Healthcare waste management: Moving towards sustainability
Ruth Stringer, Mohammad Albeldawi, Abdulla Saeed Al-Mohannadi, Musa Mohamed, Nida Mansour, Walid Al-Wali, Maryam Al Homaid
Waste generation is inevitable in any industry, and healthcare is no exception. While much of the waste produced by healthcare can be considered non-hazardous, managing healthcare waste is both a public health and environmental concern. There have been substantial strides taken in the international policy landscape concerning waste management over the last few decades. In parallel, national governments have developed their laws, regulations and practice. In this report we provide an overview that describes current thinking on appropriate healthcare waste management. In addition, the report reflects on the importance of a circular economy, which will be key in healthcare becoming truly sustainable. We also reflect on Qatar’s development and current practice as the country and its health system has undergone an extraordinary transformation over the last few decades.