INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue X, October 2025
www.ijltemas.in Page 889
Biomedical Waste Management: Current Practices, Challenges,
and Future Prospects
Tekchand Senapati*, Swetashankar Pal, Soumyaranjan Biswal, Siddheswar Patel, Sourav Dwivedy, Ranjan Kumar Sahoo
The Pharmaceutical College, Barpali, Bargarh, 768029, Odisha
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2025.1410000107
Abstract— Biomedical waste management (BMWM) has emerged as a significant global concern due to its growing volume and
potential hazards to human health and the environment. Biomedical waste includes infectious, toxic, and radioactive materials
generated from hospitals, clinics, research centres, and laboratories. This review examines the classification, sources, and treatment
methods of biomedical waste, with a focus on healthcare institutions in India. It also examines international and national regulations,
the challenges of implementation, and the pressing need for awareness, effective policy enforcement, and sustainable waste
management technologies. Future directions emphasise the importance of green technology, training, and the 5R approach (Refuse,
Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle) to achieve a zero-waste healthcare ecosystem.
Keywords— Biomedical waste, waste management, environmental pollution, healthcare system, 5R principles
I. Introduction
Biomedical waste (BMW) refers to waste generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunisation of humans and animals, as
well as research and biological testing activities (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2020). Proper management of BMW has
become a pressing issue due to its implications for healthcare safety and environmental protection. According to WHO,
approximately 75–90% of healthcare waste is non-hazardous, while 10–25% is hazardous and potentially infectious (Khan et al.,
2019). Improper segregation, storage, and disposal practices can lead to infections, environmental pollution, and long-term
ecological damage. This paper reviews the global and Indian context of biomedical waste management, emphasising policies,
practices, challenges, and future sustainability strategies.
Odisha Waste Management is a leading provider of sustainable waste management services in India, with a special focus on
biomedical waste management. A full-fledged facility, Odisha Waste Management collects, transports, and disposes of biomedical
waste with exceptional promptness and safety measures.
Figure: 1 (Biomedical waste)
Odisha Waste Management collaborates with over 200 healthcare facilities across Jharkhand, offering services to 4,000 beds and
non-bedded facilities through a comprehensive range of Biomedical waste management solutions. Services can be provided due to
cutting-edge technology machinery, such as an Incinerator with a capacity of 200kgs/hr., Autoclave with a capacity of 1275 Ltrs.
& shredder 250 Kgs/hr. Can dispose of 4,500 tons of biomedical waste annually on time.
Classification and Sources of Biomedical Waste
Biomedical waste can be classified into general, infectious, pathological, pharmaceutical, chemical, sharps, radioactive, and
cytotoxic waste (WHO, 2020). Sources include hospitals, clinics, laboratories, blood banks, animal research centres, and household
healthcare activities. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB, 2016) categorises BMW into ten groups, prescribing specific
treatment and disposal methods such as incineration, autoclaving, and chemical disinfection. Proper segregation at the point of
generation is the most critical step in BMW management (Datta et al., 2018).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue X, October 2025
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Table 1 Category of Biomedical Waste and Their Quantities (Bargarh District)
Sl. No Category of Waste
Quantity of Waste Generated or Disposed
(Average quantity (kg/month))
1 Yellow Category: Solid and Liquid Waste 9192.029Kg
2 Red Category: Plastic 4332.816Kg
3
White Category:
Sharp Metals
1485.075kg
4 Blue Category: Blood contaminated 2792.38848 kg
5 General Solid waste: 803654.72kg
Figure: 2 (Segregation of Biomedical Waste)
Health and Environmental Hazards
Inadequate handling of BMW poses significant health risks to healthcare workers, waste handlers, and the general public. Infections
such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are transmitted through improper disposal of sharps and contaminated materials (Gambhir
et al., 2013). Environmental hazards include soil and water contamination, air pollution from incineration, and radiation risks from
radioactive materials (Dave et al., 2020). Effective BMWM is therefore essential to safeguard both human and ecological health
(State pollution control board 2018-2020).
Table 2 Collecting Hazards with their quantity (Odisha)- Monthly Report
Month
Yellow1
Solid waste
(kg)
Yellow2
Liquid Waste
(kg)
Red – Plastic
(kg)
Blue – Blood
Contaminate
d (kg)
White-
Sharpe
Metals (kg)
Total (kg)
January 438.16 375.246 248.92 214.84 97.177 1374.343
February 390.361 386.275 272.956 182.905 122.22 1354.717
March 339.6 379.03 277.212 201.159 126.929 1323.93
April 326.881 318.903 236.894 175.224 144.089 1201.991
May 351.23 327.531 238.355 179.071 112.414 1208.601
June 584.23 386.994 371 256.28 121.926 1720.43
July 421.44 354.823 338.814 239.568 131.29 1485.935
August 517.845 372.24 344.675 261.42 129.59 1625.77
September 432.24 285.08 415.5 220.471 109.98 1463.271
October 443.93 279.93 451.74 243.3 131.96 1550.86
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November 407.01 281.25 458.52 258.94 129.04 1534.76
December 455.66 336.14 678.23 359.21 128.46 1957.7
TOTAL 5108.587 4083.442 4332.816 2792.388 1485.075 17802.31
Figure: 3 (Monthly Biomedical Waste Segrigation)
Treatment and Disposal Technologies
Biomedical waste treatment involves chemical, thermal, mechanical, irradiation, and biological processes. Chemical disinfection
using sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide is common for liquid waste. Thermal processes such as autoclaving and
incineration are widely used for sterilizing infectious waste (Santhanam et al., 2011). Mechanical shredding ensures safe disposal
of plastics and sharps after disinfection. Emerging technologies like microwaving and plasma pyrolysis offer eco-friendly
alternatives with reduced emissions (Khadem-Ghasemi et al., 2016).
Policies and Legal Framework
India implemented the Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules in 1998, later amended in 2016 under the Ministry of
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MOEFCC). These rules define waste categories, segregation norms, color coding, and
disposal procedures (CPCB, 2016). The Central Pollution Control Board oversees compliance, while the Ministry of Health ensures
training and awareness. Similar frameworks exist globally, including the U.S. Medical Waste Tracking Act (1988) and European
Union Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC), emphasizing waste reduction and eco-friendly treatment.
Waste Minimization and Managemental Policy
Waste minimization follows the 5R principle: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle (Archad et al., 2011). Hospitals can
reduce waste through efficient procurement, segregation, and recycling of non-infectious materials. Training healthcare personnel
and implementing source reduction policies are key components of sustainable BMWM (Pandey et al., 2016). In developing nations,
lack of infrastructure and awareness remain major challenges (Caniato et al., 2015).
II. Discussion and Future Prospects
The rise of healthcare waste generation, particularly during pandemics, highlights the need for efficient BMWM systems. Adoption
of green technologies such as bioremediation, waste valorization, and digital monitoring can significantly enhance sustainability.
Community participation, strict enforcement of environmental laws, and collaboration between government and private sectors are
vital for long-term success. Future research should focus on cost-effective, low-emission treatment alternatives suitable for
resource-constrained regions (Brasovean et al., 2014).
III. Conclusion
Biomedical waste management is not merely a regulatory obligation but a public health necessity. Sustainable management
practices, technological innovation, and continuous education of healthcare workers are crucial for reducing risks associated with
biomedical waste. Effective implementation of existing regulations, combined with strong institutional commitment, can ensure a
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue X, October 2025
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safer, cleaner, and healthier environment.
Acknowledgment
The authors declare no conflict of interest and express their sincere gratitude to The Pharmaceutical college, Barpali, Bargarh,
Odisha, for providing the necessary facilities and support to carry out this work.
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