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Structure of solid waste management in hospitals of Bandar Abbas city
July 15, 2025
Waste Generation and Categorization
Hospitals produce two main waste streams:
General Waste (75–90%): Non-hazardous materials like food scraps and packaging.
Hazardous Waste (10–25%): Infectious, chemical, or radioactive waste requiring specialized handling .
Table 1: Waste Categories in Bandar Abbas Hospitals
| Category | Examples | Disposal Method |
|---|---|---|
| Infectious | Used syringes, bandages | Autoclaving, incineration |
| Chemical | Lab reagents, disinfectants | Neutralization, secure landfills |
| Pharmaceutical | Expired medications | High-temperature incineration |
| General | Paper, plastic, food waste | Recycling, composting |
Source: Adapted from national health guidelines and hospital audits
Compliance with National Standards
A 2016–2017 study evaluated waste management in 8 Bandar Abbas hospitals using the Iranian Ministry of Health’s checklist. Key findings include:
- Per Capita Waste: 1.4 kg of solid waste per bed daily, aligning with national standards .
- Storage Duration: Waste is stored for ≤24 hours, complying with guidelines for hot, humid climates to prevent pathogen growth .
- Segregation Practices: 89% of hospitals use color-coded bins for hazardous vs. general waste, though inconsistent training remains a challenge .
Table 2: Compliance Metrics vs. National Standards
| Metric | Bandar Abbas Average | National Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Waste per bed/day | 1.4 kg | 1.5 kg |
| Storage time | 24 hours | ≤24 hours |
| Segregation compliance | 89% | 95% |
Source: Rahmanian et al. (2017)
The Cost Conundrum: Payroll and Fuel Dominate Expenses
Solid waste management consumes 60–80% of municipal budgets in Iran, with hospitals facing similar challenges. In Bandar Abbas’s Region 1, a 15-year cost analysis revealed:
- Total Projected Cost: 35 billion Iranian Toomans (~$800,000 USD).
- Major Expenses:
Table 3: Cost Breakdown for Waste Management (2025–2040)
| Component | Annual Cost (Toomans) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll | 21 billion | 60% |
| Fuel | 8.75 billion | 25% |
| Maintenance | 3.5 billion | 10% |
| Miscellaneous | 1.75 billion | 5% |
Source: Majlessi et al. (2017)
Technological and Logistical Innovations
To reduce costs and improve efficiency, Bandar Abbas hospitals are adopting:
- Mechanized Collection: Replacing manual labor with automated compactors and conveyor belts .
- Centralized MRFs: Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) cluster waste processing for multiple hospitals, enhancing segregation and recycling rates .
- On-Site Autoclaves: Steam sterilization of infectious waste reduces transportation risks and landfill dependency .
Future Directions: Toward Zero-Waste Hospitals
Expand Recycling Programs: Only 12% of general waste is currently recycled, far below EU benchmarks of 50% .
AI-Powered Waste Audits: Smart sensors could track waste generation patterns and optimize collection routes.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations with firms like CleanMed Iran could modernize disposal infrastructure.
Conclusion: A Model for Sustainable Healthcare
Bandar Abbas hospitals demonstrate that effective waste management hinges on strict compliance, workforce training, and technological investment. While challenges like high payroll costs and inconsistent segregation persist, the city’s adherence to national standards offers a replicable blueprint for other regions. As healthcare evolves, integrating circular economy principles—like recycling PPE into construction materials—could transform hospitals from waste generators to sustainability leaders.
By prioritizing transparency and innovation, Bandar Abbas is not just managing waste—it’s safeguarding its community’s future.