Condensation and Energy Recovery: Sustainable Methods to Mitigate Plastic Incinerated Air Pollution

Plastic waste incineration in an open field is a major cause of air pollution. Plastic production and incineration might emit 2.8 gigatonnes of C0₂ per year by 2050. This is equivalent to 615,500-megawatt coal plants, and thus, directly contributes to climate change. This study employed a narrative literature review to examine the impact of incineration-induced air pollution in Bangladesh. The process yielded 26 relevant papers that were included in this study. We also consulted three experts to understand and resolve the problem in the context of Bangladesh. The paper investigated eco-friendly solutions such as recycling, Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), and energy recovery processes to describe how plastic waste can be managed more sustainably. As part of the recycling process, sorting will be done manually involving slum women; this will create employability as well. This process is cost-effective3 and suitable for a lower middle-income country like Bangladesh. Most municipal solid waste, which contains about 12% plastic, is incinerated. This paper proposes a plant that collects, separates, and recycles plastics through an environmentally friendly systematic chain process and recovers energy from plastic waste incineration.