Zoomlion revolutionizes medical waste management in Ghana with 6 Ecosteryl units

In Ghana, as in many countries, managing medical waste is a major challenge. Too often, this waste ends up in open dumps, exposing the population to serious health and environmental risks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the volume of medical waste skyrocketed, emphasizing the urgent need for rigorous and sustainable waste management. Today, with six operational Ecosteryl 125 units, a decisive turning point has been achieved thanks to Jospong Group of Companies and its subsidiaries, Zoomlion and Medical Waste Treatment Facility, in collaboration with the Ghanaian government. State-of-the-art medical waste treatment centers are now operational in several regions of the country.

A vital issue: properly managing medical waste

Every year, nearly three million injuries and infections are recorded worldwide in hospitals and landfills where this waste is abandoned. It is not uncommon to see children playing with used syringes or blood-stained materials, posing major hazards. Exposure to pathogens endangers not only their health but also their future. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation worsened. The Ghanaian government then made a historic decision: to establish dedicated medical waste management infrastructure across the country. This is how the collaboration with Ecosteryl was born. The goal: to have clean, safe, and environmentally friendly medical waste treatment centers.

Project History:

In 2021, under the leadership of Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the government initiated a visionary project: the creation of specialized medical waste treatment centers in every region of the country. Jospong Group of Companies, through its subsidiary Zoomlion, in collaboration with the state, chose Ecosteryl technologies, recognized for their efficiency and environmental friendliness.

The partnership materialized with the acquisition of six Ecosteryl 125 units, capable of processing up to 20 tons of waste per day. A strategic choice that eliminates health risks without water or incineration, thereby avoiding toxic emissions responsible for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer, while also conserving precious water resources.

The installation of these machines was accompanied by intensive training. Mr. Ing. Senam Tengey, in charge of the project, and his team of five technicians spent several weeks at Ecosteryl’s facilities in Mons to understand medical waste challenges and the full operation of our machines. Our teams then traveled to Ghana to ensure installation and on-site operator training.

Zoomlion’s goal: the entirety of Ghana by the end of 2025

Zoomlion is already present in seven regions of Ghana and aims to cover the entire nation by the end of 2025.
The Kumasi treatment center is one example. We were present at its inauguration.

At the Kumasi treatment center, medical waste is perfectly managed through the following steps:

• Infectious waste is collected from healthcare facilities and transported to the center.
• It is temporarily stored in a cold room at 4°C or lower to prevent bacterial growth.
• The waste is weighed and then transferred to a four-shaft shredder, reducing it to pieces smaller than 3 cm.
• It then goes through a microwave system, where it is rapidly heated to reach 100°C in less than three minutes.
• Next, it is maintained at this temperature for one hour in a heat retention tank using an electric resistance system.
• The waste emerges dry, shredded, unrecognizable, and disinfected to a 6log10 level. All bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens are eliminated.

Unlike incineration, this process produces no dioxins, furans, or other toxic emissions. The goal is to transform this waste into resources, contributing to a circular economy.

Everyday heroes on the front lines of medical waste management

Behind these cutting-edge infrastructures are dedicated men and women on the front lines, safeguarding the population and the environment. Every day, they collect and process hazardous waste, reducing disease risks and limiting environmental impact.

As project manager Mr. Ing. Senam explains:

“Since the establishment of the Kumasi treatment center, medical waste management has significantly improved. Our teams are now equipped to ensure safe and eco-friendly  treatment, and we encourage all healthcare facilities to join us.”

An initiative that inspires africa and the world

This project, already cited as a model to follow, paves the way for similar initiatives across other African countries. It demonstrates that with determination, expertise, and strong partnerships, it is possible to turn a health challenge into an opportunity for a cleaner and healthier future.

The Ecosteryl process is based on high-performance electrical technology, easy to use, effective, and entirely eco-friendly.

A winning system on all fronts:

• An ideal solution for the healthcare sector, allowing safe waste disposal.
• A strong commitment to the environment, with zero pollutant emissions.
• Effective disease prevention by limiting exposure to pathogens.

Congratulations to the teams on the ground and Jospong Group of Companies for this exemplary achievement!

Do you also want to change medical waste management in your part of the world?
Contact us at sales@ecosteryl.com