Waste Management
Waste Management Guide · February 2026
The GNA "Agia Sofia" is a tertiary hospital, the largest in the Balkans with 609 beds. Every day, it produces large quantities of waste of all categories. Their management is carried out according to the applicable legislation to ensure the protection of human health and the environment.
Waste Categories
Waste generated in the healthcare facility is separated into 3 main categories:
a) Municipal waste — waste similar to household waste.
b) Mixed hazardous waste (EAMM).
c) Other hazardous waste, purely toxic (AEA).
Waste Categories Diagram YM
Color-coded segregation at source
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), segregation at source is essential. The following color code is applied:
Black bags
Municipal and household-type waste
Yellow bags
Purely infectious waste
Red bags
Mixed hazardous and toxic waste
Green bags
Paper, plastic, etc.
Legislation & Responsibility
Legislation: JMD 146163/2012 – Law 4042/2012
As a waste producer, the Hospital is responsible for the management of hazardous waste, including sterilization and incineration. The total cost amounts to several thousand euros annually — a fact that makes it imperative to reduce costs through proper separation at the source of production.
Staffing Structure
According to the organizational structure of the Healthcare Facility Waste Management System, the structure includes:
- The Deputy Head of the Healthcare Facility
- The Healthcare Facility Waste Management Committee (EDAΥM)
- The Healthcare Facility Waste Management Officers (YDAYM)
- The Departmental Healthcare Facility Waste Management Officers (TYDAYM)