How to Access the Guidance Document

Go to GGHH Connect (www.gghhconnect.net) and visit the Waste Community.

About the Waste Guidance Document

The Waste Guidance Document for Members, that was launched during the GGHH webinar on Sustainable Health Care Waste: Strategies and Experiences (August 19/20), sets out ways to meet the target of reducing, managing and treating waste in the most sustainable way.  Each section provides real world examples, case studies, links to additional resources and suggested actions and steps health care facilities can take to implement waste management programs.

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Table of Contents

• Overview
• Policy framework for national legislation/regulation on health care waste management
• Policy and Strategy document(s)
• Technical Guidelines
• Zero Waste
• Set up a waste management committee and allocate a dedicated budget for waste management
• Context/Setting the baseline
• Conduct waste audits andd monitor waste volumes and costs
• Segregate waste at source and initiate recycling
• Implement an environmentally friendly waste management system

To see full table of content, click here

About the Waste Guidance Document

Healthcare waste management is often neglected by sectoral leaders, who do not regard it as a priority in comparison to the many other tasks involved in caring for the sick.  However, scientists have estimated that over half of the world’s population is at risk from environmental, occupational or public health threats deriving from improperly treated healthcare waste and the UN Human Rights Council agree that improper waste treatment often breaches human rights.

This health care waste management guide sets out ways to meet the target of treating waste in the most sustainable way considering that the different situations found in different countries will mean there is no perfect solution that will suit all circumstances.  The recommended actions are supported with links to case studies and other resources that have been successfully implemented and should provide good models to those trying to tackle this complex issue.

The aim of the waste goal:

• to reduce the amount and toxicity of the waste generated at the facility;
• to ensure staff area able to handle waste safely;
• To ensure that any waste that is generated is transported, stored, treated, recycled, or disposed of in the most environmentally friendly way possible and poses no threat to staff, patients, or the public.
• To promote a policy framework that supports the safe management of wastes from health care activities