Pharmacy Students Gain Insight into Biomedical Waste Management at Fresh Air Waste Management Pvt. Ltd.

A group of pharmacy students visited Fresh Air Waste Management Pvt. Ltd. on an educational tour to deepen their understanding of biomedical waste management practices. The visit, which took place on 9th May 2025 at around 11:30 AM, began with a warm welcome by Mr. Niren Kalita, Manager – Factory Administration, who expressed his pleasure in hosting the aspiring pharmacy professionals. He emphasized the vital role of biomedical waste management in ensuring safety and sustainability in healthcare environments. The orientation session was followed by a comprehensive technical briefing led by Mr. Koushik Das, Chief Engineer of the facility. In an engaging and informative presentation, Mr. Das educated the students on various aspects of biomedical waste management, including:

• Types of Biomedical Waste: infectious, sharps, pathological, pharmaceutical, and more
• Waste Segregation Protocols: use of color-coded bins in line with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines
• Collection and Transportation: methods used to safely move waste
• Treatment Technologies: including autoclaving, incineration, shredding, and the operation of Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)
• Technological Integration: barcoding and GPS-enabled tracking for transparency and efficiency
• Safety Measures: adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols and regulatory compliance

The session fostered active participation from the students, who posed insightful questions and engaged in meaningful discussions about the challenges and innovations in handling biomedical and hazardous waste. Their enthusiasm reflected a growing awareness of the environmental responsibilities that accompany a career in healthcare. Following the technical session, a photo session was organized, capturing group moments with faculty members and facility staff. The cheerful gathering served as a memento of the enlightening experience.

The visit concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by the faculty coordinator, Mr. Peter De Roux Sumer, who commended the Fresh Air Waste Management team for their hospitality and for offering a real-world glimpse into the critical processes of waste management. The educational visit not only enhanced the students’ academic knowledge but also instilled in them a renewed sense of duty toward environmental hygiene and public health.