Disposal of Hospital Equipment: Technical and Sanitary Requirements

Introduction

The disposal of hospital equipment involves strict technical and sanitary procedures, which are essential for environmental protection, the safety of professionals and compliance with current regulations. This article discusses the main technical, legal and sanitary requirements applicable to the disposal of this equipment, focusing on Brazilian legislation and best management practices.

Technical Requirements for the Disposal of Hospital Equipment

Hospital equipment is often classified as health service waste (HSW) and therefore requires specific handling. According to CETESB Resolution 1625/2016, electronic devices and clinical apparatus containing chemical or metallic components require environmentally appropriate disposal.

For proper technical disposal, we recommend:

• Preliminary decontamination to minimize biological risks;
• Separation of components according to their physical and chemical characteristics;
• Routing for treatment and reuse or recycling at sites authorized by National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR);
• Draft technical documentation proving correct disposal, as provided for in Law No. 14.026/2020 (Legal Framework for Sanitation).

Sanitary Requirements for Safe Disposal

From a sanitary point of view, disposal must guarantee the elimination of infectious agents, protecting public health. The RDC ANVISA 306/2004 establishes criteria for the treatment and disposal of waste generated by health services, including contaminated hospital equipment.

Essential measures include:

• Imobilization and inactivation of microorganisms, preferably by physical-chemical methods;
• Storage in impermeable and identified containers, avoiding exposure;
• Transport under controlled conditions to avoid environmental or occupational contamination;
• Specific training for professionals involved in collection, transport and disposal.

Safe Disposal of Hospital Electronic Equipment

Hospital electronic equipment, such as monitors and ultrasound machines, require special attention due to the presence of sensitive data components and toxic materials. For specialized collection of this equipment, we recommend electronic waste collection, which guarantees proper handling, as well as complying with current environmental legislation.

In the case of equipment that stores information on devices such as hard drives, it is essential to carry out safe sanitization of hard drives, ensuring that sensitive data is protected using technically recognized methods, in accordance with the guidelines of NIST SP 800-88.

Legal and Regulatory Aspects

Disposal must comply with the regulations:

• Resolução CETESB 1625/2016 - solid waste management;
• SINIR - integrated solid waste management;
• RDC ANVISA 306/2004 - health service waste;
• Lei nº 14.026/2020 - legal framework for sanitation.

In addition to complying with specific legislation, disposal must include the recording and traceability of operations to demonstrate compliance in audits and inspections.

Conclusion

The disposal of hospital equipment requires a systematic technical and sanitary approach, including appropriate decontamination, segregation, transportation and final disposal, in compliance with Brazilian environmental and sanitary legislation. The use of specialized services, such as electronic waste collection and safe HD sanitization, contributes to operational safety, environmental protection and enables the responsible management of this complex waste.