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. Results: BMW generation increased progressively during the first wave, peaking in September 2020 in parallel with the surge in COVID-19 cases. Isolation wards were the major contributors, generating over 14,000 kg of BMW during the peak month, predominantly yellow-category waste. Red-category plastic waste and black-category general waste increased following revisions in national segregation guidelines. Sharps and glass waste constituted a minimal proportion across all sites. Conclusion: The pandemic led to a marked increase in BMW generation at a tertiary care facility. Strict segregation at source, staff training, and adherence to national guidelines enabled effective waste management and offer important lessons for preparedness in future public health emergencies.