This is a descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to describe the current hazardous waste management (HWM) practices of five hospitals in Basilan Province, specifically the policies implemented, methods of segregation, on-site disposal, storage, treatment and final disposal of the wastes. Data gathering was done through document review, an interview utilizing a researcher-administered questionnaire, and direct observations to confirm claimed versus actual practices. The respondents for the survey were waste management committee officers and orderlies/institutional workers while observations were done on staffs and IW’s working in the ER/OPD, OR/DR, clinical laboratory, pharmacy and waste handlers doing external transport and off-site disposal. The results showed that three hospitals comply with the permitting process required of healthcare facilities (HCFs) and only two have a HWM plan. Training of key staffs was done on one hospital. Segregation practices are done (68%) through color-coding scheme (88%) but segregation is not completely implemented in terms of segregation schemes, containers, and waste categories. Sharps have separate containers but are not puncture-resistant (64%). Frequency of collection is done on a regular basis and IWs wear PPEs (88%). Hazardous wastes disposed on-site are the sharps (88%), pharmaceutical waste (92%), and chemical waste (100%). The majority of pathological waste is disposed off-site (80%). On-site disposal are primarily by septic/concrete vault disposal (88%) and 20% treat their wastewater in their own sewage treatment plant (STP). On-site treatment is done by autoclave (88%) and chemical disinfection (100%). Hazardous waste handling off-site and disposal does not follow recommended guidelines by DOH. This study concludes that all hospitals do not consistently and thoroughly follow most of the recommended practices on hazardous waste management. It is recommended that hospitals should have a comprehensive HWMP that is implemented, monitored, and evaluated on a regular basis. The local government should also implement sanitary practices on hazardous waste transport and final disposal. A landfill should be in place for waste disposal off-site.

Keyword: Hospital hazardous waste management