Plastic waste-to-fuel and sustainable development goals

• Published in: Advances in Energy from Waste: Transformation Methods, Applications and Limitations under Sustainability
• Main Author: Shamsuddin A.S.; Othman N.M.I.; Zakaria N.H.; Mutalib M.A.; Ismail S.N.S.; Muhamad N.
• Format: Book chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85205363350&doi=10.1016%2fB978-0-443-13847-8.00016-6&partnerID=40&md5=9b7c9ff0eae82af48e94766e4b122e0d

Approximately 99% of the primary resources used in producing plastic are derived from nonrenewable fossil fuels. This represents a significant percentage of global oil and gas usage, varying between 8% and 9%. The widespread use of plastic items in our daily lives can be attributed to their cost-effectiveness, lightweight composition, adaptability, and ease of use. Most plastic waste is commonly managed through methods such as incineration, landfill deposition, or environmental discharge, which can pose a substantial risk to both human health and ecological systems. The transformation of plastic waste into alternative energy sources, such as fuel, is a viable strategy for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) delineated in the 2030 Agenda. This approach has demonstrated efficacy in mitigating the buildup of plastic waste in the natural environment. This chapter offers a comprehensive assessment of plastic waste's impact on the environment and human health. Additionally, it examines the conversion of plastic waste into fuel, considering the SDGs. This chapter also scrutinizes the obstacles and prospects associated with this approach. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.