Biomedical Waste Recycling Benefits
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle of Biomedical Waste
The world has not been the same since the corona virus outbreak in late December 2019. Millions of people were affected by COVID-19. That further resulted in producing tonnes of biomedical waste every single day.
According to Statista, As of July 2020, 101 metric tons of COVID-19 waste were generated across India per day. And as per Business Today, between June to December 2020, India generated 33,000 tonnes of COVID-19 waste.
The number speaks for itself. This is on top of other biomedical waste generated everyday from several hospitals, healthcares, etc.
Now the question arises, where is happening to these wastes? Are they being dumped in the landfills? Recycled? Burned into ashes? Or simply thrown into the ocean? Don’t be surprised by the last question.
Yes, they are being dumped into the ocean as well. In fact, COVID-19 Waste Contributes a huge amount to Marine Pollution. This is also causing a serious threat to marine life as well.
Some are dumped into the landfills. Resulting in running out of land due to the amount of waste produced every day, month, and year. But some are being recycled. Although this is not helping much in maintaining the waste because of the difference in generating and recycling.
To address this, today let’s talk about how we can effectively recycle and reuse the waste. So that we can decrease the amount of biomedical waste and also save the environment.
Reuse of Single-Use Medical Devices
Yes, I can understand reusing of medical devices specially that are labeled as single-use sounds super sketchy. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when sharing anything makes an easy route to spread the disease.
However, it can play an important role in reducing the amount of medical cost and also biomedical waste. As per experts, reprocessing medical devices that are labeled single-use can eliminate tonnes of biomedical waste produced every day.
Here I’m not talking about face masks or gloves. But those medical items that have a much longer viable life span. That includes surgical instruments such as:
- Disposable medical scissors
- Biopsy forceps
- Blood pressure cuffs
- Pulse oximeter sensors
- Trocars
- Cardiovascular intra-aortic balloon pumps
- Coronary angioplasty catheters
Reprocessors of these instruments are designed and intended to prevent cross-contamination. It ensures that these devices are safe and effective for reuse. Moreover, the process is regulated in the same way as original manufacturing. That is to comply with the same regulatory requirements of the device when it was first created.
As per AMDR, in 2018 alone, it saved hospitals over $471 million. They helped the hospitals reprocess the medical devices that can be used again. Over 8000 hospitals use reprocessed single-use medical devices. That helps minimizing the cost and biomedical waste at the same time. In fact all the U.S. News & World Report hospitals use reprocessed single-use medical devices.
Recycling Biomedical Waste
Now, what do we do when we can’t implement a reprocessing method? Throwing away as a waste material is not the solution. Every year millions of tonnes of biomedical waste are produced around the world. This staggering amount of waste needs to be addressed.
So, the answer is, we need to recycle those waste that are possible instead of simply throwing it away. There are numerous waste that can be recycled as per Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016. That includes:
- Syringes (without needles and fixed needle syringes)
- Bottles
- Tubing
- Catheters
- Urine bags
- Gloves
- Vaccutainers with their needles cut
- Intravenous tubes and sets
Therefore, these wastes should be recycled rather than just dumped in the landfills or oceans. In fact, there are innovative methods that are turning biomedical waste into plastic lumber. Moreover, it is used for various purposes, such as construction, pallets, trucks and trailers, landscaping, and other markets.
Making Money Out of Biomedical Waste
As per Business Wire, the Indian Biomedical Waste Management Market is expected to reach $39m by 2024.
According to a report from Assocham India, in 2018, the market size of biomedical waste was valued at Rs. 111.43Cr. That’s a steep increase from Rs. 47.78 Cr. in 2010.
Moreover, the report also says the amount of potential waste generated in India that can be recycled rose from 39814.20 tons in 2010 to 69642.00 tons in 2018.
Segregation by industry, plastic waste holds 40% of the market value. In addition, it is followed by glass waste with 25%, rubber waste 15%, and other waste holds 20%.
The Key Players Region Wise
Organizations are helping to decrease biomedical waste and also making money from it. I have listed some of these organizations below-
North India Region:
- Synergy World
- Biotic Bio-medical Waste Limited
- SMS Water Grace BMW Private Limited
- Eco Wise
East India Region:
- GreenTech Environ Management Private Limited
- Greenzen Bio Private Limited
- Fresh Air Waste Management Services Private Limited
- Shree Ganesh Recycling
West India Region:
- SMS Envocare
- Ecoreco
- E-incarnation Recycling Private Limited
- E-Coli Waste
- Let’s Recycle
- Care BMV
- Vinayak Polymers
South India Region:
- Saveeco Waste Management Private Limited
- Ramky Enviro Engineers
- Maridi Eco Industries Private Limited
- E-Friendly Waste Recyclers
- Ase & Co
- Sattva Enviro
Moving Forward
Today, hospitals and healthcare facilities generate a tremendous amount of biomedical waste per day. This further results in creating pollution which is harming the environment. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought us to light that we need a more resilient and cost-effective healthcare system.
The healthcare industry can follow reuse, reduce and recycle protocols to lower the waste disposal cost and stay ahead of the competitors. Choosing recycling over traditional medical waste disposal methods is the way to go. Reusing, reducing and recycling of biomedical waste will also lower the risk and threats posed by the waste and drive a circular economy. That will help your organization achieve the sustainability goals.
As per the current scenario we can face dire consequences in future if we overlook the matter. We need to keep in mind that we are all contributors to biomedical waste. So, it is our responsibility to manage the same. Also, we need to share awareness of biomedical waste management. This will help people realize what’s the effect and the outcome if we neglect our waste.
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