Which approach is associated with treating and disposing of waste at the end of the waste management process?

The End of Pipe Approach specifically focuses on handling waste at the culmination of the waste management process. This approach emphasizes the treatment and disposal stages, meaning that it deals with the waste after it has been generated and collected. It involves technologies and methods designed to treat waste—including physical, chemical, or biological processes—before it is finally disposed of in landfills or through incineration.

Understanding this approach is crucial in the context of healthcare waste management because it highlights the need for effective methods to manage waste that has already been created rather than preventing it from being generated in the first place. This contrasts with other approaches that aim to minimize waste before it occurs, such as prevention and reduction strategies, or even resources that focus on recycling and recovery efforts that utilize waste as a resource.

In the context of healthcare, the End of Pipe Approach becomes particularly important as it ensures that any hazardous waste generated is treated adequately to protect public health and the environment before final disposal. This is especially critical in healthcare settings where waste may contain pathogens, chemicals, or other hazardous materials that require specialized handling.