Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study proposes a system for the disposal of in-home health-care-generated syringes. The number of people receiving in-home health care is increasing and syringes are frequently disposed of along with regular household solid waste. The number of risks associated with the unsafe disposal of this type of waste will, therefore, increase. However, a cradle-to-grave regulation of such small generators of medical waste is too costly. This study argues that a deposit-refund system could be a solution for the syringe-disposal problem. A deposit is added to the purchasing price of a new syringe and a refund is given when the used instrument is returned. I describe the implementation characteristics that such a system should have and discuss its advantages and disadvantages.
Key words:
Deposit-refund system; in-home health-care-generated waste; syringes
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