An evaluation of problems associated with medical (infectious) waste management systems

The purpose of this study was to evaluate current infectious waste management practices in order to identify potential problem areas associated with currently utilized systems for handling these waste materials. The study was approached as two separate, but related, subproblems. Subproblem I examined information on categories of infectious waste generated by a variety of activities, procedures employed for managing these waste materials, and treatment/storage/ disposal practices commonly used. In Subproblem II, issues dealing with regulatory control, worker and public health and safety, and infectious waste management practices were identified and evaluated. Information for the study was obtained through a mail survey of individuals involved in the management of infectious wastes and/or knowledgeable of potential hazards associated with these types of waste materials. Survey participants were categorized into the following groups: (I) state solid waste regulatory agencies; (2) medical/infectious waste generators/handlers from the health care industry; (3) medical/infectious waste generators/handlers from medical/biological research activities in the private, government, and academic sectors; (4) operators of private or municipal facilities which manage medical/infectious wastes; and, (5) individuals from other related activities. Data treatment consisted of descriptive analysis and simple percentages. The Chi Square Test was used to test for statistical significance between the relationship of infectious waste categories and the activity(ies) conducted and the extent of agreement on certain infectious waste practices among the survey participant groups. Infectious waste generators and managers did not differ to any great extent in practices utilized to handle these waste materials. Many of the elements which compose a waste management system (storage, waste segregation, transportation, treatment, and disposal) were utilized to some extent throughout the participant groups. A significant relationship between the types of infectious wastes generated and facility activities was not noted. However, agreement among the survey participants on infectious waste treatment and disposal methods was seen. Survey participant responses to issues dealing with regulatory control, occupational health and safety, public health and safety, and infectious waste management practices were evaluated. Several key issues representative of potential problem areas were examined in an effort to highlight areas where corrective actions are required.