70040 - Resources and Recycling

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to develop cultural, scientific and technical aspects for the enhancement and sustainable use and recycling of both raw materials and primary-secondary resources. Moreover, they will be developed the design aspects and feasibility of Appropriate Technologies for the developing countries, particularly with regard to water supply, wastewater treatment and solid waste management. The course is deeped on principles of Circular Economy (dry waste for recycling and organic waste for composting), on the circularity as tool for saving raw material, water and natural resources and to reduce waste production.

Course contents

Course content

Principles of Circular Economy and Sustainability.

UN Agenda 2030 purposes and content. SDGs 11, 12, 13 related with Circular Economy, Sustainable Cities and Climate Action.
Urban mining and industrial symbiosis
The circularity, as a tool for saving raw materials and natural resources and to reduce waste production. The "0 waste" goal.
Recycling of technical wastes and composting of organic waste.


Climate change and transition engineering.
The urban resilience and site-specific technologies application. Green Technologies and nature-based solutions for urban resilience towards climate change risks


Sustainable development and sustainable use of resources. Natural and recycled resources. Renewable and non-renewable resources.
The water resource. The water cycle uses, and technologies to increase the water resource.
Treatment and recycling of wastewater.


Definition and recovery of recycled materials.
The main recycling processes and plants.


The integrated management of municipal waste collection and treatment. The pre-treatment plants and selection, mechanical biological treatment, the energy recovery, the disposal in landfills.
The treatment of organic fraction and the process of composting. The use of biomass.
The recycling of post consumer plastic and aluminum. Other examples for recycling from municipal and special waste: glass, paper, steel, vehicles and tires end-of-life, electrical electronic equipment waste.


Recovery and recycling of inert materials from construction and demolition (CDW). Characterization of inert waste and the types of recycling facilities and the different stages of treatment. Uses of recycled aggregates.


Ecodesign, Life cycle assessment (LCA), Ecological Footprint, Water Footprint, Multicriteria Analysys: definitions and application examples.


Appropriate Technologies: definitions, examples of application to the developing countries with particular attention to the management and recycling of waste water for potable use, management and recovery of waste.

Readings/Bibliography

It is essential to use lesson notes and didactic materials and presentations available on webnet course site.

Several suggestions by the teacher about videos, learning material, scientific papers that students can find in web.

Teaching methods

The course is structured in frontal lessons in which the subjects of the course program are presented.

In addition, specific seminars and workshops will be provided where the professor will be joined by experts to promote more knowledge of the topics.

Word cafes and teaching laboratories can complete the preparation of the students.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a preliminary multiple choise test and some open questions.

The development of some assignement during the course followed by an oral interview to evaluate the critical and methodological skills acquired by the student, who will be invited to demonstrate the knowledge of all topics considered during the course lessons. Particularly evaluated will be the student's ability to move within the cultural themes of the discipline. The achievement by the student of an organic vision of the subjects for their critical use, the demonstration of possessing an expressive and specific language will be valued with excellence marks.

Teaching tools

PPT presentations

Videos and films

Students engagement moments

Office hours

See the website of Alessandra Bonoli