An Insight into the Management of the Biomedical Waste Produced During a Pandemic Like Covid‐19

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented obstructions in managing biomedical waste (BMW), necessitating rapid and adaptable methods to limit environmental, public health, and occupational challenges. Moreover, due to the widespread utilization of disposable and personal protective equipment (PPE), treatment centers and hospitals generated considerable amounts of biomedical waste (BMW) from used gloves, surgical masks, disposable aprons, syringes, and other PPE items. The initial wave of this pandemic generated biomedical waste of 126 metric tons per day. The unexpected and unusual biomedical waste generated from the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns among environmentalists and the worldwide waste management sector, aggravating the already difficult problem of environmental pollution. To alleviate the panic, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued updated recommendations for the proper treatment and disposal of biomedical waste. This study proposes a thorough understanding of the biomedical waste management process during the global health crisis, illustrating the difficulties encountered, creative solutions used, and lessons learned. The analysis emphasizes that specific protocols and guidelines are needed to assure the safe handling, disposal, and separation of biomedical waste. This study explores various approaches to manage BMW during a pandemic, including legislative frameworks, legislative actions for COVID-19-based BMW, treatment and disposal facilities’ capacity to meet challenges in India. This study also emphasizes the sustainable and environmentally friendly methods for managing BMW.