Biomedical Solid Waste Management System in Jimma Medical Center, Jimma Town, South Western Ethiopia

Biomedical waste is a hazardous waste material that is generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings. Hence, it needs special attention and appropriate management before disposal.

This study aimed to assess the biomedical solid waste management system in Jimma Medical Center, Jimma town, southwestern Ethiopia, 2020.

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was used to assess the biomedical solid waste management system from May 12 to 25, 2020. The quantity of biomedical solid waste generated was measured by using a calibrated weight balance. An observational checklist and a semi-structured interview guide were used to assess the current practice of biomedical solid waste management. In addition, during combustion, the concentration of pollutants emitted from the incinerator was measured at a different distance from the source. Analysis of variance was used to compare the mean waste generation rates among wards and the contribution of incinerator emissions at different distances was analyzed by regression.

The average daily biomedical waste generation rate was determined to be 0.92kg/bed/day and/or 0.75kg/patient/day. There was limited segregation of biomedical waste by type at the point of generation. Mixed biomedical waste was collected and transported using substandard open plastic bins. Moreover, the incinerator was operated at a low temperature and high peak average concentrations of PM_2.5 (21.7-999.9 μg/m³) and PM₁₀ (31-1999.9 μg/m³), total VOC (736-4754mg/m³), NO₂ (0.00-600 μg/m³) and SO₂ (0.00-300 μg/m³) were recorded at different distances downwind from the incinerator.

The average biomedical waste generation rate was above the threshold value set by the World Health Organization in low-income countries. Its management was also limited. The high concentrations of pollutants released from the incinerator affect the nearby air quality and hence interferes with the health of the local community.