We Can Generate Clean Energy from Medical Plastic Waste

Hospitals have been implementing more infection control measures in recent years, which has led to an increase in the usage of single-use plastics. The use of masks, gloves, and other PPE supplies has contributed to a sharp rise in medical plastic waste generation by healthcare facilities. Even though it is not a recent problem, there has been worry about it for a while.

Single-use plastics were a desirable alternative when they were first introduced into hospitals. Many healthcare facilities quickly adopted them because they made it easier to dispose of waste and maintained a sterile environment. The sheer amount of single-use plastics that are utilized in hospitals, though, is concerning, especially in light of their excessive use.

Nowadays, 36% of the waste produced in a clinical setting is made up of plastics. In response, University of Canterbury professor Alex Yip is heading a research team that plans to use catalytic pyrolysis to convert medical plastic waste into energy. It turns waste materials that contain carbon, like plastics, into fuels that are solid, gaseous, or liquid.

Through the integration of pyrolysis with a highly efficient carbon dioxide capture method, Professor Yip's technology can generate engine-friendly liquid fuels. The fuel composition will be modifiable to suit various, hard-to-electrify commercial uses in New Zealand. As such, the fuel can be used for heavy construction machinery, cruise ferries, and fishing boats.

About 90% of the total mass can be burned in the pyrolysis furnaces. Additionally, the technology may be able to handle items that most kinetic recyclers cannot, such as multi-layered goods, pouch containers, and packaging films. The project team is now looking for industry partnerships in order to advance and improve the procedure.