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How to Dispose of Medical Waste Caused by COVID-19? A Case Study of China

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  • Min Su

    (School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
    Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China)

  • Qiang Wang

    (School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
    Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China)

  • Rongrong Li

    (School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China
    Institute for Energy Economics and Policy, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, China)

Abstract

The rapid increase in novel coronavirus (COVID-19) patients also means a rapid increase in medical waste that could carry the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). How to safely dispose of medical waste caused by COVID-19 is a huge challenge that needs to be solved urgently. The outbreak of the COVID-19 has led to a significant increase in the daily generation of medical waste in China and has placed a severe test on the Chinese medical waste disposal system. Unlike ordinary wastes and garbage, medical waste that is untreated or incompletely treated will not only cause environmental pollution, but also directly or indirectly cause infections and endanger people’s health. Faced with difficulties, the Chinese government formulated a policy for medical waste management and a response plan for the epidemic, which provides policy guarantee for the standardized disposal of epidemic medical waste. In addition, the government and medical institutions at all levels formed a comprehensive, refined, and standardized medical treatment process system during research and practice. China has increased the capacity of medical waste disposal in various places by constructing new centralized disposal centers and adding mobile disposal facilities. China has achieved good results in the fight against COVID-19, and the pressure on medical waste disposal has been relieved to a certain extent. However, the global epidemic situation is severe. How to ensure the proper and safe disposal of medical waste is related to the prevention and control of the epidemic situation. This study summarizes China’s experience in the disposal of medical waste in the special case of COVID-19 and hopes to provide some reference for other countries in the disposal of medical waste.

Suggested Citation

  • Min Su & Qiang Wang & Rongrong Li, 2021. "How to Dispose of Medical Waste Caused by COVID-19? A Case Study of China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:22:p:12127-:d:682673
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

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    2. Jing Jia & Wenhao Wang & Lvjiang Yin & Jin Liu & Antony Mutua Nzioka & Caozheng Yan, 2022. "Cost–Benefit Analysis of Introducing Custom-Made Small Thermal-Frictional Sterilization System to the Existing Hospital Waste Disposal System: A Case Study of Chinese Hospital," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-17, October.
    3. Yin Ting Chu & Jianzhao Zhou & Yuan Wang & Yue Liu & Jingzheng Ren, 2023. "Current State, Development and Future Directions of Medical Waste Valorization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-28, January.

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