Hospital Disposal in Compliance with Environmental Legislation

Hospital disposal in compliance with environmental legislation is essential for protecting public health and the environment. This article details the appropriate procedures for managing hospital waste, covering the standards and laws in force, waste classifications, and the responsibilities of managers to ensure safe and legal management.

Classification of Hospital Waste

According to CONAMA Resolution 358/2005, waste generated in health services must be classified into: common waste, hazardous waste and waste with infectious potential. This categorization is essential for defining the appropriate treatment and disposal, ensuring that risks to human health and the environment are minimized (Conama 358/2005).

Technical Standards and Applicable Legislation

In addition to CONAMA Resolution 358/2005, federal legislation stipulates that the management of hospital waste must follow specific criteria, in accordance with Law 12.305/2010, which establishes the National Solid Waste Policy (Law 12.305/2010). This law establishes shared responsibility for the production cycle of waste, including collection, transportation, treatment and adequate final disposal.

Procedures for Correct Disposal

Hospital disposal must comply with protocols that guarantee segregation at source, packaging in appropriate and labeled containers, as well as safe transportation to licensed units for treatment and final disposal. It is also mandatory to plan ongoing training for the professionals involved, as determined by ANVISA Resolution RDC No. 222/2018.

Management with a Focus on Sustainability

Applying the waste hierarchy - reduction, reuse, recycling and treatment - contributes to the sustainable development of healthcare institutions. The adoption of technologies for the minimization and correct disposal of hospital waste, including electronic equipment used in the sector, must be aligned with current environmental policies. For the proper handling of obsolete electronic products, such as safe disposal, consult the recommended practices of electronic waste collection and the sanitization of media and hard drives.

Enforcement and Penalties

State and municipal environmental agencies, together with Anvisa, enforce compliance with hospital disposal regulations. Failure to comply with legal provisions can result in administrative fines and even criminal sanctions, as provided for in Law No. 9.605/1998 (Environmental Crimes Law) (Lei 9.605/1998).

Conclusion

Hospital disposal in accordance with environmental legislation requires strict procedures that guarantee environmental and health safety. Compliance with the rules in force ensures the legal responsibility of the institutions and minimizes negative impacts on the environment, protecting public health.