The management of biomedical waste is a critical concern for healthcare systems worldwide, particularly considering recent global health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper examines the role of green technologies in promoting sustainable practices for the disposal of biomedical waste generated by healthcare industries, with an emphasis on adopting a zero-waste approach. Despite advancements in facilities and hygiene protocols, a significant volume of biomedical waste remains inadequately recycled, posing health risks to individuals who encounter it, including healthcare workers, support staff, and waste handlers. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, resulting in the daily generation of tens of thousands of tons of additional medical waste, including personal protective equipment (PPE), testing kits, and disposable medical supplies. On average, approximately 240 metric tons of biomedical waste are produced globally each day, highlighting the urgent need for improved waste management strategies. According to guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health authorities, hazardous medical waste should be treated as close to its point of origin as possible. This necessitates the active participation of all hospital staff in the proper segregation and disposal of waste from the moment of generation. Implementing a zero-waste approach involves rethinking waste management by prioritizing waste reduction, resource recovery, and recycling, ultimately aiming for minimal environmental impact. This paper discusses the necessity for enhanced training, better infrastructure, and allocation of human resources to facilitate effective biomedical waste management. By incorporating principles of zero waste into healthcare practices, we can foster a circular economy that minimizes waste generation and maximizes resource utilization. In conclusion, integrating green technologies and a zero-waste approach into biomedical waste management not only mitigates environmental impacts but also safeguards public health. By fostering a culture of responsibility and innovation within healthcare facilities, we can move toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to biomedical waste management. After pandemic, production of the quantity of medical waste produced per month is 2.5 million tons. Irresponsible management of such types of waste materials could gear the disease transmission. Generally, COVID-19 virus remains active from 2 to 9 days on the material surface. But the survival of the virus varies on different surfaces, known as fomites (objects or materials that are likely to carry infection, such as clothes, utensils, and furniture). Its survival may also vary with several factors like the temperature, relative humidity, and the type of strain present on the surface.

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Challenges and Innovations in Biomedical Waste Management (BMW): A Focus on Sustainable Technologies and Zero-Waste Approaches

  • G. Koteswara Reddy,
  • S. K. Ayaaz Basha,
  • A. Ramya Sri,
  • Kurra Shrinidhi,
  • Rushitha Deekshitula,
  • Jeeshitha Kudithipudi,
  • Sailaja Priyadarsini,
  • Alok Prasad Das

摘要

The management of biomedical waste is a critical concern for healthcare systems worldwide, particularly considering recent global health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper examines the role of green technologies in promoting sustainable practices for the disposal of biomedical waste generated by healthcare industries, with an emphasis on adopting a zero-waste approach. Despite advancements in facilities and hygiene protocols, a significant volume of biomedical waste remains inadequately recycled, posing health risks to individuals who encounter it, including healthcare workers, support staff, and waste handlers. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue, resulting in the daily generation of tens of thousands of tons of additional medical waste, including personal protective equipment (PPE), testing kits, and disposable medical supplies. On average, approximately 240 metric tons of biomedical waste are produced globally each day, highlighting the urgent need for improved waste management strategies. According to guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health authorities, hazardous medical waste should be treated as close to its point of origin as possible. This necessitates the active participation of all hospital staff in the proper segregation and disposal of waste from the moment of generation. Implementing a zero-waste approach involves rethinking waste management by prioritizing waste reduction, resource recovery, and recycling, ultimately aiming for minimal environmental impact. This paper discusses the necessity for enhanced training, better infrastructure, and allocation of human resources to facilitate effective biomedical waste management. By incorporating principles of zero waste into healthcare practices, we can foster a circular economy that minimizes waste generation and maximizes resource utilization. In conclusion, integrating green technologies and a zero-waste approach into biomedical waste management not only mitigates environmental impacts but also safeguards public health. By fostering a culture of responsibility and innovation within healthcare facilities, we can move toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to biomedical waste management. After pandemic, production of the quantity of medical waste produced per month is 2.5 million tons. Irresponsible management of such types of waste materials could gear the disease transmission. Generally, COVID-19 virus remains active from 2 to 9 days on the material surface. But the survival of the virus varies on different surfaces, known as fomites (objects or materials that are likely to carry infection, such as clothes, utensils, and furniture). Its survival may also vary with several factors like the temperature, relative humidity, and the type of strain present on the surface.