Analysis of household-like waste discarded by health institutions in Chile: A descriptive study

The journal of climate change and health Pub Date : 2025-03-01 DOI:10.1016/j.joclim.2025.100437

Fernanda Olive , M.Bernardita Sanhueza , Andres Giglio , Andres Ferre

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Abstract

Background

Healthcare institutions generate significant amounts of household-like waste, with international evidence suggesting that up to 60 % is potentially recyclable. In Chile, comprehensive data on healthcare waste management and recycling practices are lacking.

Objective

To assess general waste management practices in Chilean healthcare institutions and evaluate the extent of implementation of waste recycling programs across the country.

Methods

We analyzed open data from the National Waste Generation Service (SINADER) for 2018–2022, focusing on healthcare institutions. Waste management practices were categorized as either disposal or valorization (recycling/pre-treatment). We evaluated the total waste volume, valorization rates, institutional characteristics, and geographical distribution of the waste management practices.

Results

Of the 4,586 registered healthcare institutions in Chile, 162 (3.6 %) reported waste data, generating 291,325 tons during the study period. Only 42 institutions reported recycling activities, with the highest valorization rate of 13.6 %. Public institutions comprised 38 % of the recycling centers, with 54 % located outside the Metropolitan Region. Paper and cardboard constituted 49 % of the recycled materials, followed by organic waste (22.7 %). The national healthcare waste valorization rate increased from 0.92 % to 2.14 % between 2018 and 2022.

Conclusions

This first comprehensive analysis revealed a substantial recycling gap in Chilean healthcare institutions, with current practices falling significantly below international benchmarks. The low reporting rate (3.6 %) and limited valorization highlight the urgent need for improved waste reporting systems and the implementation of comprehensive recycling programs. Achieving Chile's 2040 environmental goals will require coordinated efforts to increase healthcare waste recycling rates by at least five-fold to meet international standards.

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智利卫生机构丢弃的家庭类废物分析：一项描述性研究

卫生保健机构产生大量的家庭垃圾，国际证据表明，高达60%的垃圾可能是可回收的。在智利，缺乏关于医疗废物管理和回收做法的全面数据。目的评估智利医疗机构的一般废物管理做法，并评估全国废物回收计划的实施程度。方法我们分析了2018-2022年国家废物产生服务（SINADER）的公开数据，重点分析了医疗机构。废物管理做法分为处置或增值（回收/预处理）。我们评估了废物总量、增值率、制度特征和废物管理实践的地理分布。结果在智利注册的4,586家医疗机构中，162家（3.6%）报告了废物数据，在研究期间产生了291,325吨废物。只有42家机构报告了回收活动，最高的估值率为13.6%。公共机构占回收中心的38%，其中54%位于大都市地区以外。纸张和纸板占回收材料的49%，其次是有机废物（22.7%）。2018年至2022年，全国医疗废物增值率从0.92%提高到2.14%。这是第一次全面的分析，揭示了智利医疗机构的回收差距很大，目前的做法明显低于国际基准。低报告率（3.6%）和有限的增值突出了迫切需要改进废物报告系统和实施综合回收计划。要实现智利2040年的环境目标，将需要协调努力，将医疗废物回收率提高至少五倍，以达到国际标准。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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