Characterization and analysis of medical solid waste in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper reports the study of quantum and characterization of medica  solid wastes generated by healthcare facilities in Osun State. The work involved administration of a questionnaire and detailed studies conducted on facilities selected on the basis of a combination of purposive and random sampling methods. The results show that the facilities are well spread among the 30 Local Government Areas; that the total quantity of medical waste generated in the state is 2672 kg/day and when domestic wastes are included the total is 5832 kg/day; that the medical wastes are not being properly disposed of as pathology wastes such as unclaimed dead bodies, placentas, umbilical cords are being dumped into unlined pits and other wastes in open dumps. A centralised system is proposed state–wide involving use of incinerators, landfills, aerobic lagoons, and reed beds. The Federal Ministry of Environment has responsibility to push for development of legislation and codes of practice that would guide facilities to achieve waste segregation, packaging in colour-coded and labeled bags, safe transportation and disposal of medical waste.

Keywords: Medical solid wastes, pathological wastes, incinerators, landfills, aerobic lagoons, reed beds.