Medical waste management during COVID-19 pandemic, a review study

Abstract

Medical waste management problems are rising due to the crisis brought upon by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a worldwide pandemic. The security management of medical care worldwide increases their attention due to the high risk of COVID-19 medical waste. This paper gives a review of medical waste management during the COVID-19 pandemic around the world. Furthermore, an effort has been made to prepare a review of the characteristics, generation, collection, transportation, disposal, and treatment technologies of solid waste management worldwide. Detailed data on medical waste management practices, including collection, recovery, and disposal, have been presented. The poor medical waste management in Iraq before and during COVID-19 causes a huge environmental risk and can be a possible reappearing infection source. Hence, the study also points out some recommendations for handling COVID-19 pandemic medical waste properly to reduce possible secondary effects on health and the environment and manage any possible pandemics in the future.

Strategies for Optimizing Medical Waste Management and Treatment Technologies in Jordanian Hospitals

“…Government homes and offices are now sources of medical waste, and distinct advance plans for garbage collection, segregation, isolation, and treatment may be necessary. While protecting human health is important, the effects of COVID-19 on the environment must also be considered, particularly the handling and disposal of medical waste, because improper handling of medical waste can significantly negatively impact the environment, water supplies, and ultimately human health (Alrawi et al, 2021). In addition, for the study of the infectious waste score, the Risk Priority Index demonstrates that after screening multi-items, it is possible to determine the likelihood that essential components can manifest themselves (Table 5).…”

Comparative Legal Aspects of Waste Management Policies

“…In addition, administrative control over the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the context of Asian economies is taken into account [46]. For example, in India, there has been a revision of the guidelines for the handling, treatment and disposal of waste generated during the treatment/diagnosis/quarantine of patients with COVID-19 [47], considering implemented WHO recommendations [48]. In the context of the pandemic and the high level of PPE turnover, China does not stop trying to reproduce energy from materials from landfills.…”

Evaluation of medical waste management in Al-Diwaniyah governorate hospitals under the corona pandemic

“…Covid-19 gets increasingly active and spreads as time goes on. Concerns about managing trash generated by sick patients, caregivers, and medical labs are growing and had spread to 188 countries by May 2020 (Alrawi, Amin, and Al-Ani 2021). If medical waste isn't properly managed, it'll be classified as hazardous waste.…”