Innovating for sustainable and inclusive healthcare waste management: methods, technologies, and behavioural strategies

Healthcare Waste Management (HCWM) is a critical intersection of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, presenting significant challenges heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic and the global increase in healthcare services. While advancements have addressed HCWM's environmental and economic dimensions, its social implications and the integration of innovative solutions remain underexplored. This thesis investigates sustainable and inclusive approaches to HCWM, emphasizing methodological advancements, technological innovations, and behavioural strategies to address existing gaps. The first part of this research evaluates the limitations of social assessments in HCWM through a scoping review guided by Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA). Findings reveal uneven representation of critical social subcategories and highlight the need for frameworks that incorporate complementary methodologies and engage diverse stakeholders. The second part examines behavioural barriers to efficient waste management at UZ Leuven, Belgium. By introducing a digital nudging framework, the study explores how behavioural interventions can reduce sorting errors and operational inefficiencies in high-pressure healthcare environments. The third part investigates the potential of Frictional Heat Treatment (FHT), an innovative technology for managing Infectious Healthcare Waste. Using the CVORR framework, the research highlights FHT’s role in promoting sustainability, aligning with circular economy principles, and reducing reliance on traditional practices like incineration. Overall, this thesis provides actionable recommendations for healthcare facilities, policymakers, and waste management stakeholders to foster safer, more sustainable, and socially equitable HCWM practices.