Document published by Directorate General of Health Services Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Central Pollution Control Board Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change is important when it comes to healthcare waste as many rehabilitation care homes, high dependency care homes, assisted living facilities and home care service agencies deal with biowaste.
Bio-medical waste means any waste, which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biological or in health camps. Bio-Medical waste includes all the waste generated from the Health Care Facility which can have any adverse effect to the health of a person or to the environment in general if not disposed properly. All such waste which can adversely harm the environment or health of a person is considered as infectious and such waste has to be managed as per BMWM Rules, 2016.
The quantity of such waste is around 10% to 15% of total waste generated from the Health Care Facility. This waste consists of the materials which have been in contact with the patient’s blood, secretions, infected parts, biological liquids such as chemicals, medical supplies, medicines, lab discharge, sharps metallic and glassware, plastics etc.
The document can be downloaded here (Guidelines for Management of Healthcare Waste) or can be viewed below