Waste management in health organizations and medical waste disposal: Example of Bursa

The rapidly increasing human population in the world brings with it some problems. Many health problems are increasing and varying depending on the population. This increase leads to an increase in the number of patients applying to health facilities and an increase in the amount of waste in parallel with the health services provided. In this research, the importance of medical waste management was emphasized. Due diligence related to medical waste management in Turkey and Bursa made and identified the main problems for waste management. In this way, it is aimed to support more powerful and advanced applications in the management of medical wastes. In the first part of the study, conceptual framework for waste management and disposal of medical wastes is tried to be established. The definition and classification of wastes in health facilities have been made, the damages of wastes in terms of environment and human health have been examined, the situation has been evaluated in terms of occupational health and safety and the legislation has been mentioned. In the second part, medical waste management principles and disposal methods in the world and our country are examined, responsibilities of institutions and organizations are mentioned and examples of waste management from the world are given. In the third part, the medical waste management practices in Bursa Province were examined and a questionnaire was conducted on 2.348 people on different occupational groups working in the field of health. The answers given in the survey were evaluated and interpreted in the Statistical Packag for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program. Waste management practices in the world as a result of the study, Turkey Bursa legal framework and practices were evaluated and solutions regarding the problems experienced were presented. Key Words: Medical waste, waste management, health facility, disposal methods, Bursa