Why Researchers Choose Resources, Conservation and Recycling for High-Impact Publications
Resources, Conservation and Recycling has established itself as a cornerstone in the field of sustainability, attracting researchers worldwide who seek to address pressing global challenges in resource management and environmental protection. Published by Elsevier since its inception in 1979, this journal focuses on innovative solutions for conserving natural resources, minimizing waste, and promoting circular economy principles. With a rigorous peer-review process and a commitment to interdisciplinary approaches, it serves as a vital platform for advancing knowledge in areas like recycling technologies, life-cycle assessments, and sustainable policy frameworks.
The journal's prestige is underscored by its consistent ranking among the top publications in environmental science. Researchers value Resources, Conservation and Recycling for its ability to disseminate high-quality, actionable research that influences industry practices and governmental policies. Its scope encompasses everything from material recovery strategies to the socioeconomic impacts of conservation efforts, making it particularly appealing for studies that bridge science, engineering, and social sciences. The emphasis on real-world applications ensures that published articles contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals, such as those outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
For academics aiming to maximize visibility and citation potential, publishing in Resources, Conservation and Recycling offers unparalleled opportunities. The journal's hybrid open access model allows authors to reach a broader audience while maintaining the rigor of traditional publishing. Metrics like its impact factor highlight its influence, drawing submissions from leading institutions across Europe, North America, and Asia. Whether exploring urban mining or eco-design principles, contributors find a receptive editorial team dedicated to fostering impactful scholarship.
To explore career opportunities in sustainability research, consider browsing sustainability jobs on AcademicJobs.com, where you can connect with positions that align with the journal's focus areas.
Overview & History
Resources, Conservation and Recycling was launched in 1979 by Elsevier, initially addressing the growing need for scholarly discourse on resource scarcity and waste management amid the environmental movements of the late 20th century. Over the decades, it has evolved into a multidisciplinary journal that integrates engineering, economics, and policy perspectives to tackle contemporary sustainability issues. The journal's foundational goal remains to promote efficient resource use and recycling practices, reflecting shifts from linear to circular economies.
Key milestones include its early emphasis on industrial ecology in the 1980s, expansion into life-cycle analysis in the 1990s, and recent focus on digital technologies for waste tracking. Today, it publishes original research articles, reviews, and case studies that inform global initiatives like the European Green Deal. With a global readership, Resources, Conservation and Recycling continues to shape the discourse on sustainable development, making it an essential resource for environmental scientists and policymakers.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The scope of Resources, Conservation and Recycling centers on the sustainable management of resources throughout their life cycles, from extraction to disposal or reuse. It welcomes submissions on topics such as waste prevention, recycling processes, and the environmental impacts of consumption patterns. The journal prioritizes interdisciplinary work that combines technical innovation with socioeconomic analysis, ensuring relevance to both academia and industry.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Environmental Science | Studies on pollution control, ecosystem services, and biodiversity conservation in resource contexts. |
| Waste Management | Strategies for solid waste handling, hazardous materials treatment, and landfill alternatives. |
| Sustainability Studies | Analyses of circular economy models, sustainable consumption, and policy frameworks. |
| Materials Science | Research on recyclable materials, advanced recycling techniques, and material efficiency. |
| Industrial Ecology | Life-cycle assessments, input-output modeling, and eco-efficiency evaluations. |
These disciplines reflect the journal's broad appeal, encouraging submissions that address global challenges like plastic pollution and resource depletion. For researchers in related fields, reviewing environmental science jobs can provide insights into practical applications of published work.
Key Journal Metrics
Resources, Conservation and Recycling demonstrates strong performance in bibliometric indicators, positioning it as a high-impact venue for sustainability research. Its metrics are sourced from reputable databases like Clarivate Journal Citation Reports and Scopus, reflecting citation influence and publication quality.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2022) | 13.716 | Clarivate JCR |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 13.892 | Clarivate JCR |
| CiteScore | 24.3 | Scopus |
| SJR (SCImago Journal Rank) | 3.456 | Scopus |
| h-Index | 152 | Scopus |
These figures highlight the journal's role in driving forward-thinking research. Aspiring authors can track their academic progress via tools like Rate My Professor to benchmark against peers publishing here.
Indexing and Abstracting
Resources, Conservation and Recycling is widely indexed, ensuring maximum discoverability for its content. It appears in major databases such as Scopus, Web of Science (Science Citation Index Expanded), and PubMed for relevant health-environment intersections. Additional coverage includes the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) for open access articles and Google Scholar for broad accessibility.
This extensive indexing supports high citation rates and interdisciplinary reach, benefiting authors from various career stages. For comprehensive academic planning, consult the academic calendar to align submissions with key deadlines.
Publication Model and Fees
The journal operates a hybrid model, offering both subscription-based and open access options. Authors can publish traditionally with no fees or choose gold open access for immediate free availability, subject to an Article Processing Charge (APC) of approximately €3,500 (USD 3,800), which may vary; check the official site for updates. Elsevier's policies support waivers for corresponding authors from low-income countries via Research4Life initiatives.
This flexibility accommodates diverse funding sources, from grants to institutional support. Researchers preparing budgets might explore PhD programs in sustainability that include publication funding.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions to Resources, Conservation and Recycling are handled through Elsevier's Editorial Manager online system. Authors must adhere to guidelines including original research only, double-blind peer review, and formatting per the journal's template (e.g., max 8,000 words, structured abstract). Ethical standards follow COPE guidelines, with emphasis on data availability and reproducibility.
The process typically involves initial screening, peer review (average 3-4 months), and revisions. For detailed steps, visit the official journal homepage. To enhance submission success, review higher ed jobs for editorial roles that demystify the process.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board of Resources, Conservation and Recycling comprises experts from top institutions, led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Ming Xu from the University of Michigan. Members include specialists in waste engineering from Tsinghua University and policy experts from Wageningen University, ensuring diverse geographical and topical coverage. Their expertise guides the journal toward cutting-edge sustainability topics.
This international board enhances the journal's credibility, providing authors with insightful feedback. Networking with such leaders can be facilitated through environmental policy jobs.
Why Publish in Resources, Conservation and Recycling?
Publishing here offers visibility in a field-critical journal, with rapid dissemination and high citation potential. It supports career advancement by associating with influential research, ideal for tenure-track academics or industry consultants. The journal's focus on practical implications aids in translating science to action, benefiting societal sustainability efforts.
Moreover, its rigorous standards elevate author profiles, opening doors to collaborations and funding. For those building portfolios, integrating journal insights into sustainability careers planning is advisable.
Comparison with Similar Journals
Resources, Conservation and Recycling distinguishes itself through its integrated approach to resources and recycling, compared to peers like Waste Management or Journal of Cleaner Production.
| Journal | Impact Factor | Scope Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resources, Conservation and Recycling | 13.716 | Resource life cycles, circular economy | Elsevier |
| Waste Management | 8.147 | Waste treatment technologies | Elsevier |
| Journal of Cleaner Production | 11.072 | Sustainable production systems | Elsevier |
| Journal of Industrial Ecology | 6.512 | Industrial metabolism | Wiley |
This comparison underscores its leadership in impact and breadth. Authors deciding on outlets may reference waste management jobs to gauge field trends.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed in submitting to Resources, Conservation and Recycling, emphasize novelty in sustainability applications, use robust methodologies like LCA, and align with journal themes. Clear writing, visual aids, and policy implications strengthen manuscripts. Engage with recent issues for trends and seek pre-submission feedback from colleagues.
Avoid common pitfalls like insufficient data or narrow scope. For ongoing development, utilize Rate My Professor for mentorship ideas and the academic calendar for timing.