Hospital waste management

A crucial concern for all!

This multi-step process goes far beyond a few consumables; it is a complex and well-structured process, carefully implemented across the NSIF healthcare facilities.

Hospital/medical waste management refers to all processes which involves sorting, collecting, treating and disposing all sort of waste-be it hazardous or non-hazardous waste (medical or common waste)- by health facilities, with the main goal of protecting healthcare workers, patients and the public, in compliance with environmental protection regulations. 

A multi-phase and complex process.

Waste generation and source segregation constitute the first line of defence. With the numerous department a hospital is made up of, added to the different types of wastes they generate per day-which may complicate the process- the first step consists of separating them at the point of production.

On average, 85% of hospital waste is common waste, comparable to household waste, while 15% is hazardous waste (infectious, chemical, or radioactive).

 Safety is the sine qua non for successful management, and it all starts with rigorous sorting:

-In hospitals, non-hazardous waste is handled similarly as domestic waste and can be recycled or disposed of in conventional sorting centres.

          - On the other hand, hazardous waste is collected in rigid containers or specially designed bags. It must be temporarily stored in a secure location and separated from the ordinary waste stream, to prevent any risk of contamination. The disposal of these waste into sewers, regular bins, conventional recycling systems, or through mechanic compaction is strictly prohibited. Its transport and treatment require special precautions, including incineration, sterilisation or disinfection in specialised internal or external facilities prior to final disposal.

Why all these precautions?

It’s about protecting public health. Improper disposal of medical waste, particularly infectious waste, can lead to the spread of serious diseases. This is because it poses a direct risk to health workers, patients, the public, visitors and waste collectors.

 Environmental protection is also crucial, as hazardous waste can contaminate soil, water and air. A meticulous management helps limit pollution and preserve natural resources.

A well-defined legal framework

In Cameroon, waste management is governed by Decree No. 2012/2809/PM of the 26^th September 2012, which sets out the conditions for sorting, collection, storage, transport, recovery, recycling, treatment and final disposal of waste, with the provisions specified in Article 33. In addition, Order No. 003/MINEPDED of the 15^th October 2012 classifies medical and pharmaceutical waste as category II waste and defines the specific conditions for its management. Healthcare facilities are therefore legally required to comply with these requirements in order to ensure a safe and standard-compliant management.

Towards a circular economy approach

Beyond safety and regulation, hospital waste management is now moving towards a circular economy approach, aiming to reduce consumption and waste of resources. This approach involves reducing waste at source, recycling materials (paper, plastic or metal) and raising staff awareness of eco-friendly practices. This approach not only helps to protect the environment, but also saves money by reducing the costs associated with purchasing raw materials and treating waste.