The Quantity and Quality of Hospital Waste in Kerman Province and an Overview of Hospital Waste Quantities in Iran

Introduction: Hospital waste is one of the most dangerous environmental contaminants. Several studies have shown that although hospital waste disposal has improved in comparison to the past, but it is still not satisfactory in many developing countries. In this study we intent to study the quantity and quality of hospital waste in Kerman Province, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed by completing a standard questionnaire designed at the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education for evaluation of hospital waste. Results: The results of this study showed that in Kerman Province, 7893 kg hospital waste is produced daily which is 3.80 kg/occupied bed. The amount of infectious waste produced in the province is 1.46 kg/day/bed and ranged from 0.67 to 3.43 in other Iranian hospitals. 37.9 percent of all hospital waste in urban Kerman and 38.6 in the province was infectious waste and shows a slight improvement in comparison to the past. Some of the rules of hospital waste disposal were still not practiced in some of the Province hospitals. Conclusion: In comparison to the past, hospital waste is now disposed better, but still direct and frequent surveillance of hospital waste is necessary and should be a priority for health authorities in Iran.