Health Care Waste Management in Gauteng

The total HCRW mass generated in Gauteng is estimated (with 95% confidence) to be no greater than 1,175 tons per month. Approximately 600 "major" generators contribute about 89% and approximately 9 700 "minor" generators about 11% of the total HCRW stream generated in Gauteng.

General observations made on the status of HCRW management at Gauteng Health Care Facilities indicated that the HCRW storage, collection and transportation in most instances does not meet the required standards and there are only limited awareness and education programmes on management of HCRW. Personnel responsible for awareness and education of the risks associated with HCRW and responsible management procedures were not conversant about their roles. Poor segregation of Health Care Waste (HCW) results in general waste, not requiring incineration, being disposed of with HCRW, and in HCRW being disposed of as general waste, which creates a health and safety risk to waste disposal site workers as well as the public at large.

The investigation on the HCRW treatment facilities in Gauteng, (as at 2001 these are all incinerators) revealed that of the 70 incinerators located at 58 Health Care Facilities, only 58 (83%) are operational and only 25 (37%) are registered with the regulatory authorities. Only one of the incinerators is equipped with a scrubber, which appears to be mostly out of operation.

Sustainable Health Care Waste Management in Gauteng