Biomedical Waste Management: A Comprehensive Review of Regulations, Practices, Challenges and Recent Advances

Abstract

Background: Biomedical waste management is an essential component of healthcare systems, as improper handling and disposal of biomedical waste can pose significant risks to healthcare workers, patients, public, and the environment. Effective management requires appropriate segregation, collection, storage, transportation, treatment, and final disposal.

Objective: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of biomedical waste management in healthcare settings, with particular emphasis on the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, waste segregation, treatment methods, implementation challenges, and recent advances.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and other reliable academic sources. Literature published from 2007 to 2026 was reviewed. Studies, review articles, government guidelines, and reports addressing biomedical waste generation, segregation, treatment, disposal, regulations, environmental impacts, occupational hazards, and recent developments were included.

Results: The reviewed literature highlights that segregation at the point of generation is the cornerstone of effective biomedical waste management. The Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 established a simplified four-category colour-coded segregation system and emphasized appropriate treatment, disposal, staff training, immunization, monitoring, and waste tracking. Various treatment methods, including incineration, autoclaving, chemical disinfection, and other advanced technologies, are used according to the type of waste. However, inadequate infrastructure, poor segregation, insufficient training, delayed collection, and inconsistent compliance remain important challenges. Recent developments include barcode tracking, digital monitoring, Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facilities, and environmentally sustainable treatment technologies.

Conclusion: Effective biomedical waste management is both a regulatory requirement and an important public health and environmental responsibility. Strengthening healthcare-worker training, regulatory compliance, infrastructure, monitoring, waste minimization, and sustainable treatment technologies is essential for achieving safer and more environmentally responsible biomedical waste management.