Impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on solid medical waste management in a hospital environment

Abstract

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase in the generation of solid health-care waste can be understood as a factor related to the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 cases and its impacts on society. This investigation aimed to verify the consequences of the increase in solid health-care waste as well as the response practices to the handling of these materials in times of a pandemic. A documentary analysis regarding the generation of solid health-care waste was developed at the Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Uberlândia located in Uberlândia/Minas Gerais, Brazil. The results showed that the increase in the generation of solid health-care waste increased significantly in the hospital. The study suggests the implementation of a continuing education program for the health professionals of the institution, in order to reinforce knowledge about the management of solid health-care waste.