As the rate of production of new materials outnumber the rate of their consumption, recycling, and decomposition, the accumulation of waste is expected to rise. Of the 292.4 million tons municipal solid waste (MSW) generated in 2018, which is equivalent to approximately 5 pounds/person/day, only 32% was recycled or composted (epa.gov). This symposium will broadly cover the effects of materials waste on the natural environment and the current and emerging approaches in decomposing a wide range of materials waste from organic paper and plastic to inorganic metals and ceramics. Part one of the symposium will focus on the current physical, chemical, and biological approaches in material waste processing, from single streams to complex mixtures of materials such as electronics. The innovations and breakthrough research in waste processing, including those inspired by natural processes, will be the focus of part two. The latest techniques in characterization of the waste materials to enable screening of best- performing process will also be presented. In part three, the considerations in materials design paradigms from-cradle-to-gate/grave and emerging technologies will be presented along with recycle-by-design materials for the future. The symposium will conclude with highlights of industry trends and their considerations in ensuring sustainable waste handlings of materials towards net- zero.

Abstracts are solicited in the following areas: plastic, electronic, concrete, and textile waste recycling and processing, new materials characterizations tools/techniques, material designs for consumer products, compostable new materials, recycle-by-design plastics, and perspectives.

biological biomimetic circular economy composite degradable life cycle assessment polymer recycling standards