The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) has initiated an important new research project, State of Practice: Hospital, Medical & Infectious Waste (HMIW). Supported by the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), this study will provide critical updated insights into the environmental impacts of HMIW management practices under current U.S. regulatory standards.
Decades-old data from the 1970s to 1990s continues to shape discussions on HMIW, despite substantial updates in regulations, such as the EPA’s New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for medical waste incinerators. EREF’s research will seek to address this gap, evaluating emissions, waste generation trends, and the differences between on-site and off-site treatment.
Key objectives of this research include:
- Reviewing current scientific literature on HMIW emissions and operations.
- Updating data on HMIW generation, composition, and incineration.
- Assessing the effects of NSPS policy changes on emissions.
- Comparing environmental impacts of on-site vs. off-site treatment.
“Our goal is to deliver a clear, data-driven understanding of how modern HMIW practices impact the environment,” said Bryan Staley, EREF president & chief executive officer. “This research is vital to correct potential misconceptions resulting from outdated information and support informed decision-making in the healthcare and waste management industries.”
Published June 2025