Survey of Medical Waste Characterization and Management in Shohada Hospital of Behshahr, 2016

In recent years, public concern about the management of hospital wastes in the world has been increased. Medical waste categorized as a distinct group of solid waste, which has health and environmental risk potential. This study aim was to survey of medical waste characterization and management in Shohada Hospital of Behshahr, 2016.
This cross-sectional study performed in 2016 in Shohada Hospital of Behshahr to determine the quantity, quality and management of hospital wastes. Sampling performed twice a week for 6 months. A total of 48 samples was taken and each sample quantified by weighting.
Obtained results showed the rate of waste generation is 1.34 kg/bed. Day. For non-medical waste the hazardous and household wastes were 36% and 64%, respectively. The infectious, household, sharp, chemical and pharmaceutical waste generation rate were, 0.027, 0.065, 0.09 and 0.0006 kg /bed /day, respectively.
Our findings showed suitable solid waste management for non-medical wastes, while infectious waste management is not satisfactory and the need to revise. It can be concluded the need for training and capacity establishing programmes for all employees involved in management of the medical waste.