Hospital waste: how to sort it for a safer environment

Proper waste separation in hospitals is essential to ensure health safety and environmental protection. Proper management minimizes infection risks, reduces costs and promotes sustainable practices.

Importance of proper segregation

Hospital waste may contain infectious agents, hazardous chemicals and sharps. Improper sorting can result in the spread of disease and environmental contamination. In addition, poor management increases operating costs and wastes resources that could be recycled or reused. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a significant proportion of healthcare worker infections are due to ineffective management of hospital waste.

Classification of hospital waste

Effective separation begins with the identification and classification of waste at the point of generation. According to current regulations, waste is divided into the following categories:

1. Non-hazardous waste

Non-hazardous wastes are those that do not represent a risk to health or the environment. They are divided into:

• Organic: Food scraps, fruit and vegetable peels, garden waste such as leaves and grass. These can be composted.

• Usable waste: Paper, cardboard, plastics, glass and metals that can be recycled and reused.

• Non-recyclable inorganic waste: Materials such as toilet paper, used napkins, metallized packaging and other waste that cannot be recycled.

2. Hazardous waste

They are subdivided into:

• Biological-infectious: Contaminated tissues, organs, body fluids and disposable materials.

• Chemical: Waste of hazardous chemical substances used in diagnostic or cleaning processes.

• Sharps: Objects that can cause cuts or punctures, such as needles, scalpels and broken glass.

Each type of waste must be deposited in specific containers, clearly identified and according to the color codes established by local regulations. For example, in Colombia, green is used for usable organic waste, white for recyclable waste, and black for non-usable waste.

Benefits of proper waste management

Implementing an efficient waste separation and management system in hospitals offers multiple advantages:

• Risk reduction: It reduces the probability of infections and accidents for both health personnel and patients.

• Resource optimization: Correct sorting allows for the recycling and reuse of materials, generating additional income and reducing disposal costs.

• Regulatory compliance: Adhering to local and international regulations avoids penalties and enhances the institution's reputation.

• Environmental protection: Minimizes soil, water and air pollution, contributing to sustainability and community well-being.

Conclusion

Proper waste segregation in hospital settings is an indispensable practice that protects public health and the environment. It requires the commitment of all personnel, from senior management to housekeeping staff, to ensure its success. The implementation of training programs and the provision of adequate resources are essential to achieve efficient and sustainable hospital waste management.