WHO Health Care Waste Management Waste Minimization Role of Manufacturers of Injection Equipment Protection of the Human Environment (PHE) Richard M. Carr
WHO Health Care Waste Management Protection of the Human Environment (PHE) Content of Presentation New Delivery Systems Lifecycle Analysis Recovery & Recycling New Materials Toxics Reduction Reducing Packaging Disposal Research Educational/Outreach Materials Conclusion
WHO Health Care Waste Management Protection of the Human Environment (PHE) New Delivery Systems Aerosol sprays Jet Injectors Oral absorption formulations Transcutaneous administration Genetically modified plant and animal products
WHO Health Care Waste Management Protection of the Human Environment (PHE) Lifecycle Analysis of Products Evaluate health and environmental aspects of entire product lifecycle from creation to disposal Involve environmental and health NGOs in product planning and development Ensure that the product can be disposed of safely before it is produced
WHO Health Care Waste Management Protection of the Human Environment (PHE) Recycling and Recovery Develop partnerships with local industries to recycle and safely reuse products Exchange sealed reusable sharps containers for clean empty containers Make products out of materials which facilitate commercial recycling Take back packaging for recycling
WHO Health Care Waste Management Protection of the Human Environment (PHE) New Materials Develop biodegradable syringes and needles Develop syringes and needles out of the same Recyclable/biodegradable materials Produce biodegradable packaging that retains sterility
WHO Health Care Waste Management Protection of the Human Environment (PHE) Toxics Reduction Based on life-cycle analysis reduce toxics during production and that will result from disposal Make plastics without PVC polymers or other halogenated substances Eliminate use of toxic heavy metals – particularly mercury and cadmium
WHO Health Care Waste Management Protection of the Human Environment (PHE) Reduce Packaging Packaging accounts for a large part of the waste associated with injection equipment Packaging should be reduced where possible Materials should be easily recycled or biodegradable when reduction is not possible
WHO Health Care Waste Management Protection of the Human Environment (PHE) Disposal Research Fund efforts to find appropriate waste disposal solutions for less-developed countries Work with local NGOs and health-care facilities to develop safe solutions
WHO Health Care Waste Management Protection of the Human Environment (PHE) Educational/Outreach Materials Develop posters and other outreach materials to promote injection safety and safe waste disposal Package posters with injection equipment Conduct workshops/training for country staff on safe injection practices including safe waste disposal
WHO Health Care Waste Management Protection of the Human Environment (PHE) Conclusion Manufacturers need to take responsibility for safe waste disposal - “polluter pays” Minimizing waste production is the most effective way to prevent problems If waste is unavoidable it should be biodegradable or recyclable