The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) cautioned hospitals and waste disposal companies to observe proper discarding of hospital wastes.
“Kapag positive, ‘yong itinapon natin na toxic or hazardous, ‘yong mga itinatapon na ‘yan, maari pong mailagay sa alanganin ang buhay ng ating mga garbage collectors (If it is positive that disposed wastes are toxic or hazardous, we may be putting the lives of garbage collectors in danger),” DENR USec. Benny Antiporda pointed out.
The warning from the environment department came after receiving reports that some establishments are just abandoning and burning used masks, personal protective equipment, and other contaminated waste.
The DENR said healthcare facilities are obliged to segregate their wastes through color coding and disinfect before and after dumping in sanitary landfills. Individuals and establishments caught violating environmental laws may face charges for violating the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. – Report from PTV News
