Revolutionizing Waste Management Planning in Indorama Eleme Petrochemical Operational Complex: Promoting Sustainability

Introduction

Significance of Revolutionizing the Waste Management Planning in IEPL

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Waste management is essential for every type of manufacturing process, and putting forward-thinking practises into effect can have a materially beneficial effect on the outcome. It’s great to see that the Indorama Eleme Petrochemical Operational Complex is dedicated to figuring out innovative approaches to the problems that arise with waste management.

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You will be able to reduce the negative effects that the complex’s activities have on the surrounding environment if you modernise the planning for waste management. The implementation of recycling programmes, the reduction of waste creation, and the investigation of alternative waste treatment technologies might all be part of this solution. These activities not only advance the cause of sustainability but also make a contribution to the circular economy by ensuring that items that would otherwise be discarded are given a second chance at life.

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In addition, the Indorama Eleme Petrochemical Operational Complex can benefit from a more favourable public view by highlighting the necessity of environmentally friendly waste management practises. Customers and other stakeholders place a high value on environmentally responsible business practise, which may help an organization improve its reputation and entice new environmentally conscientious partners.

Here are the Relevant SDGs that the Research Aims to Contribute to:

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The research aims to promote responsible consumption and production practices by implementing sustainable waste management strategies that minimize waste generation, promote recycling and resource recovery, and reduce the environmental impact of the complex.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: By improving waste management practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste generation, the research contributes to climate action efforts.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land: The research aims to minimize environmental pollution and protect ecosystems by implementing waste management practices that prevent the release of hazardous substances into water bodies and soil, thereby contributing to the conservation of marine and terrestrial environments.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: By exploring innovative waste management strategies and technologies, the research aims to contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient infrastructure within the petrochemical industry.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The research aims to enhance waste management practices within Indorama Eleme Petrochemical Operational Complex, which can contribute to the creation of sustainable communities and cities by reducing pollution and promoting circular economy principles.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The research highlights the importance of collaboration and partnerships with various stakeholders, including government agencies, industry experts, and local communities, to achieve sustainable waste management practices and the broader SDG agenda. By addressing these SDGs, the research aims to contribute to the global sustainability agenda and promote a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible approach to waste management within Indorama Eleme Petrochemical Operational Complex.

Material and Methods

Waste Categorization

Waste Classification

Results and Discussion

An Analysis of the Currently Employed and Suggested Waste Management

The information shown in Table 2 demonstrates that certain wastes are not managed in an appropriate manner. Handling, processing, and disposal of wastes should not have a negative influence on the surrounding environment. This is the foundation of proper management. Because of this, waste management was an absolute requirement. 35.51% of the total wastes are kept in storage, while 11.92% are burned in an incinerator; this does not include the byproducts that are sold. Additionally, there will be wastes in the future accounting for 11.94% of the total. It has not given any specific thought to the treatment of such garbage. The data analysis reveals several issues with the current IWM, which are outlined in the following order:

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At the moment of generation, there were no specified conditions for the temporary storage of garbage, particularly hazardous waste.

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With the exception of certain hazardous trash, we have not explored using labelled containers.

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The way of handling the salvage was not enough.

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Some hazardous materials held for more than ninety days.

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Waste products that are incompatible with one other were kept in the temporary storage location.

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The temperature, isolation, light, and other aspects of the HW storage site were not under the owner’s control.

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The landfill was filled with recoverable wastes such as catalytic sludge, catalyst, and plastics.

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The qualities of the wastes did not measure, and the composition of some of the trash was not clear.Waste that was not generated by the process was let to accumulate.

When it comes to managing a community’s waste stream, integrated solid waste management refers to the practise of employing a variety of strategies and programmes. Planners are able to customize integrated waste management systems to meet the particular requirements of individual communities. This allows them to take into account the fact that different communities generate different types and amounts of garbage. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes adopting the following hierarchy as a tool for defining objectives and organizing actions related to waste management (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Hierarchy of integrated solid waste management.

Figure 6. Hierarchy of integrated solid waste management.

Source Reduction: At the top of the hierarchy is source reduction, which focuses on minimizing waste generation at the source. This involves implementing practices that reduce the amount of waste produced, such as promoting the use of reusable products, encouraging responsible consumption, and implementing efficient production processes.

Recycling: The next level in the hierarchy is recycling, which involves the collection, sorting, and processing of materials to create new products. Recycling helps conserve resources, reduce energy consumption, and minimize the need for raw: material extraction. It includes processes like paper, plastic, metal, and glass recycling.

Landfilling: Next in the hierarchy is landfilling, which involves the disposal of non-recyclable and non-compostable waste in designated landfill sites. Landfills are engineered to minimize environmental impact and prevent contamination of soil and water. However, landfilling should be considered a last resort due to its negative environmental implications. Waste Combustion: At the bottom of the hierarchy is waste combustion, which includes processes such as incineration and waste-to-energy conversion. Waste combustion involves the controlled burning of waste to generate energy. This can help reduce the volume of waste and recover energy, but it should be implemented with proper emission controls to minimize air pollution. It’s important to note that the hierarchy promotes a shift towards waste reduction, recycling, and reuse, as these options have lower environmental impacts compared to landfilling and waste combustion. By prioritizing source reduction and recycling, we can minimize the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or requires combustion, thereby promoting sustainability in waste management practices.

As previously stated, the majority of wastes created in the petrochemical industry pose a risk. The next section describes the best methods for management. Many companies reuse or recycle waste products as raw materials in their manufacturing processes. There is intra- and inter-industry reuse and recycling. Material waste are collected from point of generation and utilized directly in industrial operations or recycled for ultimate use within the same industry in intra-industrial reuse and recycling. It is worth noting that the recovery of valuable ISW materials for recovery and recycling occurs at virtually all phases of industrial operations, from raw material loading through completed product packaging. Table 3 shows that 39.34% of wastes are recyclable and reused, whereas 5.12% are ignitable. Waste recovery is cost-effective and one of the finest waste management choices. These technological methods can eliminate trash collection expenses, reduce raw material prices, and generate extra cash by selling garbage to recovery centres. Hexane waste is recyclable and reusable. Because wasted catalysts include precious metals as well as harmful and dangerous elements, they should be retrieved. Recovery potential exists for metallic materials, oil, wasted resin, and absorber. Because of their tiny volume and high toxicity, laboratory samples should be simply cremated. All garbage will be managed correctly when the system for the management of solid waste has been activated. As a result, the negative environmental consequences of wastes may be avoided; waste-occupied space can be eliminated; and extra cash can be acquired.

Conclusions

Recommendation

References

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