TURA: The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) has directed all healthcare facilities including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and others to strictly follow the norms and standards as laid down in the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, while disposing of biomedical waste, including those related to COVID-19.
Further, the Board has also exhorted the general public to adhere to the environmentally sound management of used masks, gloves and PPE in accordance with the ‘Guidelines for Handling, Treatment and Disposal of Waste Generated during Treatment/Diagnosis/ Quarantine of COVID-19 Patients-Revision-4’ issued by the Central Pollution Control Board.
“Waste masks and gloves in general households should be kept in paper bag for a minimum of 72 hours prior to disposal of the same as dry general solid waste after cutting the same to prevent reuse,” the order stated.
Discarded PPE from general public at commercial establishments, shopping malls, institutions and offices should be stored in a separate bin for three days and thereafter, disposed of as dry general solid waste after cutting or shredding, it added.
With regard to used masks by visitors to crematorium or graveyards including the crematorium staff, the order said such waste should be collected in separate bins and stored for 71 hours prior to disposal as dry general solid waste through local bodies.
