Current Status of Healthcare Waste Generation and Management of a Facility for Sterilization and Crushing of Healthcare waste in the Republic of Korea
In this study, the status of healthcare waste generation and treatment, management system in Korea was investigated to figure out the overall status.
by Young-Sam Yoon
Abstract
Healthcare waste has been managed by applying stringent regulation for containers, transport vehicles, and disposal in consideration of infection concerns in the Republic of Korea. However, the amount of healthcare waste generated is continuously increasing due to the population aging and the development of healthcare services. Also, the current operating ratio of the healthcare waste incinerator is 117%, which is close to the legal limit of 130%. Nevertheless, it is difficult to install or expand a new healthcare waste incinerator due to the opposition of residents and local governments. In the past, it was difficult to install a facility for sterilization and crushing of healthcare waste in accordance with the 「Educational Environment Protection Act」, but as the installation regulations were relaxed from September 2020, it was possible to reduce the burden of a healthcare waste incinerator due to on-site treatment. The installation and operation of these a facility for sterilization and crushing is considered a stable treatment method in general hospitals with a large amount of healthcare waste. In this study, the status of healthcare waste generation and treatment, management system in Korea was investigated to figure out the overall status. In addition, we compared the standards for a facility for sterilization and crushing in the Republic of Korea and other countries. Also, we tried to propose a stable treatment method for healthcare waste by current operating status.
Keywords: Healthcare waste, Incinerator, A Facility for Sterilization and Crushing
published: Korea Society of Waste Management, 11|2022
Keywords: Energy Recovery, Hazardous Waste, Korea (Republic of)
Related papers
How to support Carbon Reduction and Circularity by Suitable Waste Management
Applicability Assessment of a Plasma Melting Process for a Sustainable Fly Ash Recycling System in South Korea
Small WEEE plastics in Republic of Korea: Application Material flow analysis (MFA) and safety assessment for recycling
Long-Term Health Impact Monitoring Results of WtE Facilities in Seoul
Expected Multirole of New Age WtE Facility for SDGs and Circular Economy in Seoul
History of WtE Technologies and Their Development in Korea
Evaluation of the recycling potential in accordance with pretreatment efficiency for ash discharged from waste incineration facilities in Korea
The Current Situation of Waste to Energy and Towards Carbon Neutrality in Material Cycles and Waste Management in Japan
Advanced Strategy for plastic wastes to response to the Basel Convention
Integrated assessment of a new Waste-to-Energy facility in Central Greece in the context of regional perspectives
Applicability Assessment of a Plasma Melting Process for a Sustainable Fly Ash Recycling System in South Korea
Small WEEE plastics in Republic of Korea: Application Material flow analysis (MFA) and safety assessment for recycling
Long-Term Health Impact Monitoring Results of WtE Facilities in Seoul
Expected Multirole of New Age WtE Facility for SDGs and Circular Economy in Seoul
History of WtE Technologies and Their Development in Korea
Evaluation of the recycling potential in accordance with pretreatment efficiency for ash discharged from waste incineration facilities in Korea
The Current Situation of Waste to Energy and Towards Carbon Neutrality in Material Cycles and Waste Management in Japan
Advanced Strategy for plastic wastes to response to the Basel Convention
Integrated assessment of a new Waste-to-Energy facility in Central Greece in the context of regional perspectives