Biomedical waste is generated due to human and research activities related
to medical treatments for human health. The various wastes generated include solid,
liquid, chemical forms, etc. and are of varied composition like drugs, solvents, body
fluids, anatomical parts, food, etc. There is a sharp increase in the production of
biomedical waste due to population explosion and other human activities. Hence there
is a need to understand biomedical waste in its entirety to provide proper management
to handle spillages, accidents, and other issues involving biomedical waste. This
chapter explains the definition, types, hazards of biomedical wastes and its current
management strategies along with various international treaties and policies regarding
biomedical wastes.
Keywords: 3 R’s Strategy, Biomedical Waste, Biomedical Waste Management,
Hazardous Waste, Healthcare Waste Management, WHO Guidelines.
