Search Results (2)

Hazardous medical waste (HMW) presents significant environmental and public health challenges, particularly in the context of rising healthcare demands and the global push for sustainable resource management. This study investigates the evolution of HMW management through a bibliometric and thematic analysis of 1703 articles published between 2020 and 2025, retrieved from the Web of Science database. Using VOSviewer, co-occurrence mapping and term clustering reveal six major conceptual domains, including thermal treatment technologies, operational optimization, environmental indicators, and behavioral dimensions. This study adds value by applying a dual bibliometric–thematic lens to provide new insights into the operational, technological, and sustainability dimensions of HMW. The analysis identifies a gradual shift from traditional disposal methods to circular models focused on resource valorization through pyrolysis, gasification, and sterilization. Lean management principles—such as process efficiency, waste minimization, and the promotion of recovery and reuse—emerge as complementary to circular economy goals. Additional visualizations outline international collaboration trends, highlighting established research hubs and emerging contributors. The findings emphasize the role of data-driven decision tools, sustainability assessment methods, and cross-sectoral integration in enhancing medical waste systems. Full article

This study explores the progression of global healthcare and medical waste (HMW) disposal technologies and emerging practices in China including the COVID-19 pandemic period through patent technology innovation analysis. Trends were identified through both the Derwent Innovation Index database and bibliometric methods. Based on the bibliometric analysis of 4128 patents issued from 2002 to 2021, the development status and research trends of HMW disposal technology were revealed. Regarding patents, China significantly advanced post-2011. However, a large number of applications are filed only in China and are more focused on domestic rather than overseas markets. As the pandemic remains a threat, and increasing amounts of medical waste are generated, new technologies are being sought in China that will be safer for humans and the environment, and will also be in line with the zero waste technology trend. Incineration and waste crushing are core methodologies in medical waste disposal. Future directions pivot towards innovations in large-scale and distributed processing equipment, automation and unmanned systems and high-temperature steam disinfection collaborative disposal methods—including the “High temperature steam–municipal solid waste incineration collaborative technology” and the “High temperature steam–thermal magnetic gasification collaborative technology”. This patent analysis enhances our understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on HMW disposal practices, guiding improved policymaking and research in the HMW sector. Full article