ABSTRACT
A well-established system of reverse logistics and the presence of robust recycling markets are also required. In developing economies, informal sectors, especially women, play a critical role in waste collection and sorting. Their health and safety cannot be compromised. The economics of closing the loop is a complex subject. Pricing of virgin resources, components, and products play a major role in deciding whether it is worth recycling. Often the costs of collection and reverse logistics dominate. Upcycling is the process of transforming materials destined to be destroyed into new products of higher value and environmental purpose. Downcycling or cascading is recycling waste where the recycled material is of lower quality and functionality than the original material. Closed-loop recycling means that recycling of a material can be done indefinitely without degradation of properties. The organic waste component is often converted into compost and/or methane gas using Mechanical Biological Treatment.
