Procedure for Bio-Medical Waste Management for Reporting & Maintenance

Shreya Jain

Shreya Jain

Published on: Dec 12, 2025

Deepti Mudgal

Updated on: Dec 12, 2025

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Introduction

Effective management of bio-medical waste is crucial for ensuring environmental safety and public health. The Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 as notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, lay down clear procedures and responsibilities for occupiers of health care facilities and operators of common bio-medical waste treatment facilities. Among these responsibilities are timely reporting, proper record-keeping and swift action in the event of accidents.

Applicability Provisions

1. Section 6, 8 and 25 of The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
2. Rule 13, 14 and 15 of The Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016

Mandatory Requirements

Healthcare facilities and bio-medical waste treatment operators shall submit annual reports, maintain records for five years and report accidents within 24 hours as per the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules. These requirements are mandatory and legally enforceable.

Procedure

1. Annual Reporting Procedure- To ensure transparency and monitoring, the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules mandate an annual reporting mechanism involving multiple stakeholders:
   • Occupiers and Operators: Occupier of a healthcare facility and Operator of a common bio-medical waste treatment facility is required to submit an Annual Report in Form-IV to the Prescribed Authority by 30th June each year.
   • Prescribed Authority: Upon receiving the reports, the prescribed authority shall compile, review, and analyse the data, and forward the consolidated report to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) by 31st July.
   • Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): The CPCB is responsible for compiling, reviewing, and analysing the nationwide data. The Board shall then submit this information, along with comments, suggestions or observations, to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change by 31st August.
   • Public Accessibility: The annual reports shall also be made available online on the official websites of the Occupiers, the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and the CPCB to ensure public access and transparency.
2. Maintenance of Records- Maintaining proper documentation is vital for regulatory compliance and audit purposes. The rules require:
   • Authorized Persons: Person authorized under the rules shall maintain detailed records related to the generation, collection, reception, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal of bio-medical waste.
   • Retention Period: These records shall be preserved for a minimum of five years.
   • Inspection: All such records are subject to inspection and verification by the prescribed authority or officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at any time.
3. Procedure for Accident Reporting- In the event of a Major Accident during the handling of bio-medical waste, the following steps are mandatory:
   • Immediate Intimation: The authorized person shall immediately inform the prescribed authority about the incident.
   • Formal Report Submission: A detailed written report in Form I, outlining the remedial actions taken, shall be submitted within 24 hours of the accident.