During the COVID-19 outbreak in Hubei Province, People’s Republic of China (PRC), infectious medical waste increased by 600% from 40 tons per day to 240 tons per day. This quickly overwhelmed existing medical transport and disposal infrastructure around hospitals.

Other countries are likely to face similar challenges. It is critical that additional waste management systems are put in place to help reduce the further spread of COVID-19 and the emergence of other diseases.

To support its developing member countries, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has compiled the following list of considerations and recommendations, as well as useful reference documents to enable governments to rapidly respond to these unprecedented challenges.

For more information or specialized advice, please contact Stephen Peters.

Note: The mention of specific companies or of specific manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by ADB in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters.