Bio-Medical Waste Recycling

Introduction

With increasing healthcare infrastructure, diagnostic centres, and private hospitals, India generates over 600 tonnes of bio-medical waste (BMW) every day. This waste includes infected syringes, body fluids, dressings, pharmaceutical residues, surgical instruments, expired medicines, and plastic disposables. If not treated properly, biomedical waste poses serious risks to public health and the environment.

To ensure safe handling and disposal, the Government of India has enforced the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, mandating scientific treatment of BMW through Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facilities (CBWTFs) and captive recycling plants. With support from the Ministry of Environment, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), setting up a Bio-Medical Waste Recycling Plant is not only a regulatory necessity but a lucrative business opportunity under India’s circular economy vision.

CERTILIZE offers complete consultancy for establishing bio-medical waste treatment facilities, including licensing, plant setup, equipment, EPR compliance, and operational guidance.

Required Licenses and Certifications

Operating a bio-medical waste recycling plant involves handling infectious, hazardous, and regulated waste streams. The following licenses are mandatory:

• Company Registration
  Proprietorship / Partnership / LLP / Pvt. Ltd.
• Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO)
  Under Water Act and Air Act, issued by SPCB
• Authorization under BMW Rules, 2016
  Includes operation permit for collection, storage, treatment, and disposal
• Environmental Clearance (if required)
  Especially for large CBWTFs (>200 beds served)
• Biomedical Waste Transport Permit
  For dedicated vehicles used in waste collection
• Fire & Safety NOC
  Due to incineration and sterilization units on site
• Factory License
  If powered machinery and workers are involved
• EIA/EMP Report
  Site-specific Environmental Management Plan
• GST Registration
• EPR Registration (for plastic component recycling)

CERTILIZE supports end-to-end documentation and coordination with pollution control departments.

Machinery – Name and Standard Cost

A Bio-Medical Waste Recycling Plant includes treatment, segregation, disinfection, and destruction equipment. Equipment must conform to CPCB emission and performance standards.

Total Estimated Setup Cost:

• Small plant (serving 100-200 beds): ₹60-₹80 Lakhs
• Medium CBWTF (500+ beds): ₹1.2 – ₹2 Crores

CERTILIZE supplies CPCB-approved equipment and also provides technology commissioning and AMC services.

Bio-Medical Waste Recycling Process

• Collection and Transportation
  Segregated waste from hospitals in color-coded containers
  Transported via GPS-enabled authorized vehicles

• Waste Weighing and Documentation
  Each batch logged via barcode/scanning system
• Autoclaving or Microwaving
  Yellow, red, and white category waste disinfected via heat/steam
• Shredding and Segregation
  Disinfected waste shredded; plastics sorted for recycling
• Incineration (Pathological Waste)
  Dual-chamber high-temperature unit for infected anatomical waste
• Effluent Treatment
  All wash water treated through ETP before discharge
• Plastic Waste for Recycling
  Treated red-category waste (syringe bodies, tubing, gloves) sent to plastic recyclers
• Ash Disposal
  Incinerator ash and rejects sent to TSDF

CERTILIZE provides SOPs, staff training, logbook templates, and audit readiness.

Market Overview

The Indian healthcare market is growing at 15% CAGR. With expansion of private hospitals, labs, and diagnostics, demand for CBWTFs is rising rapidly.

Market Stats:

• Over 2,00,000 healthcare facilities registered on CPCB BMW app
• CPCB mandates each facility to tie-up with CBWTF or captive plant
• Estimated market size: ₹1,200 Cr+ annually for BMW treatment

Potential Clients for Plant Owners:

• Government and private hospitals
• Pathology labs and diagnostic centres
• Dental clinics, veterinary hospitals
• Home healthcare service providers

Revenue Sources:

• Treatment charges (₹7-₹25/kg depending on waste type)
• Sale of disinfected plastic for recycling
• Ash disposal credits (co-processing)

EPR Benefits

Under the Plastic Waste Management and EPR Rules:

• Treated red-category plastic (like IV sets, syringes) can be sent to CPCB-registered plastic recyclers
• Plant operator may get EPR credits for:
  • Plastic processing
  • Producer tie-ups for healthcare consumables
• Opportunities to work with pharma or healthcare brands under CSR

CERTILIZE helps BMW recyclers:

• Register as EPR processors
• Partner with medical product manufacturers
• Access brand funding under CSR for safety and training

Why Choose CERTILIZE?

CERTILIZE has helped over 50+ bio-medical waste plants, including CBWTFs, captive healthcare units, and integrated waste facilities. We provide:

• Regulatory licensing and approvals
• Site layout, plant design, and machinery supply
• Manpower planning, SOPs, and compliance documents
• EPR/CSR integration with health brands
• Annual audit assistance

We work across India including states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and West Bengal.

Partner with CERTILIZE for a Safe & Sustainable Healthcare Ecosystem

Be part of India’s green healthcare transformation. Launch your bio-medical waste treatment and recycling facility with full legal and operational support from CERTILIZE.