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PubMed2005

Standards of clinical waste management in UK hospitals.

The arrangements for bulk clinical waste handling were observed in 26 UK hospitals. Storage of waste carts in areas freely accessible to the public, and failure to lock individual carts was common. Many clinical waste carts and areas dedicated to their storage were in a poor state of repair. Substantial improvement is required in the management of clinical waste in hospitals in order: (1) to eliminate the possibility of acquired infection through unauthorized, inappropriate access to clinical waste and to minimize adverse effects resulting from contact with waste pharmaceuticals; (2) to comply with the Duty of Care imposed by UK Health & Safety legislation; and (3) to satisfy concerns regarding the general standard of hospital hygiene.

Cross Infection↗
PubMed1997

PROFILE: Multiattribute Utility Analysis as a Framework for Public Participation in Siting a Hazardous Waste Management Facility

/ In an attempt to facilitate the resolution of contentious environmental problems, public and private organizations are experimenting with collaborative approaches wherein stakeholders participate in the decision-making process. A dilemma for the design of collaborative approaches is the technical complexity of many environmental problems. How can members of the public play a meaningful role in decisions that involve complicated scientific arguments?This paper describes a public participation exercise in which stakeholders used an approach based on multiattribute utility analysis to select a site for a hazardous waste management facility. The key to success was the ability to separate and address two types of judgments inherent in environmental decisions-technical judgments regarding the likely consequences of alternative choices and value judgments regarding the importance or seriousness of those consequences. The approach enabled technical specialists to communicate the essential technical considerations and allowed stakeholders to establish the value judgments for the decision. Although rarely used in public participation, the multiattribute utility approach appears to provide a useful framework for the collaborative resolution of complex environmental decision problems.KEY WORDS: Multiattribute utility analysis; Public involvement; Collaboration; Dispute resolution; Environmental management

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

An environmentally sustainable decision model for urban solid waste management.

The aim of this work is to present the structure and the application of a decision support system (DSS) designed to help decision makers of a municipality in the development of incineration, disposal, treatment and recycling integrated programs. Specifically, within a MSW management system, several treatment plants and facilities can generally be found: separators, plants for production of refuse derived fuel (RDF), incinerators with energy recovery, plants for treatment of organic material, and sanitary landfills. The main goal of the DSS is to plan the MSW management, defining the refuse flows that have to be sent to recycling or to different treatment or disposal plants, and suggesting the optimal number, the kinds, and the localization of the plants that have to be active. The DSS is based on a decision model that requires the solution of a constrained non-linear optimization problem, where some decision variables are binary and other ones are continuous. The objective function takes into account all possible economic costs, whereas constraints arise from technical, normative, and environmental issues. Specifically, pollution and impacts, induced by the overall solid waste management system, are considered through the formalization of constraints on incineration emissions and on negative effects produced by disposal or other particular treatments.

Cities↗
PubMed2006

Evaluation of solid waste management strategies in the Taipei metropolitan area of Taiwan.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management is a major concern for highly urbanized societies. Among proposed MSW management systems, regionalization programs generally have received considerable attention. This study analyzes real-world operational data to assess different MSW management policies, especially regionalization strategies, and their impact on MSW management systems in the Taipei metropolitan area. Linear programming is also used to identify the minimum costs sustained by each policy. The linear programming results show that regionalization programs are more economical and also improve incinerator operation efficiency. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the minimum treatment requirement of incinerators is a very sensitive influence on the MSW flows distributed through the entire region. The MSW of several "sensitive" administrative districts will be allocated to different treatment facilities according to different management strategies. A list of preferential sequences of MSW treatment and disposal facilities can also be identified by the model presented in this study. The results of this study may provide a useful tool for aiding decision-making related to real-world MSW management problems.

Cities↗
PubMed2004

Stakeholder-based SWOT analysis for successful municipal solid waste management in Lucknow, India.

The present investigation is a case study of Lucknow, the main metropolis in Northern India, which succumbs to a major problem of municipal solid waste and its management. A qualitative investigation using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis (SWOT) has been successfully implemented through this community participation study. This qualitative investigation emphasizes the limited capabilities of the municipal corporation's resources to provide proper facilitation of the municipal solid waste management (MSWM) services without community participation in Lucknow city. The SWOT analysis was performed to formulate strategic action plans for MSWM in order to mobilize and utilize the community resources on the one hand and municipal corporation's resources on the other. It has allowed the introduction of a participatory approach for better collaboration between the community and municipal corporation in Lucknow (India). With this stakeholder-based SWOT analysis, efforts were made to explore the ways and means of converting the possible "threats" into "opportunities" and changing the "weaknesses" into "strengths" regarding a community-based MSWM programme. By this investigation, concrete strategic action plans were developed for both the community and municipal corporation to improve MSWM in Lucknow.

Cities↗
PubMed2002

Dioxin abatement strategies and mass balance at a municipal waste management plant.

Since the thermal management of municipal solid waste (MSW) is considered to be one of the major sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs), the purpose of this study was to show the results of a dioxin abatement program performed in the municipal waste incineration (MWI) plant of Tarragona (NE Spain). Previously, stack gas emission levels of PCDDs/PCDFs around 3.26 ng I-TEQ/Nm3 were determined when the gas-cleaning system consisted only of an electrostatic precipitator (ESP). Decreased levels, below 0.1 ng I-TEQ/ Nm3, were observed when a new air pollution control system was installed. This new system was improved by the injection of activated carbon, which helped to lower the levels of PCDDs/PCDFs to around 0.01 ng I-TEQ/Nm3. Considering the absence of a particular impact on herbages, soils, and ambient air around the plant, as reported in previous works, and the hypothesis that a modern installation could become a sink for dioxins instead of a source, a dioxin mass balance was evaluated. The study compared in a large-scale MWI plant the levels of PCDDs/PCDFs of all input and output contributors (MSW, ambient air, stack gas emission, fly ash, and slag) forming part of the inventory collected in various monitoring campaigns. The findings revealed a remarkable homogeneity in output values (between 1.19 and 2.62 ng I-TEQ/yr) in contrast to the large variability observed in input values. In the first sampling campaign, the dioxin content in MSW was around 64.15 ng I-TEQ/kg, and a negative balance of 7.68 g I-TEQ/yr was calculated. However, in the latest campaign, levels were about 2.36 ng I-TEQ/kg MSW, resulting in a positive balance of 2.28 g I-TEQ/yr.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2007

Trends and problems of solid waste management in developing countries: a case study in seven Palestinian districts.

There is a great interest in solving problems related to municipal solid waste (MSW) management in the Palestinian territory. However, few studies have been done to assess the extent of these problems and suggest the best alternative solutions. This study aims at assessing MSW conditions in the seven major districts in northern West Bank, Palestinian territory. The study focuses on comparing several MSW management elements (such as collection, budget, and disposal) in municipalities, village councils, and refugee camps in the studied districts and the problems faced by these institutions in handling the waste. It also provides information on MSW collection service availability and waste disposal practices in the districts studied. It was found that, although MSW collection service was available for 98% of the residents in the areas surveyed, no proper treatment or landfill procedure was followed for the collected waste in most of these areas. Instead, waste burning in open dumpsites was the most common practice. Moreover, due to inefficient collection of waste disposal fees from the residents, municipalities were forced to sometimes cut the collection service and reduce its labor force, especially in villages. The budget for MSW management was between 2% and 8% of the total budget of the municipalities studied, indicating a low priority for this issue.

Developing Countries↗
PubMed1997

Integration of crop production with CELSS waste management.

Lettuce plants were grown utilizing water, inorganic elements, and CO2 inputs recovered from waste streams. The impact of these waste-derived inputs on the growth of lettuce was quantified and compared with results obtained when reagent grade inputs were used. Phytotoxicity was evident in both the untreated wastewater stream and the recovered CO2 stream. The toxicity of surfactants in wastewater was removed using several treatment systems. Harmful effects of gaseous products resulting from incineration of inedible biomass on crop growth were observed. No phytotoxicity was observed when inorganic elements recovered from incinerated biomass ash were used to prepare the hydroponic solution, but the balance of nutrients had to be modified to achieve near optimal growth. The results were used to evaluate closure potential of water and inorganic elemental loops for integrated plant growth and human requirements.

Biomass↗
PubMed1993

Hospital waste management practice in the Czech Republic.

Hospital wastes pose a serious problem. This is primarily caused by the diversity of the individual components of the waste which constitute a risk to health if inadequately handled. It is evident that economic and technical conditions for both a safe disposal as well as efficient steam sterilization and management practice based on legal regulations consequently will contribute to protections of both human health and the environment.

Containment of Biohazards↗
PubMed2004

Hospital waste management status in university hospitals of the Fars province, Iran.

Hospital waste contains large quantities of hazardous materials. In Iran, as in many developing countries, not much attention has been paid to this matter. Little information is available regarding the generation and disposal of medical waste in Iran, and this fact hinders planning for a better management of the aforementioned waste. This paper describes a survey performed on the collection and disposal of waste in the university hospitals of the Fars province, which are the medical referral centres in the southern half of the country, and the results obtained are fully discussed. The lack of separation between hazardous and non- hazardous waste, an absence of necessary rules and regulations applying to the collection of waste from the hospital wards and the on-site transport to a temporary storage location, a lack of proper waste treatment, disposal of hospital waste along with municipal garbage, insufficient training of personnel, insufficient personal protective equipment and lack of knowledge regarding the proper use of such equipment, were the main findings. For a rapid improvement of existing conditions, performing extensive research for the assessment of present situation in the hospitals of this country, compilation of rules and establishment of standards along with effective training for the personnel is recommended.

Data Collection↗
PubMed2001

Position of the American Dietetic Association: dietetics professionals can implement practices to conserve natural resources and protect the environment. (Previously titled "natural resource conservation and waste management").

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association to encourage environmentally responsible practices that conserve natural resources, minimize the quantity of waste that is generated, and have the least adverse affect on the health of all living organisms and the environment. All components of the food system, from farmer to consumer, are affected by the availability and cost of energy and the availability and quality of water. Outdoor and indoor air quality significantly impacts the health of all living organisms. Decisions that dietetics professionals make as practitioners and consumers can affect the quantity and type of solid waste generated. The demand for natural resources should be evaluated when selecting the most cost-effective, environmentally sensitive approach to the management of solid waste. Special precautions are needed when using and disposing of hazardous and medical waste to protect the safety of our clients and employees. This position paper provides information and resources for dietetics professionals for addressing the complexity of the environmental issue presented. Conservation strategies are identified that dietetics professionals can use in their worksites and at home. These conservation practices may reduce cost and decrease the environmental impact we have on our communities and the world.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed2003

Helping the auto repair industry manage hazardous wastes: an education project in King County, Washington.

From January 1, 2000, to August 31, 2001, a team of environmental health specialists from Public Health-Seattle & King County, a partner in King County's Local Hazardous Waste Management Program, made educational visits to 981 automotive repair shops. The purpose was to give the auto repair industry technical assistance on hazardous waste management without using enforcement action. Through site inspections and interviews, the environmental health staff gathered information on the types and amounts of conditionally exempt small-quantity generator (CESQG) hazardous wastes and how they were handled. Proper methods of hazardous waste management, storage, and disposal were discussed with shop personnel. The environmental health staff measured the impact of these educational visits by noting changes made between the initial and follow-up visits. This report focuses on nine major waste streams identified in the auto repair industry. Of the 981 shops visited, 497 were already practicing proper hazardous waste management and disposal. The remaining 484 shops exhibited 741 discrepancies from proper practice. Environmental health staff visited these shops again within six months of the initial visit to assess changes in their practices. The educational visits and technical assistance produced a 76 percent correction of all the discrepancies noted.

Automobiles↗
PubMed2006

Report: future industrial solid waste management in pars Special Economic Energy Zone (PSEEZ), Iran.

The Pars Special Economic Energy Zone (PSEEZ) is located in the south of Iran, on the northern coastline of the Persian Gulf. This area was established in 1998 for the utilization of south Pars field oil and gas resources. This field is one of the largest gas resources in the world and contains about 6% of the total fossil fuels known. Petrochemical industries, gas refineries and downstream industries are being constructed in this area. At present there are three gas refineries in operation and five more gas refineries are under construction. In this study, different types of solid waste including municipal solid waste (MSW) and industrial wastes were investigated separately. The aim of the study was to focus on the management of the industrial wastes in order to minimize the environmental impact. In the first stage, the types and amounts of industrial waste in PSEEZ were evaluated by an inventory. The main types of industrial waste are oil products (fuel oil, light oil, lubricating oil), spent catalysts, adsorbents, resins, coke, wax and packaging materials. The waste management of PSEEZ is quite complex because of the different types of industry and the diversity of industrial residues. In some cases recycling/reuse of waste is the best option, but treatment and disposal are also necessary tools. Recently a design has been prepared for a disposal site in PSEEZ for the industrial waste that cannot be reused or recycled. The total surface area of this disposal site where the industrial waste should be tipped for the next 20 years was estimated to be about 42 000 m2.

Industrial Waste↗