Aylin YALÇIN IRMAK, Aysun PERİM KETENCİLER, Meryem METİNOĞLU
Florence Nightingale Journal of Nursing - 2026;34(1):1-6
AIM: The aim of this study is to identify the types and disposal methods of household healthcare waste (HHW) in Türkiye. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out between December 15, 2023, and March 15, 2024. A structured survey was administered to 1243 patients or accompanying relatives who received outpatient care or were discharged from a tertiary healthcare institution in Türkiye, ensuring only one respondent per household. Descriptive statistical methods including frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and minimum-maximum values were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The most common pharmaceutical HHWs in the past year were: 89.1% tablets, 56.5% syrups, 52.5% ointments, and 33.6% drops. The most common infectious HHW was 25% blood-contaminated dressing waste. The most common sharps HHWs were 20.7% blood glucose measurement needles/kits, 19.4% syringes, and 11.3% broken light bulbs. 43.1% of participants reported disposing of infectious HHWs, 37% of sharps HHWs, and 67.6% of pharmaceutical HHWs in household waste. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight substantial gaps and challenges in HHW disposal practices in Türkiye. A significant proportion of HHWs is disposed of together with household waste, and most individuals lack adequate information regarding safe disposal methods. These results underscore the urgent need for legislative frameworks and public education initiatives to improve HHW management, protect public health, and promote environmental sustainability.
