Saving and recovery of resources and the increasing need for environmental sustainability have been the driving forces behind the development of the Circular Economy and Urban Mining strategies. These are a real revolution in terms of waste management as well as in several other fields. In order to optimise them, a scientific approach is necessary involving all the various disciplines (Engineering, Economy, Chemistry, etc.) and all possible stakeholders (industries, researchers, waste management companies, individuals, decision makers, administrators, regulators, politicians, etc.) and considering all the implementation aspects including the most critical, such as quality of recycled products, sustainable management of residues, symbiosis between producers and recyclers, stability of markets, end of waste regulations and the role of final sinks.

The SUM Symposium, organised biennially since 2012 by the International Waste Working Group (IWWG), is the reference Forum for Circular Economy and Urban Mining, where scientists and stakeholders can debate cutting edge results and focus on future needs. The 2022 event (10th anniversary) will take place from 18 to 20 May 2022 on the beautiful island of Capri, Italy. SUM 2022 is held under the patronage of the Italian Ministry for Ecological Transition, Campania Region, the City of Capri and ENEA (the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development). The Symposium relies on the scientific support of prestigious universities and is promoted by several national and international bodies.

The programme will include three parallel tracks of oral sessions, workshops, poster presentations and much more.

The Symposium will include the following topics:

• Concepts in saving, recovery and recycling of material resources
• Prevention, minimisation and preparing for reuse
• Sources and characterisation of valuable materials
• Appropriate technology for materials recovery and valorisation
• Specific material flows in the circular economy
• Enhanced landfill mining
• Quality control along the recycling chain
• Closing material loops in the circular economy
• Economic and financial aspects
• Policies and legal aspects
• Tools and instruments for project evaluation
• Education, communication, social and psychological aspects
• Digital solutions for the circular economy
• Waste architecture and urban space
• Blue technologies for a sustainable circular economy
• Urban mining and circular economy concepts in emerging and developing countries
• Companies Forum.

The Call for Papers is open! Authors interested in presenting their work at SUM 2022 should submit their paper using the online submission form.

Registrations are open! Register by 28 February to take advantage of the Early Bird discount on the entrance fee.

All details available here.

For any further information, please visit the official website or contact the organising secretariat by email.