Volume 6 Number 1 2025
Medical Waste Management: Enhancing Safety through Innovative Solutions
Tufael1*, Atiqur Rahman Sunny1
Journal of Primeasia 6(1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.25163/primeasia.619819
Submitted: 02 June 2025 Revised: 20 July 2025 Published: 22 July 2025
Abstract
Medical waste management has become a critical concern due to the potential health and environmental risks associated with improper disposal. The Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 was a pivotal regulatory response to incidents of medical waste exposure, establishing guidelines for the classification, segregation, and disposal of medical wastes. This legislation defines medical waste as any solid waste generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of humans and animals, and outlines stringent tracking and disposal protocols to prevent environmental contamination and public health hazards. Current management techniques include segregation of waste streams, plasma disinfection, and incineration, as well as emerging technologies that offer innovative solutions. Plasma disinfection processes utilize low-temperature plasma to treat medical waste while minimizing toxic emissions effectively. Incineration, though effective in reducing waste volume and pathogen load, poses challenges due to high operational costs and potential air pollution. Emerging technologies, such as on-site shredding combined with chemical disinfection, provide cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives that can be implemented in various healthcare settings, particularly in resource-limited regions. These methods reduce the volume of waste significantly, convert it into non-hazardous forms, and eliminate the need for long-distance transportation to treatment facilities. As the healthcare industry evolves, the adoption of advanced and sustainable waste management practices is imperative to ensure the protection of public health and the environment. This paper reviews current and emerging medical waste management techniques, highlighting their effectiveness and potential for wider adoption in global healthcare settings.
Keywords: Medical Waste Management, Hazardous Waste Disposal, Environmental Safety, Segregation and Disinfection, Innovative Technologies
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