Sustainable Waste Management in the Healthcare Sector: An Experience of a Tertiary Care Institute

Sustainable Waste Management in Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Hospital waste has significant environmental and health impacts. Improper disposal of hazardous waste leads to environmental pollution, spread of diseases and public health issues. Effective waste management, including segregation, safe disposal, recycling, and proper treatment, minimises the risk of the spread of infections and promotes sustainability and resource conservation. Objective: We conducted a study to understand the types of recyclable hospital waste and impact of recycling on the environment. Methods: We analysed the records of waste disposal and focussed on waste streams other than biomedical waste. We examined waste disposal procedures of waste items like paper, linen, plastic, metals, and e-waste. Results: The trinity of waste management principles is Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The Institute has recycled 4461 quintals (446100 Kgs) of wastepaper since 2016 and the carbon footprint is - 2.2 million Kgs CO₂ which shows the positive impact the institute has had on the environment in the last eight years through a simple intervention of recycling wastepaper. Also, the hospital has gained over ₹ 16 million by auctioning waste in the last seven years. Conclusion: Recycling is essential in lowering carbon emissions. The study emphasises that efficient waste management has direct financial savings, and indirect advantages, such as improved institutional reputation, regulatory compliance. In the end, these initiatives lead to better healthcare delivery.