| خلاصه مقاله | Hospital waste management is highly important and has received special attention from authorities and people. This study was conducted to investigate the management of hospital waste in general and specialized hospitals in Tabriz City, Iran. In this investigation, a questioner was used to collect information about the activities related to quantity and quality, separation, and treatment process of generated wastes. This study indicated that the total in-use beds in the studied hospitals was 3953 beds. The total amount of generated wastes in the hospitals was 13349.5 kg day-1. The quality of wastes categorized in general 10059 kg day-1 (75.35%) and medical waste 3290.5 kg day-1 (24.65%), respectively. Medical waste parts categorized in four parts of infectious (3002.50 kg day-1), sharp (171.80 kg day-1), chemical (63.15 kg day-1), and pathological (52.55 kg day-1). In general and specialized hospitals, 56% and 31% of the waste separation was at a good level, respectively. The results of the study showed that the chemical process (37.5%) was the most used treatment method of medical waste. Generally, the ratio of waste generation in general hospitals was more than specialized hospitals. Higher waste generation in general hospitals can be the result of more and diverse health services than specialized hospitals. Good separation between general and medical waste, proper health waste management, and training of staff for correct segregation of wastes can be led to a reduction of treatment charges. |