Research on the Current Status and Future Development Prospects of Medical Waste Disposal Technologies and Management in China

Meng Cun, Kaiyue Wang, Shitong Yang, Jianbo Guo, Guiying Liu, Zhibin Yin, Tongzhe Wang, Mingnan Sun, Qinzhong Feng, Liyuan Liu () and Yang Chen ()
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Meng Cun: College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Kaiyue Wang: College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Shitong Yang: College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Jianbo Guo: College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Guiying Liu: College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Zhibin Yin: College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Tongzhe Wang: College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Mingnan Sun: College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Qinzhong Feng: College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Liyuan Liu: College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Yang Chen: College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-15

Abstract: The ongoing improvement in healthcare standards and the frequent occurrence of epidemic outbreaks have led to a significant rise in medical waste (MW) generation, revealing weaknesses in China’s existing management system and disposal technologies for MW. This situation underscores the urgent need to reassess the effectiveness of MW management and disposal practices. This study analyzes China’s centralized MW disposal capacity, the distribution of facilities, the evolution and characteristics of disposal technologies, and the current policy framework. Challenges such as limited technological applicability, inadequate disposal capacity in rural and remote areas, and a lack of emergency disposal capabilities have been identified. Given the new challenges and complexities in the MW industry, two strategies are proposed, including comprehensive whole-process management and the integration of routine and emergency disposal. This research offers a systematic solution for MW disposal, aiming to improve management practices, enhance disposal efficiency, and strengthen emergency response capabilities.

Keywords: medical waste; management systems; disposal technologies; whole-process management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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