Table 4 Hospital solid waste generated at ST Theresa and Holy Cross hospitals
Types of solid waste generated | Components of the solid waste |
|---|---|
Pharmaceutical | Outdated/expired drugs, soiled drugs (tablets), remains of drugs, defective tablets, empty containers and sachets of drugs/medicine |
Sharps | Iron/steel nails, surgical knives, hypodermic needles, syringes with needles, broken glasses, infusion tubes or sets, blades, slides, pipettes and metal scrap |
Infectious | Culture/specimen containers, contaminated (cotton wool, gauze, mattresses, cotton swabs, plaster caster and bed linen), soiled gloves, towels, masks, gowns, bandages, diapers, pads and theatre caps |
Pathological | Severed limbs, health and unhealthy tissues, body parts and organs |
Cytotoxic | Remains of cytotoxic drugs, materials contaminated by materials used to suppress cell growth and cancer |
Radioactive | Unsealed radionuclides, materials contaminated by radioactive materials and absorbent paper |
Chemical | Containers of chemicals such as reagents, disinfectants |
General | Food waste (sadza, vegetables, maize cobs and fruits), stationary (files, papers, book covers), water and drink bottles, package materials (empty boxes, plastics) |