Covid waste a big strain

COVID-19 has created a medical waste problem that is putting tremendous strain on healthcare waste management systems around the world, according to a new World Health Organisation report.

The eight billion doses of Covid vaccines have produced 144,000 tonnes of additional waste in the form of syringes, needles and safety boxes.

Add to that the estimated 87,000 tonnes of personal protective equipment (PPE) that was bought over 18 months, most of which is expected to have ended up as waste.