Disposal of Equipment with Biological Waste - Ecobraz

Introduction to the Disposal of Equipment with Biological Waste

The correct handling of equipment contaminated with biological waste is fundamental to guaranteeing environmental safety and complying with current legislation in Brazil. This waste has specific characteristics that require appropriate disposal processes, minimizing risks to public health and the environment.

Definitions and Classifications of Biological Waste

According to CONAMA Resolution 358/2005, biological waste is classified as health service waste (HSW) that may contain biological agents capable of causing risks to human or animal health. This waste can include blood, bodily fluids and equipment contaminated by them, such as sharps, laboratory instruments and hospital equipment.

Current Legislation and Regulations

The disposal of equipment contaminated with biological waste in Brazil is mainly regulated by Anvisa RDC No. 222/2018 and CONAMA Resolution No. 358/2005. The Anvisa RDC establishes procedures for the management of healthcare waste, including routines for segregation, packaging, transportation and final disposal.

The National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR) reinforces the importance of traceability and strict control from the generation to the final disposal of biological waste.

Technical Processes for Safe Disposal

The disposal process must follow crucial steps to avoid secondary contamination:

• Segregation: Equipment and other contaminated materials must be separated into rigid, identified containers.
• Decontamination: Chemical or physical procedures for disinfection can be applied before final disposal.
• Collection and Transport: Waste must be collected by specialized services that guarantee safety and compliance with current regulations. For the correct disposal of electronic equipment that may contain biological waste, use the electronic waste collection service.
• Final Disposal: This may involve incineration in licensed units or specific controlled landfills for infectious waste.

Sanitization and Safe Media Disposal

Equipment such as hard drives that come into contact with biological waste require specific sanitization processes to ensure the complete elimination of infectious agents and the protection of data. Professional services carry out the sanitization of hard drives and media, ensuring technical and legal compliance.

ESG Responsibilities and Compliance

Decision-makers in the areas of ESG, EHS, IT, Legal and Purchasing must ensure that processes are aligned with environmental and health guidelines. Strict compliance with legislation, in addition to mitigating risks, reinforces the commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Conclusion

The correct disposal of equipment containing biological waste is a technical and regulated process that requires compliance with specific legislation and the use of specialized services to collect, decontaminate and dispose of this waste. Knowledge and proper application of these standards ensure environmental protection and public health, as well as meeting corporate governance demands.