Tackling Environmental Impact: A New Support Tool for Sustainable Healthcare Waste Management

This study proposes a novel framework integrating Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) and Material Flow Analysis (MFA) within the Deming Cycle framework to address this gap. While valuable tools, ERA and MFA offer limited perspectives on environmental impact when used alone. The framework aims to provide policymakers and decision-makers with insights into developing sustainable waste management strategies. By combining ERA and MFA, this research offers a comprehensive approach to evaluate the environmental impacts of healthcare waste, identify potential risks, and optimize waste management practices. A case study of an Italian private healthcare clinic is conducted to demonstrate the practical application of the proposed framework. Through a SWOT analysis, the benefits and challenges of integrating ERA and MFA in healthcare waste management are revealed, providing guidance for future research and implementation efforts.