On the neutralization of medical waste

In accordance with Article 1 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus of 20.07.2007 No. 271-Z "On Waste Management": Medical waste means waste generated in the process of carrying out medical and pharmaceutical activities. Waste neutralization means waste destruction (including waste incineration not related to its use) and (or) actions performed with waste that lead to the reduction or elimination of its hazardous properties. Waste neutralization facilities means structures (complex of structures) and (or) equipment (installations) intended for waste neutralization. In accordance with the Instruction "On the Procedure for Handling Medical Waste", approved by the Resolution of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus of 02.09.2024 No. 137/44 (Chapter 5): neutralization of medical waste is carried out by carrying out disinfection measures using chemical, physical and (or) combined methods, including by incineration; when neutralizing medical waste, it is allowed to combine disinfection treatment methods with mechanical methods (shredding, crushing, pressing, etc.) in order to reduce waste generation volumes; mechanical methods are applied after the neutralization of medical waste, except for cases where the mechanical process is part of a closed neutralization system when using special installations; neutralization of medical waste by chemical method is carried out immediately after its generation by complete immersion of waste in labeled containers with a disinfectant approved for use for these purposes, and according to the modes specified in the manufacturer's instructions; neutralization by physical method is carried out using sterilizers or other equipment (installations) approved for these purposes, according to the modes provided for in the instructions of the equipment (installation) manufacturer, and is allowed to be accompanied by a change in the appearance of the waste (shredding, pressing, sintering, etc.); medical waste that poses the greatest epidemiological and toxicological hazard is subject to incineration (thermal neutralization): medical waste generated during work with conditionally pathogenic microorganisms and pathogenic biological agents of risk groups 1-4. Pharmaceutical waste subject to neutralization by incineration is destroyed together with the primary packaging. Economic entities carrying out medical waste management are obliged to ensure waste neutralization or ensure its transfer to waste neutralization facilities. Waste neutralization must be carried out only at waste neutralization facilities registered in the register of waste storage, disposal, and neutralization facilities (neutralization). The register of waste storage, disposal, and neutralization facilities (neutralization) is available on the official websites of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus – www.minpriroda.gov.by, and the state enterprise "Bel NIIC "Ecology" – www.ecoinfo.by. Operation of waste neutralization facilities not included in the register of waste storage, disposal, and neutralization facilities is prohibited, except for waste neutralization facilities where neutralization is carried out: of waste within the framework of scientific research, experimental design, and experimental technological work; of medical waste by chemical, physical, combined, and other methods aimed at destroying pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi) and performed in accordance with sanitary norms and rules, general and specific sanitary and epidemiological requirements (except for incineration); of liquid waste by dilution with water to indicators established by technical regulatory legal acts, followed by discharge into the sewage system, provided that there is a contract concluded between a legal entity of the Republic of Belarus, a foreign organization, an individual entrepreneur, and an organization operating water supply and sewerage facilities.