Biomedical Waste Authorization: Step-by-Step Process, Rules, and Benefits for Healthcare Units in India

 In this blog, we’ll understand what biomedical waste is, why authorization is important, how healthcare units can get it, and what benefits it brings. We’ll also talk about wastewater testing services, e-waste export authorization, and even how to set up a biomedical waste recycling plant



When you visit a hospital, clinic, or laboratory, you might have noticed used syringes, cotton, gloves, and other medical waste being thrown into special colored bins.
But have you ever thought — what happens to that waste after it’s thrown away?

This is where Biomedical Waste Authorization comes in. It’s a rule that helps hospitals and healthcare units in India handle their medical waste safely and responsibly, without harming people or the environment.

What Is Biomedical Waste?

Biomedical waste means any waste that comes from hospitals, clinics, laboratories, or research centers while treating or testing humans or animals.

It includes:

  • Used syringes, needles, and bandages

  • Soiled dressings, gloves, and masks

  • Expired medicines

  • Animal body parts from labs

  • Wastewater from hospital cleaning and testing labs

If not treated properly, this waste can spread dangerous infections and pollute our air, water, and soil.

Why Biomedical Waste Authorization Is Important

The Indian government has strict rules for how biomedical waste should be handled. Every hospital, nursing home, blood bank, clinic, or veterinary center that produces medical waste must get permission — called Biomedical Waste Authorization — from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC).

This authorization ensures:

  • Waste is collected, transported, treated, and disposed of safely

  • Hospitals follow proper waste segregation methods (using color-coded bins)

  • The environment stays clean and healthy

  • Workers are protected from infections and injuries

Rules for Biomedical Waste Management in India

Biomedical waste is managed under the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 (amended in 2018 and 2019).
 These rules were made by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Here are the key points:

  1. Segregation at Source:
     Waste must be sorted into four color-coded bins — yellow, red, white, and blue — at the place where it’s generated.

  2. Barcoding and Tracking:
     Each waste bag or container must have a barcode so it can be tracked from source to disposal.

  3. No Mixing with Other Waste:
     Biomedical waste must never be mixed with general waste or e-waste.

  4. Treatment & Disposal:
     Waste should be treated using autoclaving, microwaving, or incineration before disposal.

  5. Annual Reports:
     Every healthcare unit must submit a yearly report to their SPCB.

  6. Record Keeping:
     All waste treatment and disposal records must be kept for at least five years.

Step-by-Step Process for Getting Biomedical Waste Authorization

Getting authorization may sound complicated, but it’s quite simple if done step by step. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Identify Your Healthcare Facility

Determine whether you are:

  • A hospital, nursing home, or clinic

  • A blood bank, diagnostic center, or laboratory

  • A veterinary or animal care center

  • A research or testing facility

If your facility generates biomedical waste, you need authorization.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

You’ll need the following documents:

  • Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate (from SPCB)

  • Details of the healthcare unit (address, capacity, waste generation)

  • Layout plan showing waste storage areas

  • Agreement with a Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facility (CBWTF)

  • Wastewater treatment details or wastewater testing reports

  • Proof of staff training in waste handling

Step 3: Apply Online to the State Pollution Control Board

Most states in India have an online portal for applying.
 For example, in Uttar Pradesh, you apply through the UPPCB portal, and in Maharashtra, through the MPCB portal.

You need to:

  • Create an account

  • Fill the Biomedical Waste Authorization Form

  • Upload all required documents

  • Pay the prescribed fee online

Step 4: Inspection by the SPCB

After submission, an officer from the SPCB may visit your facility to check:

  • Waste segregation and storage

  • Treatment or disposal methods

  • Wastewater discharge

  • Safety equipment and records

If everything is satisfactory, the officer will recommend granting authorization.

Step 5: Receive the Authorization Certificate

Once approved, you’ll get your Biomedical Waste Authorization Certificate.
 This certificate allows your healthcare unit to generate, store, and dispose of biomedical waste legally.

The authorization is valid for a certain period (usually 3–5 years), after which it must be renewed.

Benefits of Getting Biomedical Waste Authorization

Here’s why every healthcare facility should get it:

  1. Legal Compliance:
     It keeps you safe from fines and legal action by the pollution board.

  2. Safer Environment:
     Ensures waste is handled in an eco-friendly way.

  3. Improved Reputation:
     Patients trust healthcare units that follow green and safe practices.

  4. Worker Safety:
     Reduces chances of infections, injuries, or diseases.

  5. Supports Sustainable Growth:
     Helps build a cleaner, greener future by reducing pollution.

Setting Up a Biomedical Waste Recycling Plant

If you’re interested in running a recycling or treatment business, you can set up a Biomedical Waste Recycling Plant.

Here’s a simple outline:

  1. Get Necessary Authorizations:

    • Apply for Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO)

    • Obtain Biomedical Waste Authorization

    • Get approval from the local SPCB

  2. Choose a Suitable Land Area:

    • Away from residential zones

    • With proper drainage and power supply

  3. Install Equipment:

    • Autoclaves, shredders, incinerators, and chemical treatment units

  4. Hire Trained Staff:

    • Workers should know safe handling methods

  5. Perform Wastewater Testing:

    • Use professional wastewater testing services to check if your plant’s wastewater meets safety standards before releasing it into the environment.

  6. Maintain Records and Reports:

    • Submit annual performance reports to the SPCB

This plant not only helps manage medical waste but also supports the circular economy by recycling treated plastic and metal parts safely.

Connection with E-Waste Management

Hospitals and labs also generate electronic waste, like:

  • Broken monitors

  • Old computers

  • Medical equipment

For that, healthcare units need E-Waste Export Authorization if they plan to send old equipment to another country for recycling.

By managing both biomedical waste and e-waste, healthcare facilities can achieve total environmental compliance and contribute to India’s “Clean & Green Mission”.

Conclusion

Proper handling of biomedical waste isn’t just about following rules — it’s about protecting life.
 Every hospital, clinic, and lab must take responsibility to treat their waste the right way.

By getting Biomedical Waste Authorization, using wastewater testing services, and maybe even setting up a biomedical waste recycling plant, healthcare units can make India cleaner, safer, and healthier for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who needs Biomedical Waste Author

ization?Any healthcare facility that generates biomedical waste — like hospitals, clinics, blood banks, labs, or veterinary centers — must get authorization from their State Pollution Control Board.

2. How long does it take to get the authorization?

It usually takes 30–60 days after submitting all required documents and fees, depending on your state’s Pollution Control Board.

3. What happens if a hospital does not have authorization?

Operating without authorization is a violation of law. The SPCB can issue fines, suspend operations, or take legal action.

4. What is the role of Wastewater Testing Services?

Wastewater testing ensures that the water released from hospitals or recycling plants is safe and pollution-free.

5. Can small clinics also apply for Biomedical Waste Authorization?

Yes! Even small clinics or dental offices must apply if they generate any biomedical waste.

6. What is E-Waste Export Authorization?

This authorization allows businesses to export electronic waste safely for recycling or disposal abroad, following government rules.

7. How often should authorization be renewed?

Usually every 3–5 years, depending on the validity mentioned in your certificate.

Author Profile

Author: Upendra Sharma
Environmental Compliance Writer at Enterclimate India

Upendra is passionate about writing easy-to-understand articles on waste management, recycling, and green technology.
Through Enterclimate, he helps businesses and healthcare facilities get the right authorizations from Biomedical Waste Authorization to E-Waste Export Licenses — to promote a cleaner and sustainable India.

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