Integration of Circular Economy Principles in Biomedical Waste Management: A Sustainable Solution Approach

DOI: https://doie.org/10.10399/APER.2025864403

Authors:

Anindya Prosad Konar , Prof. (Dr.) Kavita Solanki

Keywords:

Circular economy, Biomedical waste management, Sustainability, Healthcare waste, Resource recovery, Environmental protection, SDG 12, Waste recycling, Green healthcare.

Abstract:

The integration of circular economy principles into biomedical waste management represents a transformative approach to addressing one of healthcare's most pressing environmental challenges. Current biomedical waste management practices, predominantly following linear "take-make-dispose" models, contribute significantly to environmental degradation and resource depletion. This research examines how circular economy frameworks, particularly the comprehensive 9R strategy encompassing reduce, reuse, recycle, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose, recover, and regenerate, can revolutionize biomedical waste handling. The analysis reveals that approximately 25% of biomedical waste consists of recyclable plastics, presenting substantial opportunities for resource recovery and environmental impact reduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the urgency of sustainable waste management solutions, with healthcare waste generation increasing dramatically worldwide. Through systematic examination of current practices, technological innovations, policy frameworks, and implementation barriers, the researchers have tried to demonstrate that circular economy principles can create economically viable and environmentally sustainable biomedical waste management systems while supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production.

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