Hospital Solid Waste: Sources, Risks, and the Path to Sustainable Management

The growth of healthcare services, population increase, and inadequate waste management systems have made hospital solid waste (HSW) a growing concern in developing nations. A considerable amount of hospital waste contains infectious, chemical, pharmacological, or radioactive agents that pose serious threats to human health and the environment, even though most of it is non-hazardous. Focusing on waste types, sources, associated risks, treatment methods, and current management practices, this analysis examines 2,350 scientific publications from 2000 to 2025. Morocco, which generates more than 22,000 tonnes of hospital waste each year, is used as a case study, revealing persistent issues such as inadequate segregation, insufficient training, and weak enforcement. The review also examines sustainable solutions, including improved regulation, source separation, advanced treatment methods, and circular economy approaches, to reduce health hazards and environmental impact.