PROPOSTAS DE MINIMIZAÇÃO DA GERAÇÃO DE RESÍDUOS EM UNIDADES DE SAÚDE: UM ESTUDO DE CASO DE HOSPITAIS NO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO

Abstract

Waste from healthcare waste is key to avoiding environmental, financial and social consequences. Sharps, infectious wastes and chemical products specific treatments that consume a lot of energy, generated from the air and can contaminate soil and water. In addition, the disposal of that waste can expose professionals to health risks, making the financial costs of proper disposal high. In this context, this work sought strategies for the implementation of selective collection in health care institutions, with emphasis on raising awareness among professionals about proper segregation of waste and alternatives that reduced final disposal. The case study carried out in two private hospitals located in the state of São Paulo aimed to map and quantify waste generation processes and implement selective collection in different areas of the institutions. The selective collection made it possible to reduce the disposal of waste to landfills by 8% to 11% and increased recycling by 14% to 21%, after only 5 months of implementation. The result of this study culminated in the elaboration of a practical guide called "Guia do Aterro Zero", which contains clear and easy-to-understand practices to help other health institutions in the proper management of their waste and in the promotion of environmental practices. The implementation of the strategies aims to develop a new organizational culture in relation to the management of hospital waste, successfully reducing environmental impacts and promoting more impactful practices in the field of health. The awareness and engagement of professionals are key factors for the success of selective collection, resulting in both environmental and financial benefits for health institutions.