Technical evaluation of steam sterilisation coupled with gasification to improve circularity of Australian hospital waste management: A case study

Article

Harris, Peter and McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2024. "Technical evaluation of steam sterilisation coupled with gasification to improve circularity of Australian hospital waste management: A case study." Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107680
Article Title

Technical evaluation of steam sterilisation coupled with gasification to improve circularity of Australian hospital waste management: A case study

ERA Journal ID5889
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsHarris, Peter and McCabe, Bernadette K.
Journal TitleResources, Conservation and Recycling
Journal Citation207
Article Number107680
Number of Pages11
Year2024
PublisherElsevier
Place of PublicationNetherlands
ISSN0921-3449
1879-0658
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107680
Web Address (URL)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092134492400274X
Abstract

This paper reports on an alternate approach to hospital waste management by technically evaluating onsite steam sterilisation coupled with gasification to treat general and clinical waste. A literature review revealed a dearth of information on compositional breakdown of Australian hospital waste which may limit the application of more circular waste management practices. Three Australian hospital waste profiles were assessed; general and clinical wastes contributed on average 84.8 % and 6.9 % by weight respectively. Australian hospital general waste composition, reported here for the first time, was categorised into its major components with plastic and paper & cardboard representing 74.5 % and 13.4 % respectively. Technical assessment combining waste composition with theoretical values revealed that Australian hospital waste was well suited to processing through gasification and provided significant benefits. Environmental benefits included 95.9 % reduction in landfilling and associated emissions from landfill, transport and incineration, improved landfill lifespan and recycling. National hospital waste production was estimated at 230,717 tonnes per annum for 2019/2020.

KeywordsRecyclingThermal treatmentMedical wasteWaste reductionEnergyClinical waste
Article Publishing Charge (APC) Amount Paid0.0
Article Publishing Charge (APC) FundingOther
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020401102. Environmentally sustainable engineering
Byline AffiliationsCentre for Agricultural Engineering
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