Risks of Irregular Disposal of Medical Equipment

The irregular disposal of medical equipment poses serious environmental, health and legal risks. Equipment containing electronic components and potentially contaminating materials requires specific procedures to prevent damage to public health and the environment, in accordance with current legislation.

Environmental Impacts of Irregular Disposal

Inappropriately disposed of medical equipment releases toxic substances such as heavy metals and chemical contaminants that can seep into soils and waterways, causing environmental pollution. Law No. 12.305/2010 institutes the National Solid Waste Policy, which establishes guidelines for the management and proper disposal of solid waste, including electronic equipment and hospital materials.

Public Health Risks

Incorrect disposal can lead to contamination with biological agents, exposure to radioactive or chemical waste present in some equipment, increasing the risk of cross-contamination, as well as accidents involving cleaning professionals and the population around disposal sites. According to Decree No. 10.936/2022, the management of health service waste must guarantee safety and minimize exposure to risks.

Legal Aspects of Irregular Disposal

Inadequate disposal constitutes an environmental infraction subject to the penalties provided for in article 54 of Law No. 9.605/1998 (Environmental Crimes Law), including fines and administrative sanctions. To ensure compliance, disposal must follow the rules of the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR) and be in line with the procedures agreed in the specialized schedule for e-waste collection.

Security in the Disposal of Media and Equipment with Sensitive Information

Some medical equipment contains hard drives or media storing sensitive data. It is crucial to ensure that the disposal of these devices takes place with rigorous sanitization processes to avoid security vulnerabilities. The scheduling for hard drive sanitization is a recommended technique to ensure the secure destruction of information before final disposal.

Good Practices for Safe Disposal

• Planning collection and disposal with authorized providers;
• Separation and packaging in accordance with technical standards;
• Recording and monitoring of disposed waste;
• Training staff on risks and procedures;
• Appropriate legal documentation to prove correct disposal.

Compliance with environmental and health regulations is essential to avoid risks and guarantee social and environmental responsibility in the handling of medical equipment after use.