Evaluation of the management of healthcare waste HSW

The alarming amount of waste generated in recent years is worrying but the concern is even greater as to how it is managed until its final disposal. Special attention is currently being paid to Health Service Waste (HSW) because although the amount of waste generated is not comparable to that of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) which is much larger the way it is managed can be a major problem for both the environment and public health. In order to delve deeper into this subject this study analyzed the management of solid health service waste in five private clinical analysis laboratories located in the city of Cruz das Almas (BA). To this end a field survey was carried out using questionnaires to find out how the waste generated in the laboratories was being managed and whether it complied with current regulations. In this way the contents of this book will be able to help owners and managers in the health sector with regard to managing the waste generated in their establishments thus avoiding possible legal problems and environmental contamination.