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Characteristics and Material Flows of Non-Packaging Plastics in Municipal Solid Waste: A Case Study from Vienna
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Researchers characterized non-packaging plastic waste in Vienna's municipal solid waste stream and found that over 4,100 tonnes of recyclable polymers, mainly polypropylene, are lost annually to mixed waste, with many items exhibiting recycling-hindering traits like multi-polymer composition and black coloring that require new design-for-recycling guidelines.
In contrast to packaging, non-packaging plastics remain largely untargeted by EU regulations, despite their comprising over 60% of primary plastics in the EU 27 + 3 in 2022. This results in lower separate collection and recycling rates as well as fewer studies analysing recycling-relevant characteristics in non-packaging plastic waste (NPW), which are relevant to ensure the circularity and sustainable management of all plastics. This study presents a detailed characterisation of NPW found in mixed municipal solid waste and lightweight packaging waste on polymer and product levels, using the case study of Vienna, Austria. Results show that 4100 t/yr of polymers targeted for recycling, especially polypropylene, are currently discarded and lost in mixed MSW. A large share of NPW, however, exhibits recycling-hindering traits like multi-polymer objects or black colouring. While products made of high-quality food contact material were assessed to be ideal for separate collection to ensure closed-loop recycling, consideration should be given to collecting the majority of NPW via recycling centres to prevent contamination of target polymers with currently non-targeted other polymers. Design for recycling guidelines should also be introduced for non-packaging plastics, targeting separability, colouring and small-scale products. By doing so, a more sustainable management of NPW can be achieved.
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Researchers used life cycle assessment to evaluate different waste collection and management pathways for biodegradable plastics in Austria, finding that consumer confusion about sorting — whether to place them in organic, plastic, or residual waste bins — leads to suboptimal environmental outcomes and that dedicated collection infrastructure is needed to realize their sustainability benefits.
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Researchers found plastic contamination—like plastic wrap, bags, and produce stickers—in 80% of food waste samples from restaurants, grocery stores, schools, and homes. This matters because when this contaminated food waste is turned into compost, the plastic can break down into microplastics that end up in agricultural soil, potentially making their way into the food we grow and eat. The findings suggest that better labeling, packaging design, and sorting practices could help keep plastic out of our compost—and ultimately, our food system.
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This study surveyed city managers across ten European capitals and found that while legislative bans on single-use plastics are effective, public-space waste from tourists remains poorly monitored and inconsistent collection schemes hinder proper sorting, highlighting the need for stronger public-private partnerships and dedicated infrastructure in high-tourism areas.
Polypropylene Contamination in Post-Consumer Polyolefin Waste: Characterisation, Consequences and Compatibilisation
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Researchers characterized polypropylene contamination in post-consumer polyolefin plastic waste, finding that heterogeneous contaminants significantly compromise recycled material properties and examined compatibilisation strategies to improve recycling outcomes.
A Review of Methods and Data on the Recycling of Plastics from the European Waste Stream of Electric and Electronic Equipment
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This review examines the WEEE plastic waste stream in Europe, focusing on the four main polymer types (PP, PC, ABS, PS) and the legislative landscape governing their recycling. It highlights that inadequate sorting and contamination by unwanted additives significantly reduce the quality and uptake of recycled WEEE plastics in new products.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.