Waste from health services generated during the COVID-19 pandemic at the University Hospital

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the generation of waste at Alcides Carneiro University Hospital (HUAC) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Campina Grande, PB. The data were collected through field observation, photographic recording, database records from the hospital, and documentary analysis of the existing Healthcare Waste Management Plan in the institution, between the years 2019 and 2020. It was found that the year 2019 had the highest annual waste generation quantity (approximately 233 tons) compared to the years 2020 and 2021. There was an increase in the generation of infectious waste in the year 2021, possibly associated with the treatment of COVID-19 infected patients. During the pandemic period, there was a decrease in the total quantification of waste generated at HUAC, possibly due to the suspension of several other services during the pandemic, reflecting the unpreparedness of institutions to cope with the high demand of infected patients.