Take Shanghai as Example, Analyzing the Environmental Effect and Sustainability of Chinese Medical Waste Disposal during Covid-19

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the amount carbon dioxide emissions from medical waste disposal as well as the sustainability of this method, by taking Shanghai as an example, which suffered from outbreak of Omicron mutant strain virus in 2022. This thesis involves three perspectives: the chemical reaction of the waste, the consumption of coal to burn the waste and the daily totally cost for treating medical waste. Conclusions were reached: Although it is not economical, high temperature incineration is probably the most environmentally friendly way of treatment. Medical waste, such as nucleic acid swabs and tubes, is mainly made of polyethylene, and only generated carbon dioxide and water when burned. After comparing the total amount of carbon dioxide daily produced in Shanghai with the amount from burning medical waste, it is found that the latter represents a limited percentage of the former. However, the daily cost of disposing of medical waste in Shanghai remains high, which puts pressure on the city's environmental department. The daily requirement of 11 dedicated incineration plants may be burden on both waste treatment and economic field in long run, so reducing the demand for medical plastics or increasing the combustion efficiency is necessary in the future.