In the present study health care waste (HCW) management of 25 teaching and research laboratories of the Centro de Ensino em Saúde (CES) (Health Education Center) in a public university located in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil was qualitative and quantitatively assessed. They generate an average of 155.9 kilograms of HCW per week, with generation rates of 0.29 kg.research-1.day-1 and 0.11 kg.class-1.day-1; for research and teaching activities respectively. A preliminary risk analysis showed that the chemical and biological risks present in the institution expand beyond the limits of its premises, impacting, directly or indirectly, the surrounding community and environment. Many of the laboratories fit into the highest risk category, the most critical ones being those of Pathology, Histology, Human Anatomy, and Veterinary Anatomy.
health care waste; risks; educational institution; environment; public health