A significant development of the photovoltaic market in the European Union has been observed recently. This is mainly due to the adopted climate policy and the development of photovoltaic technology, resulting in increased availability for consumers at lower prices. In the long run, increased installed PV capacity is associated with an increased amount of photovoltaic waste generated at the end of life. Since this waste belongs to the group of WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) waste, it is subjected to high recovery levels. Existing installations for the highly efficient recycling of PV panels are just proofs of concept. However, the situation will change in the near future, and it will be necessary to implement a full-scale waste management system dedicated to PV waste. The paper estimates mass streams of photovoltaic waste generated by 2050 in individual EU countries. Consequently, the characteristics of the European market of waste PV panels are considered together with the demand of individual Member States for installations. The estimation enables the fulfillment of the Directive on WEEE recovery rates.

This study aims to investigate the possibilities of municipal waste incineration bottom ash (MSWIBA) utilization in the construction sector. MSWIBA development fits into the European Green Deal, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Circular Economy (CE). This manuscript describes current MSWIBA treatment such as solidification, ceramization, vitrification, chemical activation (NaOH, CaOH₂, NA₂SiO₃ + NaOH, Na₂CO₃ + NaOH, NH₄OH), acid treatment with diluted solutions (HCl, H₂SO₄), chemical stabilization (FeSO₄, PO₄³⁻), chelation, etc. For the purpose of comparative research, MSWIBA before valorization, after valorization, and after NaOH pre-treatment was investigated. In terms of their physico-chemical properties, the tested samples were examined. Three kinds of MSWIBA were used as a substitute for 30% of cement in mortars. The mortars were tested for 28-day strength. Leachability tests were performed in acid, aggressive, alkali, and neutral water environments. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis was carried out, which presented the environmental benefits of MSWIBA management in construction.

The present paper describes the problem and effects of water scarcity and the possibility of rational use of this resource in the idea of a Circular Economy (CE) and sustainable development. Rational water management requires innovation, due to the growing demand for this raw material. It seems that water is widely available, e.g., in Poland, there is no problem with drought. Unfortunately, Polish water resources are shrinking and modern solutions, as well as the construction of new and modernisation of old infrastructure, are some of the few solutions that can protect against a shortage of potable water. Water is also an essential resource for economic development. It is used in every sector of the economy. Limited water resources lead to an inevitable energy transformation because, in its present state, the Polish energy industry consumes huge amounts of water. Due to the above statements, the authors propose a solution in the form of an interactive shower panel that contributes to more rational water management (e.g., in households or hotels) based on the latest technological achievements. This device enables the creation of water consumption statistics based on accurate liquid flow measurements and the transfer of data to the user’s mobile device. This innovation aims to make the user aware of the amount of water used, which in turn can contribute to lower water consumption.

Reduction of emissions, energy consumption, and use of substitutes for natural resources is an element of sustainable development and the circular economy. Cement production is a process with a high carbon footprint; therefore, minimizing the use of this material has a significant impact on reducing environmental costs. A substitute for cement is municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA). The article presents a method of making an eco-concrete with the use of municipal solid waste incineration hazardous fly ash. The use of secondary waste for the production of building materials additionally contributes to achieving climate neutrality established by the European Union and China. The article analyzes the physicochemical properties of various MSWIFAs, the amount and leachability of heavy metals, and selected elements from MSWIFA and concrete properties. The technical properties of mortars containing MSWIFA were investigated. Consistency is not affected by MSWIFA content, although the workability time is prolonged. Air entraining admixture efficiency is lowered, but the effect lasts longer. The initial setting time is prolonged, and the flexural and compressive strengths are decreased in early terms because of the zinc presence in MSWIFA. MSWIFA does not influence the water demand, volume stability of mortars, or microstructure of cement’s hydration products.

The purpose of the study presented in this text is to show the influence of COVID-19 on waste management systems and circular economy stream, and their impact on circular economy, particularly the economic impact of the pandemic on the waste management sector, impact on circular economy objectives’ implementation as well as additional challenges like the need for hygienization of waste streams during different implementation efforts, such as changes in the municipal solid waste market and different waste processes of their disposal. Additionally, some methods—such as thermal treatment—which seemed to be not fully aligned with the circular economy approach have advantages not taken into account before. Incineration of higher volume of waste affects the waste structure and will change some of the circular economy objectives. The analysis was carried out on the example of the Polish market.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) constitute an action plan for the environment and people. One of the main goals is to limit the increase in global average temperature to 2 °C and aim for a stop at 1.5 °C. The goals of the circular economy (CE) are in line with the SDGs. In the waste management chain, the last CE element is a recovery in the municipal solid waste incineration plant (MSWIP). However, during recovery, municipal solid waste bottom ash (MSWIBA) is created (in about 30% of the bunch). The development of MSWIBA in the construction industry is a possibility of closing the cycle. This article shows the MSWIBA formation process, alkali pre-treatment of MSWIBA, and its geopolymerisation. Studies have determined the mechanical properties of geopolymer with MSWIBA and leachability from crushed and from monolith geopolymer. Alkali pre-treatment improves MSWIBA mechanical properties and upgrades immobilisation. Moreover, geopolymerisation is a better solution than concreting, because of the lack or low consumption of high-emission and energy-intensive cement. A SWOT analysis was carried out for the proposed solution.