Uncontainable Threat: Cases of Illegal Medical Waste Dumping Specific cases of illegal medical waste dumping in the 2020s include the following:
1. Improper Handling of Infectious Waste by a Waste Disposal Company (2024) In 2024, it was revealed that a waste disposal company had improperly handled infectious waste, such as placentas and blood, leaving it unattended for an extended period. The company had falsely reported that it had "processed" the waste, leading to direct questioning of its president.
2. Illegal dumping by an industrial waste collection and transport operator (2022) In 2022, an industrial waste collection and transport operator transported unauthorized industrial waste (sludge) and illegally dumped it in forested areas. This act violated the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act as an unauthorized change to the scope of business operations.
With the spread of COVID-19, the volume of medical waste has increased, demanding proper disposal. In particular, improper handling of infectious waste can increase infection risks and cause environmental pollution. Illegal dumping of medical waste is severely punished under the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act. Those who illegally dump waste may face up to five years imprisonment or a fine of up to 10 million yen.
It is crucial for medical institutions and disposal operators to thoroughly implement proper waste separation and disposal, and to select reliable disposal contractors. Furthermore, efforts must be made to prevent illegal dumping by appropriately managing and monitoring the disposal status of waste. Sources: - Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Environment - Illegal Dumping Cases https://www.kankyo.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/resource/industrial_waste/improper_handling/case
- Illegal Dumping of Infectious Medical Waste (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlMnS-xPBbM - Report on Proper Treatment of Infectious Medical Waste (ISAD) https://www.isad.or.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/no146_21p.pdf
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