Waste to resource: An approach towards end-of-life investigation of defense used boot of Bangladesh for sustainable environment

After a certain period or end-of-life (EoL), all the valuable products become waste if they are not properly managed. This study reveals the appropriate and sustainable pathway to manage the various solid wastes coming from used footwear (boots) of the Bangladesh Armed Forces and other Forces. The major parts separated from the collected four pair of used boots include leather, thermoplastic rubber (TPR) materials (e.g., sole, toe puff, stiffener, etc.), laces, metal shank, metal eyelet, etc. Careful observation of the used boots and its separated parts indicated 92-96% damage of the boots after the use of the boots for six months. Based on the properties of different parts of used boots, an integrated 4R’s waste management (reuse, recycle, recovery, and reduce) concept was introduced. It helps to minimize greenhouse gas, smog, heavy metals, dyes, pigments, and other pollutants emission to the atmosphere, thereby reducing the severe health consequences, environmental pollution, and climate change. This paper also discusses the critical aspects of various materials obtained from the post-consumer used boot through different mechanical, thermochemical, and chemical treatment processes.