BIOMEDICAL WASTE (BMW)

MANAGEMENT

By

What is BMW?
It is defined as Any solid and/or liquid waste

including its container and any intermediate

product, which is generated during the
diagnosis, treatment or immunization of
human beings or animals.

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Biomedical Waste (BMW)

Management

WHO GENERATES BMW?

Waste generated by
Healthcare facilities
Research facilities
Laboratories

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Biomedical Waste (BMW)

Management

Effects Of BMW
ON ENVIRONMENT
Accumulation of wastes due to its improper disposal is a major
problem in our country. Population in India has been growing at a
rapid rate. With this increase, there has also been an increase in the
amount of wastes being produced especially in the cities. Every
person, on an average generates about 400 to 500 grams of wastes
per day. At this rate, in a city of about 10 lakh people around 500
tonnes of wastes is being produced every day.
In the absence of proper waste management, this waste lies littered
on our streets, road corners and improperly disposed of in vacant
land. All of these are serious health hazards apart from being
eyesores. If they are not cleared regularly at the earliest, they invite
host of problems like increasing numbers of insect vectors like flies,
mosquitoes, etc., scavengers such as stray dogs, pigs and rats which
spread dangerous diseases. It also generates bad odour and causes
pollution.
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Biomedical Waste (BMW)

Management

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Biomedical Waste (BMW)

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Health Hazards
Risk of HIV &
HBV
Nosocomial
infections
Others..

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Biomedical Waste (BMW)

Management

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Steps for Effective BMW Management

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Biomedical Waste (BMW)

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Segregation

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Segregation refers to the basic

separation of different categories of
waste generated at source and thereby
reducing the risks as well as cost of
handling and disposal.
Segregation is the most crucial step in
bio-medical waste management.
Effective segregation alone can
ensure effective bio-medical waste
management.
The BMWs must be segregated in
accordance to guidelines laid down
under schedule 1 of BMW Rules,
1998.

Biomedical Waste (BMW)

Management

Collection

The collection of biomedical waste involves use of different types of container .

The containers/ bins should be placed in such a way that 100 % collection is achieved.
Sharps must always be kept in puncture-proof containers to avoid injuries and infection
to the workers handling them.
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Storage

Once collection occurs then biomedical waste is stored in a proper place. Segregated wastes of
different categories need to be collected in identifiable containers. The duration of storage should
not exceed for 8-10 hrs in big hospitals (more than 250 bedded) and 24 hrs in nursing homes.
Each container may be clearly labelled to show the ward or room where it is kept. The reason for
this labelling is that it may be necessary to trace the waste back to its source. Besides this,
storage area should be marked with a caution sign.
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Treatment

Chemical processes
Thermal processes
Mechanical processes
Irradiation processes
Biological processes

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Conclusion

We need innovative and radical measures to clean up the distressing picture of

lack of civic concern on the part of hospitals and slackness in government
implementation of bare minimum of rules, as waste generation particularly
biomedical waste imposes increasing direct and indirect costs on society.
The challenge before us is to scientifically manage growing quantities of
biomedical waste that go beyond past practices.
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Thank you
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