Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the type of waste generation and the management of
waste in order to reduce pollution in the health care sector with special reference to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The
paper further aims to determine the relationship between top management and staff attitudes toward waste
management and to identify the level of technology used in medical waste management in various types of
health care organizations.
Design/methodology/approach – A survey questionnaire was developed using the designed conceptual
framework to achieve the objectives of the study.
Findings – The study identifies that, though governments provide legislations and regulatory support,
organizations of any size must have a positive attitude, awareness, capability and technology to initiate
improvements for waste management processes and be prepared to adapt to new trends. Developing positive
attitudes and improved knowledge on changes in waste management technology will assist in encouraging
organizations to invest in this area.
Research limitations/implications – The scope of this project is limited to private health care institutions
in the Colombo district in Sri Lanka from where data were gathered.
Originality/value – Health care center waste management is a relatively new discipline in the Sri Lankan
health sector. This study provides an opportunity for management to identify the level of waste generated by
health care institutions and the methods followed for the disposal of waste. Environmental groups can gain
benefit through this project, since they can identify whether the private institutes in the health care sector are
following world-accepted methods in disposing of waste.
