Exploring Strategies for Minimizing Clinical and Medical Waste during the Covid-19 Pandemic with reference to the Colombo District, Sri Lanka

The COVID-19 pandemic seriously disrupted the waste management systems around the world and enhanced clinical and medical waste generation in most developing countries, including Sri Lanka. The present examines the upward trend in clinical waste of the Colombo District, contributed by prevailing practices, challenges, and environmental impacts stemming from poor waste management linked to the pandemic. A qualitative research methodology was adapted and, as population 63 Public and Private Hospitals in the Colombo District are included. Using purposive sampling technique nine In-Charge Officers and nine Overseers are selected as the sample. Accordingly, study sample comprising of 18 participants. Open-ended personal interviews and site visits are used as primary data collection methods. Secondary data is collected through research articles, journals, and custom department statistics, logbooks maintain by waste management department of each hospital. Studies have documented an increase in clinical waste by approximately 35% compared to the pre-pandemic era and infectious waste increased by 60%, inclusive of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and gowns. Hazardous plastic waste surged 45%, partly due to single-use medical products. The majority of hospitals had conventional ways of managing the wastes, while more than 70% of facilities faced problems while adhering to guidelines pertaining to segregation at the source and waste disposal. In addition, only 30% of hospitals could show specific premises for waste treatment, as a result, up to 50% of medical waste was subjected to incineration without filtration or landfills, which increased the pollution burden. The study concludes with dire needs of practices that ensure sustainable waste management with proposals such as biodegradable personal protection equipment and reusable containers. To this end, this paper concludes that without new strategies, COVID-19 waste will leave behind a legacy that has a long-term impact on the environment. It is thus recommended that further studies in the area be carried out to expand the scope beyond the hospital’s setting by incorporating quantitative analyses that bear on improved understanding and policy. Keywords: Clinical Waste, Corona Virus, Covid-19 Pandemic, Medical Waste, Strategies