A survey on home generated medical waste in Mauritius

This study was carried out to evaluate home-generated medical waste in Mauritius. A questionnaire survey was undertaken among a random sample population in 250 houses in the nine districts of the island. Results of this study showed an overwhelmingly large proportion of medical waste arising from the domestic environment joins the common municipal solid waste stream and ends in landfills. This improper disposal process poses a serious health hazard to the general public, waste haulers and landfill personnel. It is therefore recommended that a national policy on medical waste management be urgently implemented, proper training of waste haulers be offered and education campaign be carried out to sensitize the general public on safe disposal of medical waste.