Healthcare Waste Management Workshop

Healthcare waste is generated from hospitals, clinics, general practitioners, surgeries, nursing homes, dentists, veterinary practices, laboratories and research establishments and as a result of midwifery and medical care at home. Most of the waste can be managed in the same way as municipal waste provided that the waste is properly segregated and separated from the hazardous waste. The balance (according to the WHO up to 20 %, depending on size and type of
the healthcare facility) might be contaminated with pathogens, chemicals, body fluids or other potential hazardous components and must be handled as hazardous waste. A small fraction may pose a physical or radiological hazard. The disposal of body- and organ parts, e.g. from pathology and operational sectors, must be accomplished under ethical, aesthetic and religious criteria.