Issues involved in hospital waste management--an experience from a large teaching institution.

Experience from a large teaching hospital regarding hospital waste management is presented. The quantum of hospital waste generated is 0.775 kg. per patient per day. Out of this biomedical waste constitute only 6.27 per cent. Though all resources have been provided, a large implementation gap for waste management is seen because of attitudinal problem. A particular difficulty is experienced for disposal of green coconut shells. Incineration has been advocated as a viable method of disposal. Cost of incineration is Rs. 2.71 per patient per day.