The global transportation sector, while being a cornerstone of economic development, generates vast and complex streams of solid waste. This includes end-of-life vehicles, spent batteries, and particularly massive volumes of demolition waste from aging infrastructure. Effective management and advanced recovery of these materials present a critical nexus for achieving sustainable transition, resource security, and environmental protection. This Special Issue, “Transportation Waste & Resource Recovery”, aims to bridge the gap between waste generation and circular economy principles by showcasing cutting-edge research, innovative technologies, and systemic assessments.

We seek to compile contributions that address the full lifecycle of transportation solid waste, from its source characterization and environmental impact evaluation to its transformation into valuable secondary resources. A core focus lies in the Assessment and Management of Demolition Waste from Transportation Infrastructure, which is pivotal for urban renewal and low-carbon construction. To scientifically quantify the environmental burdens and benefits of recovery strategies, this issue encourages submissions on The Application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Carbon Footprint Analysis, providing essential decision-support tools for policymakers and engineers.

Technological innovation is at the heart of closing the material loop. We welcome research on Recycling Technologies of Waste Concrete and Asphalt in New Transportation Infrastructure Construction, exploring mechanical, chemical, and processing advancements that enhance performance and adoption rates. Concurrently, addressing the legacy of pollution is imperative. This issue will feature studies on Soil and Groundwater Remediation Technologies for Traffic Solid Waste Recycling Sites, as well as critical investigations into Pollutant Release and Control During the Dismantling of End-of-Life Vehicles and the Crushing of Batteries, ensuring that recovery processes themselves are safe and environmentally sound.

By integrating perspectives from environmental science, civil engineering, material science, and industrial ecology, this Special Issue intends to foster a holistic dialogue. We invite contributions that collectively advance our knowledge and practice in turning transportation waste from a liability into a sustainable resource for the future.

 Topics covered include, but are not limited to:

• Assessment and Management of Demolition Waste from Transportation Infrastructure
• The Application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Carbon Footprint Analysis in the Field of Transportation Solid Waste
• Recycling technologies of waste concrete and asphalt in new transportation infrastructure construction
• Soil and groundwater remediation technologies for traffic solid waste recycling sites
• Pollutant release and control during the dismantling of end-of-life vehicles and the crushing of batteries

Guest Editors

Dr. Yongcheng Ji

School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China

Website: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9047-5015

Dr. Ji’s group focuses on the reuse and recycling of transportation‑related solid waste, particularly construction and demolition waste, with the aim of promoting sustainable solid waste management and enhancing circular resource use in infrastructure systems.

Dr. Jun Wang

Dept. of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii, USA

Website: https://www.cee.hawaii.edu/faculty-staff-main-2/2-faculty/wang_j/

Dr. Wang’s group is working on the development of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) using local transportation-related solid waste, with a focus on sustainable mix design and structural performance for transportation infrastructure.

Dr. Yifeng Ling

School of Qilu Transportation, Shandong University, Jinan, China

Website: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8846-0524

Dr. Ling’s group focuses on the high-value utilization of recycled concrete and industrial solid waste as aggregate and high-activity cementitious materials in road structures.

Dr. Weizhuo Shi

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), Ningbo, China

Website: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8193-0098

Dr. Shi’s research focuses on advanced cementitious materials and innovative structural engineering solutions for civil infrastructure, including ultra-high-performance concrete, engineered geopolymer composites, and their applications in bridge strengthening, durability enhancement, and intelligent infrastructure systems.

Submissions and Publication

1. Acceptable paper types: Original Research Report/Communication/Review/Progress Report.
2. Please prepare your manuscript using the Manuscript Template (note that the Graphical Abstract, Author Contribution Statement, Declaration of Competing Interest, and Author Biography are required), and see the full Submission Guidelines for further details.
3. Please submit your manuscript via the ScholarOne Manuscripts system before July 31, 2026, and please select “Transportation Waste & Resource Recovery”.
4. Once a themed issue paper is accepted, it will be quickly released online on the SciOpen platform, without waiting for other papers of this issue.

Open Access Sponsorship

As a fully open-access journal, MRSE will provide maximum exposure for published articles, making the research available to all to read and share. In addition, MRSE will waive the Article Processing Charge (APC) for the invited contribution.

Contact

Dr. Yongcheng Ji, yongchengji@126.com

Dr. Jun Wang, jun.wang@hawaii.edu

Dr. Yifeng Ling, yfling@sdu.edu.cn

Dr. Weizhuo Shi, weizhuo.shi@nottingham.edu.cn

Editorial Office of Materials Reports: Solidwaste and Ecomaterials, mrse@mater-rep.com