technology, shared insights on "Multidimensional Performance Evaluation of Solid Waste Recycling and Adaptive Policy Simulation." Professor Jian Li, Dean of the Circular Economy Institute at Tianjin University of Technology, presented a report titled "Current Situation and Challenges of Circular Economy Development in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei." Professor Dongyun Du, Vice President of South-Central Minzu University, shared "Efficient Conversion Technology for Organic Waste Based on System Integration." Professor Bo Xu, Director of the Circular Economy Research Institute at Northwest University, presented a report titled "Investment Value Analysis of Listed Urban Mining Companies in China." Professor Yixin Ren, Director of the Circular Economy Research Center at Shandong University of Science and Technology, discussed "Ideas for Circular Economy Development in Mining Areas." Professor Junmin Sun, Executive Deputy Director of the High-Alumina Coal R&D Center of Datang International, gave a presentation on "Review and Prospects of Coal-Based Solid Waste Recycling." The experts shared the latest research progress in their respective fields, covering various perspectives including technology development, management policies, and development models. They also addressed questions raised by attendees, creating a vibrant academic atmosphere and providing a valuable platform for communication in the field of circular economy in China.

 

On June 29, 2020 (Monday), the “Resource Recycling and Sustainable Engineering” subforum of the 15th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology was successfully held online.

This session was organized by Researchers Zhi Sun and He Zhao from the Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences. It is honored to invite Professor Wanqian Guo from Harbin Institute of Technology, Professor Huayi Yin from Northeastern University, Professor Wei Jin from Tongji University, Assistant Professor Prakash Venkatesan from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Associate Professor Eveliina Repo from Lappeenranta University of Technology, Dr. Shubin Wang from Southern University of Science and Technology, and Researcher Zhi Sun to deliver reports. Over 150 experts and scholars from universities, research institutes, and related enterprises across the country participated in this session.

The conference focused on the recycling of valuable resources, including metals such as rare earths, lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, and bismuth, as well as low-value waste such as wastewater, sludge, and biomass. Various advanced techniques such as advanced oxidation, electrochemistry, hydrometallurgy, molten salt chemistry, and organic solvent chemistry were discussed in detail. The forum identified key issues and challenges in the resource recycling process and explored the priorities and directions for sustainable industrial development.

 

The generation of hazardous waste from metallurgy is characterized by high intensity, high content of harmful elements, significant environmental risks, and high challenges in extracting valuable metals. With the implementation of the "National Hazardous Waste List" (2016 version) and the "Environmental Protection Tax Law of the People's Republic of China," the harmless disposal and resource utilization of metallurgical hazardous waste have become key issues restricting the sustainable development of the metallurgy industry. Researching a theoretical system for circular utilization and pollution coordinated control that is suited to the characteristics of metallurgical hazardous waste in China, overcoming the challenges of comprehensive and systematic resource utilization technologies for metallurgical hazardous waste, and promoting the green and sustainable development of the metallurgy industry are essential for improving resource utilization efficiency and supporting the construction of "Zero-waste City." This session will focus on academic exchanges and discussions on the resource utilization and control engineering of metallurgical hazardous waste. In this session, Mr. Yaguang Guo, a senior engineer from China ENFI Engineering Corporation, presented a report on "New Technology for Harmless Comprehensive Recovery of Copper Smelting Slag." Mr. Weiyan Yang, a senior engineer from China NERIN Engineering Technology Co., Ltd., presented a report on "Pollution Prevention and Control Technology for Hazardous Waste Disposal in Oxygen-Enriched Side-Blown Furnaces." Ms.Mudan Liu, a senior engineer from the Guangdong Institute of Comprehensive Utilization of Resources, presented a report on "New Technology for Mineralization and Sorting of Low-Grade Industrial Heavy Metal Sludge." Associate Professor Min Gan from Central South University presented a report on "Co-Disposal Technology for Steel and Municipal Hazardous/Solid Waste." Associate Professor Yongxing Zheng from Kunming University of Science and Technology presented a report on "Fundamental Research on the Selective Oxidation Recovery of Copper and Iron from Zinc Smelting Furnace Bottom Slag." Mr. Longchen Xie, a senior engineer from Hunan RE Technology Co., Ltd., presented a report on "Clean Treatment Technology for Waste Lead-Acid Batteries." Engineer Bibo Zhen from Hunan Jiangye New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. presented a report on "Efficient Recovery Technology and Equipment for All Components of Waste Lithium Batteries." Finally, Associate Professor Wei Liu from Central South University presented a report on "Treatment and Disposal Technology for Arsenic-Containing Metallurgical Hazardous Waste" and concluded the meeting.

 

On the morning of June 30, 2020, the "Asia-Pacific Regional Session on Plastics and Microplastics" sub-forum of the 15th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology was held online.

This session was organized by Academician Agamuthu Pariatamby of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, with Nana Zhao, Assistant Director of the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, delivering the opening speech. In addition to Agamuthu Pariatamby, the session invited Professor Seung-Whee Rhee from the Department of Environmental Energy Engineering at Kyonggi University in South Korea, Associate Professor Fauziah S.H. from the University of Malaya, Professor Yong-Chul Jang from Chungnam National University in South Korea, Dean/Professor Sadhan Kumar Ghosh from the College of Engineering and Technology at Jadavpur University in India, and representatives from Agilent Technologies to give excellent presentations, attracting over 300 experts and scholars from universities, research institutions, and related enterprises across the country. Finally, the organizer of the conference, Academician Agamuthu Pariatamby of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, summarized the forum, marking a successful conclusion. This meeting effectively promoted academic exchanges among experts and scholars in this field and made a significant contribution to global plastic waste management.

 

On the morning of June 30, 2020, the Resource and Environmental Management and Sustainable Development session of the 15th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology was successfully held online. At the beginning of the meeting, Professor Xu Tang warmly welcomed all the guests attending the session and introduced the background of the meeting. Subsequently, eight experts gave excellent presentations.

Dr. Jing Meng from University College London presented a report titled "Trends in International Trade and Their Impact on Global Carbon Emissions"; Associate Professor Zhanming Chen from Renmin University of China presented a report titled "Environmental Costs, Trade Structure Adjustment, and the Transition of China's Development Stage—Evidence from Energy-Intensive Industries"; Professor Rui Xie from Hunan University presented a report titled "Global Demand Changes and China's Carbon Emission Intensity: Causes and Driving Factors"; Dr. Fanxin Meng from Beijing Normal University presented a report titled "Research on Urban Multi-Resource Element Collaborative Management from the Perspective of Food-Energy-Water Nexus"; Professor Chuanwang Sun from Xiamen University presented a report titled "Analysis of the Impact Mechanism of Urban Motor Vehicle Restrictions on Air Pollution"; Associate Professor Yuan Chang from Central University of Finance and Economics presented a report titled "Research on the Energy and Environmental Impact of China's High-Speed Rail Passenger Transport: Footprint Calculation and Policy Implications"; Dr. Fan Tong, a project scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the United States, presented a report titled "Lifecycle Climate Change and Air Pollution Damage Assessment of New Road Traffic Technologies"; and Professor Xu Tang from China University of Petroleum (Beijing) presented a report titled "Research on the Driving Factors of Global Air Pollution from Different Accounting Perspectives." Finally, conveners Associate Professor Zhanming Chen and Professor Xu Tang summarized the sub-forum, shared insights on further research expansion in the field, and expressed gratitude for the excellent reports from the guests, the earnest participation of the audience, and the meticulous arrangements by the organizing committee!

 

On June 30, 2020, during the 15th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology, the online meeting of the 3rd Regional Chemicals Session was successfully held. The forum was organized by the Stockholm Convention Regional Centre for Capacity‐building and the Transfer of Technology in Asia and the Pacific / Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, with over 100 domestic and international experts and representatives participating.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Craig Boljkovac, Senior Advisor at the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, with an opening address given by Assistant Director Nana Zhao of the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific. Dr. Yuan Chen, Director/Associate Researcher of the Regional Chemicals Management Office at the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, first introduced the work plan of the Stockholm Convention Regional Centre for Capacity‐building and the Transfer of Technology in Asia and the Pacific. Subsequently, six experts shared their insights on the environmentally sound management of POPs substances, POPs waste, and chemicals. Following, Associate Professor Jun Huang from Tsinghua University's School of Environment presented a report titled "PFAS in Firefighting Foams: Component Analysis and Hydrated Electron Reduction Degradation," discussing the environmentally treatment technology for PFAS and its waste. Professor Heidelore Fiedler from Sweden's Örebro University presented on "Research Progress and Management Regulations of PFAS," focusing on fluorides and sharing research findings from the perspectives of international treaty control and research discoveries. Researcher Guorui Liu from the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences reported on the generation mechanism of multiple POPs during the co-disposal of solid waste in cement kilns. Dr. Roland Weber, a POPs environmental consultant from Germany, introduced the risks of various POPs substances in the material recycling process. Associate Professor Jianguo Liu from Peking University's School of Environmental Science and Engineering analyzed China's strategy and challenges for environmentally sound management of chemicals post-2020. Lastly, Qingyin Dong, Director of the Regional Waste Management Office at the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, analyzed the collaborative mechanisms of the Basel Convention, Rotterdam Convention, Stockholm Convention, Mercury Convention, and international chemicals management strategies.

 

On the afternoon of June 30, 2020 (Tuesday), the “Special Session on Young Scholars Forum” of the 15th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology was held online.

The forum was organized by Dr. Abhishek Kumar Awasthi from the School of Environment at Tsinghua University and attended by over 50 young experts, scholars, and participants from various countries, including China, the UK, the USA, Italy, Bangladesh, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, and India. Associate Researcher Xianlai Zeng from Tsinghua University delivered the opening speech on behalf of Professor Jinhui Li, Executive Director of the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, while Dr. Abhishek Kumar Awasthi hosted the forum.

Dr. Eleni Iacovidou from the Institute of Environment, Health, and Society at Brunel University London presented a report titled "Addressing the Zero-waste Challenge in Urban Centers from a Systems Perspective." Mr. T. Reed Miller, a doctoral student in Environmental Engineering at Yale University’s Industrial Ecology Center, delivered a report titled "Reducing Waste by Extending Product Lifespan." Associate Professor Idiano D’Adamo from the Department of Computer Control and Management Engineering at Sapienza University of Rome presented a report titled "Assessing Waste Management in Europe: New Reuse and Recycling Indices." Professor Md. Rafizul Islam from the Department of Civil Engineering at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology in Bangladesh reported on "Assessing Potential Human Health Risks at Landfills in Khulna City, Bangladesh." Dr. Keshav Parajuly from the United Nations University Bonn presented a report titled "Behavioral Changes in the Circular Economy." Mr. Alexej Parchomenko, a doctoral student from the Water Quality and Resource Management Institute in Vienna, Austria, and the Flemish Institute for Technological Research in Belgium, delivered a report titled "Retaining Function and Reducing Waste – A Systematic Assessment Through Statistical Entropy Analysis." Dr. Michael Johnson, a postdoctoral researcher in Electronic and Environmental Engineering at the University of Limerick in Ireland, presented a report titled "Zero-waste City Research – A Case Study of Ireland." Mr. Venkata R.S. Cheela, a doctoral student from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur and Curtin University in Australia, delivered a report titled "Application of Life Cycle Assessment in the Development of Integrated Waste Management Systems in Smart Cities – A Case Study in India." Dr. Min Zhao from the E-Waste Research Center at Shanghai Second Polytechnic University presented a report titled "Research on the Application of Microwave Technology in Environmental Protection." Dr. Loganath Radhakrishan from the Sustainable Urban Development – Smart Cities Project Department of GOPA InfraGmbH in India delivered a report titled "Current Challenges and Status of Urban Sewage Treatment Systems." Finally, Ms. Caili Zhang from the Stockholm Convention Office of the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, presented a report titled "Waste Management of Persistent Organic Pollutants in China: Current Practices and Findings."

 

On June 30, 2020, the Student Forum of the 15th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology (2020 Global Waste Forum) was successfully held online. This session invited nine outstanding student representatives from several international universities, including Tsinghua University, Peking University, Tohoku University in Japan, and Tongji University, to present, exchange, and discuss their research topics. The presentations covered various subjects, including the treatment and disposal technologies for kitchen waste, construction waste, hazardous waste, and resource utilization methods, as well as discussions on the management of medical waste, which has received recent attention.

The Student Session was jointly organized by the United Nations Environment Programme and the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific at Tsinghua University, aiming to provide a good platform for building a zero-waste city system, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals and a green future. UNEP is the leading institution for global environmental management, responsible for setting the global environmental agenda and acting as an authoritative advocate for global environmental sustainability within the UN system.

The Student Session was hosted by Dr. Shunichi Honda, a project officer from UNEP. Junqing Xu from Tongji University presented on "Wet Composite Rubber Technology of Pyrolytic Carbon Black from Waste Tires." Jiaqi Lu from Tohoku University in Japan shared his research on "Preliminary Life Cycle Assessment of Dechlorination Recycling Process of Waste Polyvinyl Chloride Based on Amplified Experiments." Dejun He from Southwest University of Science and Technology presented on "Current Status and Prospects of Resource Utilization of Electrolytic Manganese Slag in Building Materials." These three students were awarded the top three places in the forum. Additionally, Yunsong Liu from Peking University reported on "Stabilization of Heavy Metals in River Sediment Using Carbonaceous Halloysite Nanotubes," and Qudsia Kanwal from Tsinghua University shared research on "Medical Waste Management in China: Driving Factors, Status, Impacts, and Coping Tools." A total of nine graduate students from different universities presented at this vibrant forum.

During the 15th International Conference on Waste Management and Technology, 11 outstanding sessions and 10 excellent conference papers were selected, with the lists of outstanding sessions and papers provided in the attachment.