Framework of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Plant Sustainable Operation

Abstract

Sustainability of municipal solid waste incineration plant operation have not been well discussed since limited studies were conducted on Malaysian incineration plant. The significant reduction effect of incineration is obstinate to divert 40 percent of wastes from landfills as accorded in the 11th Malaysian waste plan. Since 1996, four incineration plants commenced operation in Langkawi, Pangkor, Tioman and Cameron Highland. Consequently, many issues emerged and were articulated by researchers merely as incineration issues, disregarding the success factors achieved by the plants. Research on operational success factors are important to enhance sustainability of Malaysian incineration plants. The objective of this study is to identify the operational success factors achieved by the incineration plants. This study also proposes a conceptual model to further understand the factors contributing to incineration plant operational sustainability in Malaysia and proposes an operational sustainability framework for incineration plants in Malaysia. The framework will enhance the sustainability of municipal solid waste incineration operation in Malaysia and broaden theories on operational sustainability epistemology.