APPLICATION OF CARBONIZATION TECHNOLOGY IN MEDICAL WASTE TREATMENT AS A SUSTAINABLE WASTE TO ENERGY CONVERSION IN INDONESIA

Abstract

As the second-highest country with COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia, medical waste (MW) generated by healthcare facilities in Indonesia has increased to 425 tons/day from 290 tons/day in 2019. Inefficient current methods for MW treatment (incineration and land disposal) emit dioxins, contributing to environmental issues and health deterioration. On the contrary, carbonization can effectively convert MW into valuable products specifically char with an estimated HHV up to 25 MJ/kg, similar with that of sub-bituminous coal, while operating under mild conditions. In the absence of oxygen, over 50% of the carbon is recovered as solid product, therefore decreasing the emitted gaseous carbons. Based on simple weighted analysis, HTC, which produces hydrochar, is the most recommended carbonization method as a sustainable medical waste treatment to energy conversion in Indonesia. LCIA showed that HTC decrease damages of human health, ecosystem quality, climate change, and resources, all in comparison with incineration and landfill. HTC project as a mean for processing medical waste is deemed to be economically viable compared to incinerator with a 10 years break-even selling price of 240 USD/ton hydrochar