Improper Handling of Infectious Waste - Yokohama City, May 2002 While construction of a new infectious waste recycling plant is underway in Yokohama City, the reality that existing waste incineration is not being carried out appropriately has come to light. In particular, infectious waste discharged from medical institutions contains not only pathogens and viruses but also harmful substances such as dioxins, lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg). Improper incineration and illegal dumping of this waste are causing serious air and soil pollution.

Improper Handling of Infectious Waste - Yokohama City, May 2002 While construction of a new infectious waste recycling plant is underway in Yokohama City, the reality that existing waste incineration is not being carried out appropriately has come to light. In particular, infectious waste discharged from medical institutions contains not only pathogens and viruses but also harmful substances such as dioxins, lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg). Improper incineration and illegal dumping of this waste are causing serious air and soil pollution.

For example, it was discovered that some treatment operators were incinerating waste at temperatures below the standard 800°C, a factor that increases the risk of dioxin generation. Proper treatment requires incineration at a minimum of 1200°C, yet low-temperature incineration is frequently chosen to cut costs.

Furthermore, investigations revealed that approximately 500 tons of untreated infectious waste per year is being illegally dumped at nearby industrial waste disposal sites by operators who improperly handled such waste. Such actions pose a serious environmental risk throughout Kanagawa Prefecture and raise significant concerns about adverse impacts on public health.

To address this, Yokohama City is advancing the establishment of a recycling plant equipped with advanced incineration technology capable of burning at temperatures exceeding 1200°C, in cooperation with Hitachi Medical Corporation, a medical equipment manufacturer. This plant will have an annual processing capacity of 800 tons and aims to properly manage and process infectious waste from the surrounding areas.