🗑️ Hospital Waste Management – Summary
1. 🧪 Types of Hospital Waste

Hospital waste is broadly categorized into:

Type Examples
Infectious Waste Blood-soaked materials, swabs, bandages, lab cultures
Sharps Needles, syringes, scalpels, blades
Pathological Waste Human tissues, organs, body parts
Pharmaceutical Waste Expired drugs, cytotoxic drugs
Chemical Waste Disinfectants, solvents, lab reagents
Radioactive Waste Waste from radiotherapy or nuclear medicine
General Waste Paper, food waste, packaging (non-contaminated)
2. 🗂️ Segregation at Source

Done at point of generation (ward, lab, OT).

Use color-coded bins and bags:

Color Waste Type
Yellow Infectious, pathological, body parts
Red Contaminated plastic (IV tubes, catheters)
White (puncture-proof) Sharps (needles, blades)
Blue Glassware, metallic implants
Black/Green General non-infectious waste (varies by country)
3. 🧴 Storage and Handling

Temporary storage in a designated area for <48 hours.

Must be secure, ventilated, and labeled.

Avoid manual handling; use trolleys or carts.

4. 🚛 Collection and Transportation

Internal transport: Within the hospital using sealed, labeled containers.

External transport: By authorized biomedical waste management agency with proper documentation (manifest system).

5. 🔥 Treatment and Disposal
Method Waste Treated
Autoclaving Infectious waste, microbiological waste
Incineration Anatomical, pathological, pharmaceutical waste
Shredding Plastics (after disinfection)
Chemical Disinfection Liquid waste, some sharps
Deep Burial/Secure Landfill Treated waste (where incineration not feasible)
Microwaving Alternative to autoclaving in some regions
6. 👷‍♂️ Safety and Training

PPE for all handlers (gloves, masks, aprons, goggles).

Immunization (Hepatitis B, Tetanus).

Regular training on waste segregation and handling.

Incident reporting for needle-stick injuries, spills.

7. 📝 Documentation and Compliance

Maintain waste logs, manifests, and annual reports.

Regular audits and inspection readiness.

Adhere to national/regional biomedical waste rules.

8. 🌍 Environmental Responsibility

Promote waste minimization: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (where safe).

Avoid overuse of disposables.

Use eco-friendly materials where possible.

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