This report aims to provide practical information, suggestions, and guidelines on Healthcare Waste Management (HCWM) and Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) given the restrictions and limitations imposed by the ongoing pandemic, including lack of human resources, technologies, equipment, and funds.
This report builds on existing and adhoc information rapidly extracted from existing documents, as well as responses to a national questionnaire survey. It introduces various practices including best available options for immediate consideration as well as those for sustainable healthcare waste management in the future, with a focus on developing countries.
This report summaries the key lessons under six thematic areas: (i) Policy, regulatory and institutional framework, (ii) safe handling of infectious waste, (iii) appropriate treatment and disposal methods, (iv) capacity development and awareness raising, and (v) data management, statistics, and learning , and (vi) general principles and guidance for managing infectious waste during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the report recognies the importance of both policy makers and practitioners are required to consider these priority areas for establishing a sustainable healthcare waste management system during and after the COVID-19 at both national and local levels.