Environmental impact analysis of a solid waste management system in Klang Valley’s hospitals, Malaysia, during the Covid-19 pandemic using life cycle assessment

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, a global health crisis, has significantly disrupted waste management systems worldwide, including in Malaysia, leading to an unexpected surge in waste generation and potential environmental threats. This study aims to address four key objectives: Firstly, it to identify the primary waste sources in Selangor during the pandemic through data visualisation using Microsoft Excel, involving data preparation, selection, graph insertion, subtype selection and validation. Secondly, it is to validate the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method, assessing its conclusion, internal, construct and external validity. Thirdly, it is to evaluate the environmental impacts of waste management systems in Selangor during the pandemic using LCA with OpenLCA software, involving goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment and result interpretation. Finally, to implement strategies for reducing these environmental impacts, focusing on collection, transportation and disposal processes. The study identified municipal solid waste (MSW) and clinical solid waste (CSW) as the primary sources, with MSW showing a 4% average annual growth rate and CSW a significant 33% growth rate from 2019 to 2021. CSW was thus selected for further impact evaluation. The LCA method validation demonstrated a clear relationship between CSW generation and environmental impact, though confounding variables like fuel consumption affected internal validity. The indicators used (CCE, TA, CCH, HT, PMF, POF) effectively represented environmental impacts, and the ReCiPe method and OpenLCA tool adhered to ISO 14040/14044 standards. Evaluation of four hospitals in Central Selangor revealed that Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital had the highest environmental impact score of 78,315 points, with the peak impact observed in 2021 and the particulate matter formation category showing the highest scores due to emissions from CSW disposal. The study recommends strategies such as establishing storage rooms, optimising transportation routes and incorporating emission control technologies to mitigate these impacts. Overall, the research provides a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impacts of solid waste management during the pandemic and emphasises the need for improved practices. It also demonstrates the suitability of LCA for evaluating waste management processes, highlighting its effectiveness in assessing the environmental impacts and guiding the development of strategies to mitigate adverse effects. This study provides actionable strategies for waste management organisations to mitigate environmental impacts, especially during crises like COVID-19. It supports improved practices aligned with the National Solid Waste Management Policy and contributes to SDGs, particularly Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action), by promoting sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.