MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY

Abstract

Introduction. The relevance of effective medical waste management is determined by the need to Introduction. Effective medical waste management has become an increasingly important component of environmental safety policy at both national and regional levels. The relevance of this issue is driven by the need to minimize the negative environmental impact of hazardous waste, prevent the spread of infectious diseases and toxic substances, ensure proper sanitary and epidemiological conditions, and strengthen the overall environmental security system. The problem has become particularly acute due to the growing volumes of medical and veterinary waste generated by healthcare institutions, laboratories, veterinary clinics, and other facilities providing medical and veterinary services. Insufficient control over waste handling processes may lead to environmental contamination, public health threats, and the emergence of additional epidemiological risks.

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to provide a scientific substantiation of the directions for modernization of the regional medical waste management system as an important component of environmental safety and sustainable regional development.

Research methods. The study is based on the application of general scientific methods, including analysis and synthesis, comparison, systematization, and generalization. Graphical methods were used to visualize the dynamics and structure of medical waste generation and management. Statistical information and reporting data on waste generation, accumulation, transportation, and disposal in the Ternopil region served as the empirical basis of the research.

Results. The research findings confirm that medical waste management in the Ternopil region has significant sanitary, epidemiological, environmental, and socio-economic importance. An increase in the volumes of category A, B, and C waste creates additional pressure on the existing infrastructure for waste collection, temporary storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal. The analysis revealed that one of the most critical challenges is the insufficient level of official reporting and monitoring. Although more than one thousand healthcare institutions operate within the region, only several dozen regularly provide documented confirmation of transferring hazardous waste to licensed waste management enterprises. This situation indicates potential deficiencies in waste accounting procedures and limited traceability throughout the waste management chain.

The study also demonstrates a discrepancy between formally established waste management practices and their actual implementation. While healthcare institutions generally report the existence of contracts with licensed operators, designated responsible personnel, and internal management procedures, statistical evidence suggests that the practical coverage of monitoring and control mechanisms remains limited. Special attention should be given to veterinary medical waste, whose generation volumes increased considerably in 2024. Such waste may constitute additional infectious, toxicological, and zoonotic hazards, requiring strengthened regulatory oversight and improved disposal technologies.

The results support the necessity of further modernization of the regional medical waste management system through enhanced reporting mechanisms, improved traceability, stricter compliance monitoring, and the introduction of advanced environmentally safe waste treatment technologies.

Keywords: medical waste; veterinary medical waste; disposal; waste management; environmental safety; region.