Resource utilization potential of waste glass in a typical city of China and its carbon reduction and economic benefits evaluation

ZHU Yun; TANG Jinfeng; CHEN Biming; LIAO Benhua; LIN Jiajun; LI Yanni; WU Haiwei; ZHANG Hongguo

doi:10.13205/j.hjgc.202510007

Volume 43 Issue 10

Oct. 2025

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ZHU Yun, TANG Jinfeng, CHEN Biming, LIAO Benhua, LIN Jiajun, LI Yanni, WU Haiwei, ZHANG Hongguo. Resource utilization potential of waste glass in a typical city of China and its carbon reduction and economic benefits evaluation[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2025, 43(10): 54-64. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202510007

Citation:

ZHU Yun, TANG Jinfeng, CHEN Biming, LIAO Benhua, LIN Jiajun, LI Yanni, WU Haiwei, ZHANG Hongguo. Resource utilization potential of waste glass in a typical city of China and its carbon reduction and economic benefits evaluation[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2025, 43(10): 54-64. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202510007

Citation:

ZHU Yun, TANG Jinfeng, CHEN Biming, LIAO Benhua, LIN Jiajun, LI Yanni, WU Haiwei, ZHANG Hongguo. Resource utilization potential of waste glass in a typical city of China and its carbon reduction and economic benefits evaluation[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2025, 43(10): 54-64. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202510007

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Resource utilization potential of waste glass in a typical city of China and its carbon reduction and economic benefits evaluation

doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202510007

1. Guangzhou Municipal Management Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510180, China;
2. College of Environmental Scie nce and Technology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China

Received Date: 2025-07-08
Accepted Date: 2025-09-01
Rev Recd Date: 2025-08-10

Available Online: 2025-12-03

Publish Date: 2025-10-01

Abstract

Abstract

The resource utilization of recyclables in household waste plays a vital role in promoting urban green and low-carbon transformation. Under China’s “Dual Carbon” goals， improving the recovery efficiency of household-source recyclables is essential for reducing the burden on waste management and advancing the circular economy. However， in many cities， waste generation is still estimated based on collection volume， which often underestimates the actual quantity produced. This discrepancy arises because high-value recyclables are frequently diverted before formal collection through informal channels， such as community cleaners， scavengers， or direct reuse by residents. This study focused on waste glass as a key recyclable in a typical city in China. Through surveys on 448 households across all districts， front-end data on household waste generation and recycling behaviors were collected. Based on that， household waste glass generation in 2023 was estimated at 251，000 tons by Monte Carlo simulation， while the XGBoost model predicted total municipal generation at 618，300 tons， with 247，200 tons from households， closely aligning with the observed data. The estimated carbon reduction potential was 44，700~150，900 tons CO₂， and the economic benefit ranged from -4.6 million to 28 million USD. The results highlight the significant environmental and economic value of glass recycling. The proposed modeling framework is scientifically sound and practically applicable， offering a replicable method for assessing other recyclables and supporting urban solid waste management under China’s Dual Carbon Goals.
- household-source recyclables,
- waste glass resource recovery,
- Monte Carlo simulation,
- XGBoost model,
- carbon reduction benefit,
- economic benefits

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References(50)

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