About the Project
Towards a Cleaner, Safer, and More Sustainable Healthcare Waste Management.
Background
The healthcare sector is growing at a very rapid pace, resulting in a tremendous increase in the quantity of healthcare waste generated. Managing these wastes across the country is an enormous challenge due to insufficient waste infrastructure, improper disposal methods, and policy gaps, issues that were further exposed and exacerbated by the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the World Health Organization, of the total amount of waste generated by healthcare activities, about 85% is general, non-hazardous waste comparable to domestic waste. The remaining 15% is considered hazardous material that may be infectious, chemical, or radioactive. Open burning of healthcare wastes under certain conditions may result in the emission of dioxins, furans, and particulate matter. As such, improper or poor management of healthcare wastes may expose healthcare waste management workers and personnel, patients, and communities to health risks, and may also threaten environmental quality through contamination.
Healthcare waste also includes mercury-added products (MAPs), such as mercury-containing medical measuring devices (MCMMDs) like thermometers and sphygmomanometers, as well as fluorescent bulbs and dental amalgams. Although the use of MCMMDs and other MAPs has already been phased out, many hospitals continue to hold stockpiles of undisposed toxic mercury waste due to the lack of dedicated disposal facilities in the country.
The Philippines has to address a number of root causes and barriers to ensure that healthcare waste is managed in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner, and that systems are resilient and prepared for future pandemics.
The Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Wastes Management Project
The Philippine Healthcare and Mercury Wastes Management Project aims to improve healthcare waste systems in the country, with a special focus on reducing releases and emissions of unintentionally produced persistent organic pollutants, such as dioxins and furans, and ensuring the safe and proper disposal of mercury from healthcare facilities.
To achieve its goal, the project will undertake policy development initiatives to strengthen regulations and standards. It will identify and recommend environmentally sound technologies and practices for healthcare waste treatment, storage, and disposal, promote waste minimization strategies such as the use of reusable personal protective equipment (PPE), and strengthen capacities while raising public awareness.
Officially launched in December 2023, the project represents a strong partnership between United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Philippine government, led by the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. With funding support from the Global Environment Facility(GEF), this initiative advances the shared commitment of developing countries to address pressing environmental challenges, aligning with global efforts to protect public health and the environment while promoting responsible and sustainable practices. The project is executed by the environmental civil society organization BAN Toxics.
Funded by:
Led by:
In partnership with
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a family of funds dedicated to addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and pressures on land and ocean health. Through grants, blended financing, and policy support, it assists developing countries in tackling their most pressing environmental priorities and in meeting their commitments under international environmental conventions. The GEF has provided USD 4.8 million to support the implementation of this project.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations with a unique mandate to promote, dynamize, and accelerate industrial development. As the project lead, it provides guidance and technical support for the effective promotion of Best Available Techniques (BATs) and Best Environmental Practices (BEPs) in the implementation of the project.
The Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-EMB) is the national government’s driving force in implementing an integrated and sustainable program of environmental governance to ensure the effective and efficient protection, conservation, and management of the country’s environment. As the project’s national implementing agency, DENR-EMB serves as the main government focal point and coordinating entity for the project.
BAN Toxics is a non-government, non-profit organization committed to advancing environmental justice by promoting the sound management of chemicals and waste. BAN Toxics serves as the project’s executing partner, supporting overall project implementation and leading policy development, community-based interventions, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building activities.
Development Strategy
Policy Development & Assessment
Conduct of comprehensive research and policy gap analysis to develop evidence-based frameworks for effective healthcare waste management.
Technology Transfer & Investment
Modernizing healthcare waste management through green financing facilitation, technical expertise provision, and environmentally-sound technology transfers and upgrades.
Advocacy & Movement Building
Building multi-stakeholder partnerships and conducting awareness-raising activities to foster cooperation between government and private agencies in project implementation.
Education & Training
Knowledge Management and the development of training and education materials based on the needs of stakeholders and current best available practices.
Community Development
Targeted capacity-building initiatives for key stakeholders, including healthcare workers, small manufacturers and women’s groups involved in the production of reusable PPEs, and TSD facilities. Community development efforts focusing on community organizing and the establishment of formal partnerships.