Bio-medical wastes are defined as any solid, fluid or liquid waste including its container and immediate products which are generated during the treatment of human beings, in research or in animal slaughter houses. These wastes are found around hospitals, clinics, veterinary facilities that dispose of wastes from human tissues to syringes etc.

These wastes are hazardous and must be managed in an environmentally sound manner involving the understanding of risks associated with their disposal, methods of storage, treatment etc. to avoid risk to human beings especially healthcare and sanitary workers.

Wastes being generated by the hospitals/nursing homes, can broadly be grouped into three categories i.e. (1) domestic wastes (2)hazardous wastes and (3)infectious wastes.

Domestic wastes generated are similar to the municipal/domestic solid waste generated and if properly segregated (without being contaminated) these can be collected, transported and disposed of along with the municipal solid wastes.

Hazardous wastes generated in hospitals primarily comprise discarded and off - specification chemicals and consummable, the packaging of the medicines and other such material which is hazardous.