Starting a Medical and Biomedical Waste Recycling Business: Essential Insights and Steps

Introduction:

A Biomedical Waste Recycling Plant focuses on disposing of biomedical waste while also recycling non-infectious general waste, which constitutes about 85% of hospital waste. This business primarily targets healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, dental offices, assisted living centers, and home care agencies, which generate significant amounts of waste. The process includes segregation, collection, pre-treatment, intramural transportation, and storage. While treatment and disposal are typically managed by CBWTF operators, highly infectious and lab waste must be pre-treated by the healthcare facilities. Effective recycling and disposal streamline operations for healthcare professionals across various sectors. In India, waste is categorized into Biomedical, General, and Other Waste, with biomedical waste further divided into four color-coded categories: Yellow, Red, White, and Blue.

Scope of Biomedical Waste Recycling Business:

Biomedical waste is regulated under the Biomedical Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, which mandate its scientific disposal through individual or Common Biomedical Waste Management Facilities (CBMWTF). In contrast, recyclable general and other waste can be collected, recycled, and disposed of according to relevant regulations.

• Biomedical waste is generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of humans and animals, as well as in research. This waste, produced by healthcare facilities, can harm human health and the environment if not disposed of properly. It includes materials contaminated with blood, secretions, and infectious substances, such as chemicals, medical supplies, lab discharge, sharps, and various types of waste like bandages, swabs, gloves, and utensils
• General waste refers to all waste not classified as biomedical waste, specifically excluding any items contaminated with hazardous or infectious materials, including sharps. This waste can be recycled and disposed of according to the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016; C&D Waste Management Rules, 2016; and Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. A Biomedical Waste Recycling Business can also recycle this waste with the appropriate authorization from the relevant SPCB/PCC.

• Biodegradable waste primarily consists of organic materials, particularly food waste, which can naturally decompose and enrich the soil. In contrast, plastic waste poses significant environmental challenges, as items like plastic packaging materials, water bottles, and containers persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Additionally, specific types of waste, such as newspaper, paper, and cardboard boxes, can often be recycled, reducing their environmental impact. Construction and demolition waste contributes to the growing problem of solid waste and wastewater, necessitating proper management to minimize harm. Furthermore, discarded clothing items from hospitals and empty plastic food containers represent additional waste streams that require careful disposal to prevent pollution and promote sustainability. Lastly, metal scraps, including aluminum cans and containers, can be recycled, providing valuable resources while decreasing the need for new raw materials.

• Other wastes include used electronics, batteries, and radioactive materials, which fall outside the category of biomedical waste. These items must be disposed of according to the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, the Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001, and regulations under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.

Documents Needed for Authorization of a Biomedical Waste Recycling Business:

Documents Needed for Approval of a Biomedical Waste Recycling Business.

1. Application in Form-II as per Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016
2. Letter of Request
3. Copy of the agreement for treatment, storage, and disposal facilities
4. Facility Site Plan
5. Affidavit of Self-Declaration for Ownership
6. Affidavit/Self-Declaration for Liquid Waste Treatment
7. Copy of Consent to Establish (CTE)
8. Copy of Consent to Operate (CTO)
9. Map with GPS coordinates of the CBWTF and its coverage area
10. Contingency Plan for the CBWTF
11. Copy of manifests for waste collection.

Documents Needed for Approval of Solid Waste Management.

1. Copy of Land Allotment documents or letter from the Local Authority/Municipal Corporation.
2. Copy of Environmental Clearance for Common Municipal Solid Waste.
3. Copy of Consent Certificates (CTE and CTO).
4. Copy of the Agreement between the Municipal Authority and the operating agency.
5. Details of the investment in the project and anticipated returns.
6. Project Report on Solid Waste Management.
7. Land Ownership documents for the site.
8. Permission from the District Level Site Selection Committee.
9. MSW Annual Report for the previous year.
10. Approval issued to the operator of the solid waste processing facility (if a private operator is managing the site).

Registration Procedure for a Biomedical Waste Recycling Business:

Application and Fee Submission

Under the Biomedical Waste Management Rules 2016, applicants are required to submit Form II along with the applicable fee to the appropriate State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC). If authorization for solid waste management is also needed, a separate application in Form I must be submitted to the SPCB.

Document Review and Site Inspection

The SPCB/PCC will review the submitted documents for any deficiencies to evaluate the capabilities of the biomedical waste recycling business. A site inspection will be carried out, and an inspection report will be generated.

Issuance of Authorization

After a successful inspection and resolution of any issues, the SPCB/PCC will issue the authorization in Form III. This authorization will be granted within 90 days of receiving a complete application. Its validity will align with that of the consent No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Market Overview of the Biomedical Waste Recycling Industry: