Proper Waste Disposal of Laboratory Wastes in Schools
Ariane Time
Discipline: Environmental Science
Abstract:
Laboratory waste management in higher
education institutions is pivotal for environmental sustainability
and public health. This systematic literature review aims to
assess the current practices of laboratory waste disposal in
colleges and universities, emphasizing the challenges, strategies,
and compliance with regulations. The study employs a
qualitative research approach, synthesizing literature and studies
on laboratory waste management from various databases.
Inclusion criteria focus on full-text articles published in English
within the past decade, indexed in reputable databases such as
Scopus or Web of Science, and conducted in colleges and
universities. Results and discussions reveal that educational
institutions implemented diverse practices and initiatives for
laboratory waste disposal. These include specific procedures for
biological waste decontamination, chemical waste identification,
radioactive waste storage, sharp waste segregation, and
multihazardous waste disposal. Moreover, the study identifies
common violations such as unlabeled chemical waste, improper
storage of incompatible chemicals, and inadequate training of
laboratory personnel. Further, the review underscores the
importance of effective waste management policies and
guidelines in higher education institutions to mitigate
environmental pollution and health risks. It highlights the need
for continued efforts in promoting awareness, training, and
compliance with regulations to ensure responsible laboratory
waste disposal practices. The findings contribute to the
development of action plans for enhancing waste management in
educational settings and serve as a reference for benchmarking
effective practices in laboratory waste disposal.
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