Metro responds to illegal dumping of medical waste

The metro has responded to the Advertiser’s media query regarding medical waste illegally dumped in a public space.

Metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said that there can be legal implications that will be taken against healthcare practitioners or medical waste disposal companies who are accountable for illegal dumping.
The procedure for disposing of medical waste as per the metro is that medical waste generators are required to have a contract with an accredited healthcare waste removal company.

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“The company must keep records of healthcare waste removed and proof of disposal at an accredited incinerator to be kept onsite,” said Dlamini.
“People are advised not to touch medical waste as these are infectious and can cause diseases.”
The public is advised to report such incidences to the Department of Health and Social Development.
Dlamini explained that the Department of Health does not have a budget to remove reported healthcare waste due to the precarious financial situation of the council and the non-ability of a tender.
“However, negotiations will be entered into with finance to safeguard human health,” he said.
Prince Molepo from the environmental health division has advised the matter is pending an investigation.

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