Biomedical waste generation in a tertiary care hospital: Lessons for future waste management preparedness

Objectives

The pandemic resulted in a substantial increase in biomedical waste (BMW) due to widespread use of personal protective equipment and disposable medical supplies. Effective management of this surge was essential to prevent secondary transmission and environmental risks. This study assessed the quantity, composition, and trends of pandemic-related BMWs generated during the first wave of the pandemic in a tertiary care hospital in North India. Material and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, using institutional BMW records from April 2020 to January 2021. Quantitative data on BMW generated from isolation wards, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing laboratories, triage areas, quarantine facilities, and fever clinics were collected from the University Environment Department. Waste was analyzed monthly and categorized according to the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016. Descriptive statistics were used, and waste management practices were documented through observational assessment.