Resíduos sólidos e gestão sustentável em saúde

Abstract

The management of health care solid waste represents a critical challenge for public health and environmental preservation, considering the potential risk these wastes pose due to the presence of hazardous materials and pathogenic agents. This study aims to conduct a literature review on the management of health care solid waste, with the purpose of critically analyzing the main legal, operational, and environmental aspects involved in this process. Current regulatory instruments, the impacts caused by improper waste management, and best practices adopted in health institutions will be examined, seeking to understand how these elements align with the principles of sustainability and public health. Through a bibliographic review with a qualitative approach, covering publications from 2008 to 2021, studies obtained from databases such as SciELO, Google Scholar, CAPES, BVS, and institutional repositories of public universities were analyzed, ensuring breadth and reliability in source selection. The results indicate that, despite the advances brought by the National Policy on Solid Waste — such as encouraging waste reduction and promoting recycling — challenges persist related to implementation, oversight, and technical training. It is concluded that overcoming these barriers requires collaborative action between government, health institutions, the private sector, and civil society, as well as the continuous adoption of good practices and innovation in the management of health care waste.