Comparing and Prioritizing Different Methods of Collection and Decontamination of Waste in Decentralized Healthcare Centers

Background: One of the most critical problems in the safe management of healthcare wastes is using different methods in decentralized centers in Iran. This study aimed to compare and prioritize different methods of collection and decontamination of healthcare waste in decentralized health centers in Iran. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical research, we studied various methods of collecting and decontaminating the healthcare waste of decentralized healthcare centers in Iran in terms of administrative, health, economic and environmental. Also, the opinions and the preferences of experts for selecting each method were collected and analyzed. Results: According to environmental health experts, health issues had the highest priority for decontamination of waste from decentralized health centers. Waste collection by special vehicles with the help of the private sector and transfer to centralized disinfection centers is the best method of collecting waste (33%). Also, decontamination by autoclave was the most desirable method (56%) of decontamination. According to the experts’ opinions, landfilling is the most harmful, and autoclave/hydroclave is the least harmful method to the climate and soil. Based on the environmental health experts, the health aspect was the most important priority in waste management of decentralized healthcare centers (54%). Conclusion: The most appropriate way to decontaminate this type of waste is autoclaving after collection at a centralized location. It is suggested that further studies be conducted on modern collection and disinfection systems along with localization and determination of workplace health policies.