Healthcare facilities generate massive amounts of trash on a daily basis, posing serious environmental and public health risks. Hospital waste is a mixture of hazardous, infectious, and non-hazardous items that, if not handled appropriately, can have catastrophic repercussions. With the increase in medical operations, the demand for disposable medical supplies, and the growing population, hospital waste is becoming a more serious issue.
What Is Hospital waste?
General garbage, infectious waste, pharmaceutical waste, and hazardous materials such as sharps and chemicals are all examples of hospital waste. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 15% of hospital waste is hazardous, which means it could be infectious, poisonous, or radioactive.
Why Does Hospital Waste Matter?
- Environmental Pollution: The improper disposal of hospital waste adds to land, water, and air pollution. For example, burning medical waste can release dangerous chemicals like dioxins and mercury into the atmosphere, and dumping untreated garbage in landfills can contaminate groundwater.
- The Spread of Infectious Diseases: Sharps, used syringes, and contaminated objects can transmit hazardous microorganisms, increasing the risk of HIV, hepatitis B, and other infectious diseases. Inadequate hospital waste disposal can pose major health dangers to healthcare personnel, waste handlers, and even the public.
- Increasing Healthcare Costs: Poor hospital waste management can increase healthcare costs by spreading illnesses, incurring additional treatment charges, and requiring environmental cleanup operations. Proper waste management not only protects patients but also saves hospitals money in the long term.
As hospitals continue to provide lifesaving therapies, effective hospital waste management must be a primary responsibility. Contact us today at Sunbelt Medical Services to see how we can help.