Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Reporter
The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has launched a full-scale investigation into the illegal dumping of medical waste at Bulawayo’s Richmond landfill site, also known as Ngozi Mine, following the discovery of medical waste during a recent monitoring inspection.
Inspectors observed traces of medical waste improperly disposed of at the site, raising concerns that some medical facilities are not adhering to regulations governing medical waste disposal. Items reportedly found include used HIV and syphilis testing kits, syringes containing unknown liquids, blood-stained cotton swabs, surgical gloves, contaminated protective gear, and expired drugs.
Waste pickers at the dumpsite confirmed frequently encountering medical waste while sorting through refuse. “When a truck with medical waste arrives, drivers tell us not to open the black bags, but not everyone follows that instruction,” said an elderly woman who declined to be named. Another female waste picker recounted an incident where she was accidentally pricked by a syringe.
EMA’s national spokesperson, Mrs Amkela Sidange, said the agency’s inspectors recently confirmed the presence of medical waste at the dumpsite, prompting the investigation. “Findings from a recent monitoring inspection confirmed traces of medical waste dumping, though the source is yet to be verified as investigations continue,” she said.
Mrs Sidange urged local authorities to ensure accountability for all waste disposed of at their landfills to guarantee safe disposal practices. She also called on medical facilities generating such waste to follow proper disposal protocols to protect both public health and the environment.
“The Cradle-to-Grave principle mandates that all medical waste generators, including healthcare facilities, are responsible for their waste from generation to final disposal, regardless of whether they contract third-party services for transportation and disposal,” Mrs Sidange explained.
Healthcare facilities are required to develop waste management plans that detail standard operating procedures for waste handling and disposal. According to the Public Health Act, medical waste is categorized into infectious waste, sharps, radioactive waste, and pharmaceuticals, each with prescribed disposal methods.
“Proper disposal typically involves incineration; however, alternative methods such as autoclaving or other sterilization techniques can be used before landfilling to minimize hazards,” she added.
Mrs Sidange emphasized that health institutions without incineration facilities must engage licensed refuse collection companies for medical waste disposal. She also highlighted the importance of record-keeping, stating that facilities should maintain logs tracking waste collection and retain receipts from disposal companies.
The EMA investigation aims to identify responsible parties and ensure compliance with environmental and public health regulations to prevent further illegal dumping of hazardous medical waste.
