It is estimated that the average Ontario hospital diverts approximately 25 to 45 per cent of their non-hazardous solid waste. Ontario hospitals continue to develop and implement successful waste-minimization programs to better manage their waste streams (for example, using reusable sharps containers, reusable pharmaceutical containers and organics disposal).
Biomedical waste
Biomedical waste (a type of hazardous waste) generated from the health care sector may pose potential risks to public health, safety and the environment. As a result it is regulated by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. Biomedical waste may be classified as one or more of the following:
- human and animal anatomical waste
- human and animal blood waste
- microbiology laboratory waste
- sharps waste
- cytotoxic waste
- waste that has come in contact with human blood
- waste that is infected or suspected of being infected with any infectious substance (human)
For a detailed explanation of biomedical waste, please consult Guideline C-4: The Management of Biomedical Waste in Ontario.
Non-hazardous solid waste
The majority of waste generated in a hospital is non-hazardous solid waste – similar to waste created in an office building or hotel – mostly paper, cardboard, metal and food waste. Much of this waste can be diverted from landfills and can reduce waste disposal costs through the implementation of a recycling program.
The 3Rs Regulations include requirements for most types of hospitals to complete waste audits and reports, waste-reduction plans and to separate certain wastes. Find out about the 3Rs Regulations and whether or not they apply to your hospital.
Find out how to develop a waste-reduction program or improve your existing program.
