Pattern and Disposal of Biomedical Waste Generated by Households in Urban Nagpur: A Community-Based Assessment

Background: While hospitals are primary contributors of biomedical waste (BMW), home-based healthcare practices have increasingly become common these days, especially post-COVID, necessitating attention to household BMW management. This study was conducted to describe the biomedical waste pattern and disposal practices among urban households. Materials and Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in urban Nagpur, India in 2023-2024. A total of 240 households were sampled using cluster sampling, and one adult member from each household was interviewed. Data were collected on types of biomedical waste generated, disposal methods, and willingness to segregate and return waste to health centers. Results: Sanitary pads/menstrual hygiene materials (84.2%), expired medicines (81.7%), swabs and bandages (57.1%), and used razor blades (56.3%) were the most common BMW generated in households. Most households (76.7%) segregated wet and dry domestic waste but nobody segregated BMW. BMW was primarily disposed of through municipal waste collection (98.3%), with minimal use of precautions while handling sharps and poor personal protective equipment (PPE) usage by waste handlers. While 64.2% expressed willingness to segregate biomedical waste, only 29.2% were willing to return it to health centers. Conclusions: This study highlights the pattern of household biomedical waste and poor management practices, suggesting the need for improved awareness and enforcement of proper BMW management practices at a household level.