Question : DISPOSAL OF IMMUNIZATION WASTES

(a) whether the Government is aware that immunization wastes are not properly disposed of and they are reported to be recycled and reused in various hospitals in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether burning of immunization wastes results in emission of deadly gases which is harmful to human health and environment:

(d) if so, whether the Government has proposed any new technology for disposing of immunization wastes;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) to (f): A statement is laid on the table of the House.

Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (f) of the Lok Sabha Starred Question No.330 regarding “Disposal of Immunization Wastes” raised by Shri S. K. Kharventhan, MP for Answer on 18.4.2005

(a) & (b): No such reports have been brought to the notice of the Union Ministry of Environment & Forests and the Central Pollution Control Board.

(c) to (f): Immunization waste is also a Bio-Medical Waste and requires to be disposed as per the provisions of the Bio-Medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1998. Immunization waste include sharps, needles, syringes, scalpes, blades and glass. Incineration/burning of syringes generated during the immunization is not permitted under the Bio-Medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1998, as it may result in emission of harmful pollutants. The stipulated methods of disposal of these wastes are chemical treatment/autoclaving/ microwaving and mutilation/shredding, as per Schedule-I of the Rules. Standards for treatment and disposal of bio-medical wastes including autoclaving and microwaving are stipulated in Schedule V of the Rules.