RRFB

Students and academic advisors may need assistance when brainstorming for potential R&D projects. In addition to reviewing the list of Problematic Waste Materials, students may benefit from contacting local businesses, municipal Solid Waste Coordinators and the Department of the Environment (Solid Waste Branch) to discuss local needs and potential projects. For a list of regional contacts, click here.

Although all proposals are subject to a formal committee review, some of the following concepts may help students when brainstorming ideas for Student Research Grant projects:

1. A study of quantities/quality of marine waste (fishing rope, nets, etc.) to explore markets and recycling processes for Nova Scotia.

2. Research pathogen variances and impact in the municipal composting process. Ex: Study with bio-solids 1%, 5%, 10% and study without bio-solids, factor in cooking time at 1yr, 3yr, 5yr (impact of bio-solids impact of time).

3. A practical look at various diversion solutions to address both current and future banned materials. Which waste woods are safe for pelletization and home/commercial heating? Can painted wood and wood products, such as engineered wood trusses or OSB be used? What about the effect of both glue and nails on both the quality for wood pellet (emissions) as well as the effect on the processing equipment?

4. Research the absorptive and odour controlling qualities of compost for use as kitty litter, identify any additional processing steps required, and make a direct link to encouraging behaviour for having this material going to a green cart once used.

5. Identifying social and behavioural barriers to waste-resource management (to increase participation ensuring that existing or new/innovative technologies are used to maximum benefit). Ex: A social marketing project (around the use of clear bags vs. other options) may be helpful.

6. Is there a business case/opportunity to convert waste C&D into a lower grade wood product (MDF, painted or scrap wood compressed into lower grade board)?

7. Vinyl siding: Quantities, collection practices and potential reuse.

8. Diaper recycling: What technologies are available, what is their economic footprint, what are the amounts in Nova Scotia, are options feasible here and, if so, under what conditions?

9. How much automobile windshield glass waste is produced in Nova Scotia, what is being done with it, what are options to recover and reuse?

10. Reduction and reuse of materials in labs and hospital environments.

11. There are many new engineered wood products entering the market. There may be an opportunity to explore the chemical and physical challenges of making new products out of these materials once they are at end of life.

12. Ceiling Tiles are a common building material. What are the common types in Nova Scotia? What is their chemical composition and are there chemicals of interest? Some manufacturers take them back and/or they are recycled. Are there opportunities for reuse in NS (blown in insulation)?

13. Footwear: What are the levels of donation? In what condition is the material? Is it acceptable for alternate uses? What are the barriers? What companies take back footwear? Are there any other solutions?

14. Expanded Polystyrene (Styrofoam): Because of its light weight, EPS is expensive to ship. It proposes volume challenges as opposed to weight challenges. There are densifiers on the market and local manufacturers are looking into new densifying machinery. In addition some local scientists are patenting recycling process. They may require student research assistance.

15. Can other products be created feasibly? Clean and shred it into a secondary insulation?

16. Plastic film is the most commonly used material for packaging in NS/Canada (e.g. cereal bags, wraps around many products, etc.) Seems to be a lack of awareness of the varieties that can be recycled? Where do we find it? Around what products? Can the varieties (#2, #4, #5) be recycled together? Are there any other film plastics types? Where are the markets?

17. Wine bottles are not reused. In Ontario, some wineries take back used wine bottles, wash them and reuse them. Is there an opportunity to test this practice in Nova Scotia?

18. Most municipal systems pick up recyclable materials at the curb through a bluebag program. Can more materials be added to the municipal system?

19. Public spaces recycling is still challenge. Are there opportunities to implement new practices or technologies to improve storing? (think malls, food courts, arena, etc.)

20. There has been much research on the benefits of compost from residential and curbside waste. Various studies have noted beneficial application for crops and other agricultural practices, but Nova Scotia has done little to bring the product to market. Local retailers import compost product.  What must Nova Scotia composters do to supply commercial demand?

21. Assess organics still going to landfill due to packaging issues. Are there opportunities to depackage organics diverting both the organic content and the packaging?

22. Combining business and science, what are the most environmentally and fiscally responsible methods of handling waste food and beverage glass.

23. Where should old and broken flourescent lights and CFL's go? Is it best in a second generation landfill, should it be to a hazardous waste disposal company, or to a special recycling facility/program? How should the chemicals and glass be handled?

24. Leaf & Yard Waste: Study the impact of municipal collection systems requiring paper bags (as opposed to plastic bags).  Is it cost effective and environmentally beneficial for municipalities to use paper bags instead of plastic bags?

25. Medical waste presents a variety of issues for waste managers, as it encompasses biomedical materials, biohazard materials, plastics, textiles, etc.  Better understanding this waste stream might identify better waste managemnt practices and recycling opportunities. In additon to an assessing qunatities/qualities, research could also focus on evaluating governing policies and current practices. 

26. A study of Compact Flourescent Lights (CFLs) and Batteries. Evalaute the realities of collection requirements and associated costs. Under what circumstances should the material(s) be recycled vs. landfilled?