Biomedical waste is regulated by the Ministry of the Environment through the Environmental Protection Act. The C-4: Management of Biomedical Waste in Ontario guideline is followed by LHSC to ensure the proper management of biomedical waste.
Recycling is always the preferred method, but the unique hazards associated with biomedical waste (chemicals, biohazards, or other harmful substances) makes it difficult to recycle all materials. Biomedical waste requires special treatment and disposal to protect human health and the environment. However, we are constantly looking at ways to reduce our costs and find more sustainable methods of disposal.
In 2019, approximately 803 tonnes of biomedical waste was disposed of at LHSC, accounting for almost 17% of our waste.
