Implementing blockchain technology in waste management is a novel approach to environmental sustainability and accountability challenges in our modern world. Blockchain, a technology that enables decentralized and immutable ledgers, is now being re-imagined as a tool to revolutionize waste management. This innovative approach aims to improve waste management transparency, traceability, and efficiency, resulting in significant environmental and economic benefits. In traditional waste management systems, the tracking and disposal of waste materials are not transparent and can be vulnerable to fraud, mismanagement, and inefficiency. Blockchain technology provides a secure and transparent platform for recording every step in the waste management lifecycle, from waste generation to collection, transportation, recycling, or disposal. Every transaction in the blockchain is recorded in a tamper-proof manner, enabling real-time monitoring and verification of waste-related data. This paper introduces the concept of using blockchain technology in waste management. The main goal of this work is to show the implementation of blockchain technology in an existing waste management company, using smart contracts in the recycling process to provide transparency. Also, the digital product passport was redefined in terms of circular economy and waste recycling.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor that is difficult to completely remove from wastewater by conventional biological methods. Increased post-treatment BPA removal with ceramic membranes is worth investigating because of these membranes’ mechanical and chemical stability and lifespan. To determine the effectiveness of ceramic membranes for post-treatment of biologically treated BPA-contaminated wastewater, microfiltration (MF) and nanofiltration (NF) were conducted. Both processes removed BPA completely at an initial BPA concentration of 0.3 ± 0.14 mg/L. Increased concentration of 0.7 ± 0.29 mg/L decreased BPA removal. MF removed at least 24 % of BPA, presumably because BPA was adsorbed on particulate matter, which was retained by the membrane, or adsorbed on its surface. NF removed up to thrice more BPA. MF and NF completely removed suspended solids and 40–60 % COD. Filtration capacity decreased with time due to fouling but did not depend on initial BPA concentration. BPA concentrations in municipal wastewater are typically lower than the lowest concentration tested, where MF completely removed BPA. Hence, MF ceramic membranes appear a promising solution for post-treatment of BPA-containing wastewater. MF can be used at a much lower transmembrane pressure than NF, requiring less energy to pump wastewater through the membrane, thus reducing costs.