Medical wastes are defined to include all types of
wastes produced by health facilities such as general
hospitals, medical centres and dispensaries. Medical
wastes represent a small amount of total residues
generated in a community. However, such residues
can potentially transmit diseases and present an
additional risk to the staff of the healthcare facilities,
patients and the community when the wastes are not
managed properly (Baveja, et al, 2000; Silva, 2005).
Improper disposal of medical waste including open
dumping and uncontrolled burning for instance
increases the risk of spreading infections and of
exposure to toxic emissions from incomplete
combustions.