Waste recycling, the new-old challenge for sustainable urban development

• Main Author: Ioana Gabriela Cosma
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urban Planning 2018-12-01
• Series: Journal of Urban and Landscape Planning
• Subjects: Bio-economy; Recyclable Materials; Sustainable Urban Development
• Online Access: http://www.julpreview.ro/files/JULP8_3_2018-CosmaREF_p_99_113.pdf

At present, there are many challenges facing cities and affecting their ability to create jobs and prosperity, without endangering the environment and resources. Among the most common urban challenges we can list traffic congestion, inadequate housing, air, soil and water pollution, green areas, waste of all kinds etc. These challenges can be overcome in order to continue sustainable urban development based on resource efficiency and aiming at reducing pollution and poverty. The future of cities includes opportunities for all inhabitants, reducing economic and social inequalities. Seen as opportunity and challenge at the same time, waste recycling due to the economic and social growth of cities has a positive impact on the local environment (air, water, land, human health etc.). Therefore, the complexity, costs and coordination of waste management require the involvement of all stakeholders, but also financial resources, including the identification of new technologies, research actions and eco-innovation. This article aims to address, in a synthetic way, the issue of urban waste recycling, which is currently considered as a major source of urban pollution, an important factor affecting the quality of life and living, as well as the prospects for sustainable urban development.