Recovery and recycling processes of scheduled waste in Malaysia

Abstract

For the past four decades treatment and disposal of scheduled wastes resulting in many environmental problems such as illegal dumping, illegal export and import of wastes. Nevertheless, with new technology development and increasing commitment, many types of scheduled wastes can be recovered or recycled. However, there are three main issues to consider when discussing scheduled waste management hierarchy, which are lack of awareness on the importance of scheduled waste recovery or recycling, regulatory constraints, and lack of knowledge on the state-of-the-art technology for the recovery or recycling processes. The aim and objectives of the study are to produce the recovery or recycling process flow for potential scheduled wastes that can be recovered or recycled, identify the waste acceptance criteria and material balance calculation. The study was conducted through an evaluation and comparison on the recovery or recycling processes done by the related industries in Malaysia and site visit to recycling factory. From the study, it was found out that out of total 77 types of scheduled wastes listed in the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005 First Schedule, there are 41(53%) types are being recovered or recycled while the flow of recovery or recycling processes for 16 (21%) types of scheduled waste has been reviewed. In addition, the waste acceptance criteria have been identified from the minimum level of acceptance prior to recovery or recycling processes. The material balance calculation which indicates the percentage of treated or recovered waste materials, residual sludge material generated and wastewater discharged if the plant is operated at its maximum capacity is also been addressed in order to enable the factory or consultant have the certainty to invest in the required new technology, hence to ensure efficient scheduled wastes recovery activities.