Infectious Waste Research Articles

Hand hygiene and biomedical waste management among medical students: a quasi-experimental study evaluating two training methods

BackgroundSeveral studies revealed that medical students have low performance levels of hand hygiene (HH) and biomedical waste management (BMWM). However, there have been limited interventions directed at young students targeting HH and BMWM enhancement. Given these data, we aimed at assessing HH and BMWM among medical students after two training methods.MethodsWe performed a quasi-experimental study from September 2021 to May 2022, which included fifth-year medical students enrolled in the faculty of Medicine of Monastir (Tunisia). We relied on a conventional training based on presentations and simulations guided by the teacher and a student-centred training method based on courses and simulated exercises prepared by students. We used the WHO HH Knowledge Questionnaire and the “BMWM audit” validated by The Nosocomial Infection Control Committee in France.ResultsA total of 203 medical students were included (105 in the control group and 98 in the experimental group) with a mean age of 23 ± 0.7 years. Regarding HH, we found a statistically significant increase in post-test scores for both training methods. A higher post-test mean score was noted for student-centred method (14.1 ± 1.9 vs. 13.9 ± 2.3). The overall improvement in good HH knowledge rates was greater after student-centred method compared to conventional training (40.5% vs. 25%). Concerning infectious waste, mean scores were higher after student-centred learning in all hazardous waste management steps (25 ± 3.3 vs. 23.6 ± 5.5).ResultsCoupling student-centred teaching and continuous supervision could improve HH and BMWM knowledge and practices among medical students.

Patterns of COVID-19 induced bio-medical waste management in Bangladesh: a case study of Chittagong port city

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate effective waste management practices and develop environment-friendly public health guidelines for the target audience. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 14 Upazilas of Chittagong Districts, where 200 community members were physically interviewed during the pandemic. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistical analyses were conducted. Results: The majority of respondents followed government guidelines for waste management, and plastic containers, poly bags, bio-hazard bags, and metal containers were commonly used to collect waste. The type of container used was significantly associated with the level of education among community members. Non-environmental materials were used to deposit and dispose of COVID-19-induced biomedical waste. The majority of respondents had poor practices regarding the disposal of biomedical waste and were unaware of the standard duration for the disposal of infectious waste. The level of education was associated with awareness of COVID-19 rules and regulations. The recording of COVID-19-induced biomedical waste was insufficient, and the most commonly used methods for treating biomedical waste were biological, thermal, and irradiation. Plastic containers were the most frequently used disposal method for waste during COVID-19, which is hazardous to both the environment and public health. Conclusions: Community-based BCC activities by engaging community stakeholders in disseminating and raising awareness of key behaviors related to the environment and public health that are impacted by the biomedical waste in the community setting.

Gambaran Pengelolaan Limbah Medis Padat pada Klinik Bidan Praktik Mandiri di Kecamatan Lempuing Kabupaten Ogan Komering Ilir Tahun 2023

WHO said that in 2010, unsafe injections still caused as many as 33,800 new HIV infections, 1.7 million hepatitis B infections, and 315,000 hepatitis C infections. Independent Practice Midwife Clinics are one source of solid medical waste generation. Knowledge of solid medical waste management at independent practicing midwife clinics in Lempuing District, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency in 2023. Research This type of research is descriptive research. This research was conducted in March-May 2023. The population in this study were all 38 independent practicing midwife clinics. The sample is total sampling, namely all independent practicing midwife clinics. The data collection tool is a checklist sheet. Variable sorting, container, storage, and transportation. Data analysis using Univariate Analysis. Sorting 38 (100%) fulfilled the requirements, containers for labeling infectious waste 8 (22%) and pharmaceutical 13 (44%), container grouping for infectious 15 (40%) and pharmaceutical 30 (70%) did not meet the requirements. Storage contained 23 (59%) separate rooms, 8 (21%) covered packaging, and 20 (53%) identity labeled packaging did not meet the requirements. Transportation 11 (29%) did not carry out transportation. by concluding that 38 (100%) have done proper sorting, for containers that have not been labeled infectious waste 8 (22%) and pharmaceutical 13 (44%), there is no separate storage room 23 (59%), there is the packaging does not have a cover 8 (21%), the packaging does not have an identity label 20 (53%). Transportation 11 (29%) did not carry out the transportation be consistent in carrying out proper sorting, more complete facilities, especially in terms of container and storage, and know how to process and transport medical waste properly and correctly.

Management of face masks driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, possible implications and proposed policies: A household perspective

Poor management of infectious waste in households poses severe health and environmental threats. This study was conducted in the Kassena-Nankana East Municipality of Ghana to assess the management of waste face masks/PPEs used in the prevention of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic at the household level. Information was elicited from 150 households and two (2) institutions in charge of waste management to elicit information on the generation, management practices, and challenges in handling waste face masks/PPEs in the area. The study estimates that about 107,322 face masks are used daily in the area. Also, the rate of awareness of COVID-19 was strongly related (p = 0.002) to the generated volume of PPEs wasted. The need for face masks/PPEs as protection against COVID-19 largely influenced the rate of PPE waste generation (p = 0.005). However, the study found that 56% of households faced challenges in handling waste PPEs. Among them, 47% burned PPEs separately, 16% burned them with regular waste, and 27% discarded them with household waste. Improved waste management practices are needed to address these issues. Although there was no significant statistical association between age, gender, or occupation and awareness of face masks, there were some observed differences in awareness levels. The odds of respondents aged 18–25 being aware of face masks were 1.273 times greater than those aged 35 and older, while the odds of respondents aged 26–34 being aware of face masks were 2.181 times greater than those aged 35 and older. However, these differences may not be statistically significant. It is recommended that enhancing waste management procedures and educating people on the proper disposal of waste PPEs will be effective in the management of waste PPEs.

The Study on Hospital Waste Management Practices among the Different Hospitals of Bheemdatta Municipality of Kanchanpur District, Far-western Region, Nepal

Background: Hospital waste refers to the wastes generated by healthcare facilities, from their departments like laboratories, pathology, nursing, surgical, mortuary & autopsy & various other units in either solid or liquid form which can be either general non-hazardous waste, hazardous waste, infectious waste toxic or radioactive waste. The proper management of healthcare waste is essential to prevent from the adverse outcomes that the improper waste can cause to deteriorate the health of human beings, animals, hospital patients etc. It also forbids the possibility of infectious disease spreading, & greatly reduces the risk to public health. Hospital wastes are dangerous for each & every life in the earth thus, they need to be managed safely with proper plan, policy that helps to make environment hygienic, infection free & clean. Objectives: The overall objective of this study is to identify the hospital waste management practices among the different hospitals. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted in the hospitals of Bheem dutta municipality of Kanchanpur district where the convenience hospital staffs were selected & used to collect the data. The total sample size of 81 is taken which by using non-probability convenience sampling by considering limited time, resources & accessibility. Structured questionnaire was used as a major tool for this study. Result: According to the data analyzed, it is found that all the hospitals have proper HCW management plan & each of them follows it too but, only 66.7 percentages are following 3R technique, 71.6 percentages of staffs are satisfied with the waste management in the hospitals, 70 percentages have awareness regarding the nature & risk of the waste they handle daily, and only 56.8 percentages of the hospitals are following the WHO recommendation in waste management. Conclusion: Although having a proper HCW management plan by a hospital is not being sufficient for waste management in a hospital because of lack of strict adherence to the rules, no strict policies from the municipality & government, lack of ample fund with the hospitals & lack of proper knowledge on safe handling of wastes along with lack of awareness on staff about the consequences of improper waste handling it is becoming a crucial for the hospitals to manage the wastes properly.

Investigation of Microbial Biofilms during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Bibliometric Analysis

Background: The Corona pandemic caused by the COVID-19 disease has become a trending topic in recent years. Moreover, microbial biofilms have received a lot of attention due to the problems they cause in industry and medicine. Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the published documents concerning the Corona pandemic and microbial biofilms. Methods: Document review was performed in Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and PubMed databases; then, due to the publication of more documents in the Scopus database, information from this database was used for bibliographic analysis by VOSviewer and Rstudio. Results: The obtained results showed that the process of publishing documents increased during 2005-2022, and the type of documents mostly were articles (49%) and reviews (38%). Most published cases were in the field of medicine, immunology, and microbiology. Conclusion: Studies can be examined from three medical, environmental, and engineering perspectives. The structure and composition of biofilm, the interaction of microorganisms in biofilm, the investigation of the dental biofilm infection in the infected people and waste systems, as well as the use of engineered biofilms for virus isolation are among the recommended topics for further research.

Current status of biomedical waste management practices and barriers among private Jordanian dental clinics: A cross-sectional investigation of the capital Amman.

Biomedical waste management (BMWM) is vital in facilitating safe providing of healthcare. Developing countries suffer from the impact of mishandled biomedical waste (BMW) on the general public in addition to healthcare practitioners. Thus, this study aims to investigate the awareness and compliance of dental facilities to BMW regulations. Through a questionnaire designed as per the WHO guidelines on BMWM, we randomly recruited a total of 421 dental facilities representative of Jordan's capital. Mean BMWM practice scores were relatively high for the studied sample (0.748 ± 0.12). Nonetheless, while collection, transportation and storage standards were acceptable, those pertaining to segregation and disposal demonstrated lack of compliance to BMWM safety measures. An alarming number of participants dispose of infectious waste (40%), extracted teeth (48.5%), expired pharmaceuticals (44.4%), liquid chemicals (53.2%), X-ray films (35.0%) and solutions (48.7%) in the general trash or draining system. Such is attributed to either lack of resources, lack of proper equipment or poor awareness with BMWM guidelines. Moreover, it appears that location of the clinic (p < 0.001), occupation (p = 0.026) and presence of regulatory instructions (p = 0.048) were associated with higher BMWM scores. Overall, dental practitioners require proper training in terms of handling hazardous dental, chemical and radioactive wastes. Moreover, regulatory bodies should actively enforce regulations and monitoring, update current compliance legislations and subsidize eco-friendly practices.

Waste from health services generated during the COVID-19 pandemic at the University Hospital

The objective of this study was to evaluate the generation of waste at Alcides Carneiro University Hospital (HUAC) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Campina Grande, PB. The data were collected through field observation, photographic recording, database records from the hospital, and documentary analysis of the existing Healthcare Waste Management Plan in the institution, between the years 2019 and 2020. It was found that the year 2019 had the highest annual waste generation quantity (approximately 233 tons) compared to the years 2020 and 2021. There was an increase in the generation of infectious waste in the year 2021, possibly associated with the treatment of COVID-19 infected patients. During the pandemic period, there was a decrease in the total quantification of waste generated at HUAC, possibly due to the suspension of several other services during the pandemic, reflecting the unpreparedness of institutions to cope with the high demand of infected patients.

Programmable-Modulated Ultrasonic Transducer Array for Contactless Detection of Viral RNAs.

The current polymerase chain reactions-based nucleic acid tests for large-scale infectious disease diagnosis are always lab-dependent and generate large amounts of highly infectious plastic waste. Direct non-linear acoustic driven of microdroplets provide an ideal platform for contactless spatial and temporal manipulation of liquid samples. Here, a strategy to programmable-manipulate microdroplets using potential pressure well for contactless trace detection is conceptualized and designed. On such contactless modulation platform, up to seventy-two piezoelectric transducers are precisely self-focusing single-axis arranged and controlled, which can generate dynamic pressure nodes for effectively contact-free manipulating microdroplets without vessel contamination. In addition, the patterned microdroplet array can act as contactless microreactor and allow multiple trace samples (1-5µL) biochemical analysis, and the ultrasonic vortex can also accelerate non-equilibrium chemical reactions such as recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). The results of fluorescence detection indicated that such programmable modulated microdroplet achieved contactless trace nucleic acid detection with a sensitivity of 0.21copyµL-1 in only 6-14min, which is 30.3-43.3% shorter than the conventional RPA approach. Such a programmable containerless microdroplet platform can be used for toxic, hazardous, or infectious samples sensing, opening up new avenues for developing future fully automated detection systems.

Infectious healthcare waste management among private dental practitioners in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, Morocco: A cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

The increase in dental healthcare facilities and the use of single-use equipment have increased the production of healthcare waste. Their mismanagement exposes healthcare workers, waste managers, and the population to an infectious risk and negatively impacts the environment. Therefore, a correct management procedure has to be adopted from separation through storage to disposal. This study aimed to investigate dentists' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding managing infectious healthcare waste in private dental offices. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 2020 and March 2021 among private dentists registered at the Moroccan National Council of Dentists in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region. A questionnaire was developed to assess waste management in dental offices. Of the 500 questionnaires distributed, 190 completed and exploitable questionnaires were collected. Only 27.3% of healthcare waste managers in dental practices received training, 21,5% of practitioners assimilated the used gloves into household waste, 71.5% disposed of the waste generated by their offices directly into public bins, and 86.4% were unaware of Moroccan law 28-00 on waste management and disposal. This study highlights dentists' apparent lack of knowledge regarding healthcare waste management, and significant gaps were identified between actual practices and recommended regulations. To address these issues, developing a comprehensive medical waste management plan is crucial to encourage the practical cooperation of all stakeholders in this sector.

Management of Hazardous and Toxic Waste (B3) at Puskesmas in Jember District

Puskesmas X serves various programs such as health check-ups, outpatient care, inpatient care, emergency room services, and so on. The purpose of this research is to determine the type of B3 waste, the amount of B3 waste heap, the B3 waste treatment system, and also the impact that will be caused by poor B3 waste management. The type of study in this research is descriptive observational. This activity was carried out on February 14 to March 31, 2022. The data sources in this study were obtained from 4 (four) ways, namely by observation, interviews, weighing and documentation. The results of this study indicate that the types of waste (B3) in Puskesmas X are used syringes, expired syringes, expired drugs, soft infectious waste (used gloves, cotton, bandages, tissue, masks, used drug packaging, and used injection packaging), and infusion bottles. Sources of B3 waste come from service units such as the emergency room, immunization room, general treatment room, inpatient room, MCH room, laboratory room, delivery room, and dental and oral service room. The largest solid medical waste producer at Puskesmas X was from the delivery room unit with an average daily weight of 0.458 Kg and the laboratory room with an average daily weight of 0.299 Kg. B3 waste management in Puskesmas X is by collaborating with PT Sagraha Satya Sawahita and PT. International Wastec. Poor management of medical waste can lead to health hazards such as infection, hepatitis, HIV and Aids, respiratory or skin diseases, cancer, damage to offspring, and death.

Improving the hospital waste management at the Farabi hospital in Malekan -Iran: An action research study

Hospital waste poses numerous concerns for both human health and the environment. Using an action research technique, this study attempts to improve waste management at the Farabi Hospital in Malekan city-Iran. In 2020, integrated (quantitative-qualitative) action research was done. For action research, the Simmons model was employed. First, a list of significant issues was found during the waste management process evaluation using a standard checklist and brainstorming with hospital officials and workers. The identified issues were prioritized using a prioritization matrix. Then, after consulting with hospital officials, 11 interventions were designed and implemented over six months. Finally, waste management performance was re-evaluated. Average knowledge of the participants about hospital waste management (HWM) standards was improved significantly (64 ± 13.8 before the training, 84.6 ± 20.6). General waste production was reduced by 27.7% in terms of garbage bags and 23.4% in terms of waste weight (95.5 kg–73.1 kg), respectively. Infectious waste output was reduced by 22.8% in the number of garbage bags and 32.1% in the weight of waste (57.5 kg–39 kg). The rate of compliance with HWM criteria was improved from 10 to 33 items. Although the interventions in this study improved the HWM to an acceptable level, more interventions and ongoing monitoring are required. The study's findings also show that an action research strategy might address a wide range of issues and weaknesses in hospitals and related facilities.

Sosialisasi Pengelolaan Limbah Medis Bahan Berbahaya dan Beracun Padat di Fasyankes

Medical waste that is not managed properly will cause the potential for medical was to pollute the environment and transmit disease and can cause work accidents. The purpose of this activity is to socialize medical waste management of hazardous and toxic materials (B3) to health workers in health care facilities. The service method is carried out by conducting counseling on the management of B3 medical waste to 86 health workers, conducting inspections of B3 medical waste containers and placing posters on the dangers of B3 medical waste at each health facility. The activity was carried out in May-October 2022 at the West Sulawesi Province, Binanga Health Center and Rangas Health Center in Mamuju Regency. . The results of the pre and post tests on 86 people filled in so that results were obtained with an average increase in knowledge of 42% with the results of 82 participants increasing knowledge, 3 participants with the same test results and 1 person experiencing a decrease in test results. The results of the activity show that it is important to socialize B3 medical waste management to health workers to prevent potential health hazards. Suggestions for health facilities to pay attention to medical waste containers should be labeled as infectious waste so that they can be easily indentified and medical B3 waste storage areas should be built according to standards set by the government.

MANAGEMENT OF LIQUID MEDICAL WASTES IN SELECTED HOSPITALS IN YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Liquid medical waste management has been a critical challenge in healthcare facilities and poses a severe threat to public health, particularly in developing countries. As such, this study was conducted to assess the prevailing practices of managing Liquid Medical Wastes in selected Hospitals in Yola, Nigeria, to improve on the existing practices and mitigate the dangers of mishandling liquid medical waste. One hundred and eight structured questionnaires were administered to healthcare workers and waste contract staff. Visits were made to various locations to observe the entire process of liquid medical waste (LMW) generation and its ultimate disposal. The data were subjected to a t-test using SPSS version 23.0. The study revealed that the major types of LMW reported by respondents were infectious wastes, with Hospital One (H1) reporting 69% and Hospital Two (H2) reporting 78%. The least common types of LMW generated were pharmaceutical waste, with H1 at 12% and H2 at 10%. The different types of LMW generated between H1 and H2 did not exhibit any significant distinction (P &gt; 0.05). The various techniques used in managing LMW at the selected hospitals include segregation, temporary storage, treatment, and on-site transportation. There was a significant difference between H1 and H2 in terms of the techniques used in managing LMW (P = &lt; 0.05). The study revealed that H2 doesn’t treat their LMW before disposal as compared to H1, where LMW from the laboratories was autoclaved before being taken to the incinerator on-site for further treatment.

A Study on the Generation and Disposal Characteristics of Infectious Medical Waste Following the Spread of the COVID-19 Infectious Disease

A Study on the Generation and Disposal Characteristics of Infectious Medical Waste Following the Spread of the COVID-19 Infectious Disease

Sustainable Municipal Waste Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Case Study of Poland

With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the waste management sector had to face new challenges, e.g., changes in the size and composition of the waste stream, or the presence of potentially infectious waste. This article is based on a case study in Poland. The data analysis showed that the increase in municipal waste mass during the pandemic did not differ from statistics observed in previous years and ranged from 0.3 to 0.5 million tons per year. Lifestyle changes caused a decrease in the amount of waste generated outside households. Social migrations contributed to rapid changes in the mass of waste generated in selected agglomerations by up to 80 kg/capita. In the waste stream, significant amounts of specific groups of waste related to the pandemic (“corona waste”) as well as packaging and food waste were noted. Despite the pandemic, in 2020, Poland recorded an increase in selective waste collection by 6.7 percentage points (pp.) Data on municipal waste management showed an increase in the mass of waste sent for recycling by 0.7 million tons, while the mass of landfilled waste decreased by 0.3 million tons. The observed positive changes in waste management allow the implementation of sustainable development assumptions to a greater extent.

Overview of Mapping and Environmental Pollution from UKL-UPL Clinic Document Based on Potential Pollution in Jombang District

Background: Clinical activities are activities that can produce various wastes in the form of liquid, solid and gas. Clinics will not only produce ordinary waste, but also infectious waste and other medical waste that can cause health problems which are a source of disease transmission. Management of clinical B3 waste is very important, because if B3 waste is not properly managed, various impacts can arise, namely: environmental pollution, causing injury, and nosocomial diseases. Objectives: This internship activity aims to analyze the mapping and environmental pollution description from the clinical UKL-UPL environmental document based on the potential for pollution in the Jombang DLH. Methods: The implementation methods used include online discussion, online assessment, participation, and literature study. The instrument used in data collection in the implementation of the internship is the draft UKL- UPL environmental document for the Jombang DLH Environmental Impact Study. Results: Data for UKL-UPL clinics registered by DLH Jombang is 12% or 80 clinical institutions. The mapping of the coordinates of the clinics in Jombang Regency illustrates the even distribution of clinical institutions and it can be seen that the majority of clinics in Jombang Regency are concentrated in Jombang District, which consists of clinics that produce 2 types of waste and clinics that produce 3 types of waste. From the map it can be seen that the sub-districts that have the least number of clinics are Wonosalam, Bareng, and Ngusikan sub-districts. Conclusions: The majority of clinics in Jombang Regency are concentrated in Jombang District, which consists of clinics that produce 2 types of waste and clinics that produce 3 types of waste.

Design and techno-economic investigation of solar dish collector waste treatment system for infectious personal protection equipment and masks

The used infectious PPEs/Masks are directly disposed into the environment, which may increase huge bio-medical waste every day; the huge production of biomedical waste is not due to their disposal but to their massive utilization. It expands the rate of cross-infection and ecological contamination. In the present work, the infectious PPEs/Mask waste treatment plant was designed under three configurations: solar, fossil fuel, and electrical operated plant with an infectious waste treatment capacity of 0.1–100 tons per day. A thermodynamic study is carried out for the basic configuration, and the economic-environmental study is performed for three designed configurations. The maximum sustainability index, energy and exergy efficiency for the COVID19 infectious waste treatment plant is 1.62, 51.80% and 38.53%. The maximum energy and exergy loss found in the pyrolysis reactor and input source (Solar and Fossil fuel). The waste treatment capacity of a 1-ton per hour plant was found as the best feasible plant. The selling cost of the discharged product was found as Rs.15.90/kg in solar configuration, which is 66.09% less than the market price. The average selling cost was identified as Rs.16.64 per kg for 43 locations in Pan-India for the payback period of 5 years. The CO2 emission has been identified as 19,290 and 30,723 kg of CO2/annum is discharged from fossil fuel and electrical energy operating configurations. The social cost of the fossil fuel and electrical-based designed pyrolysis plant has been estimated as Rs.12,66,317/lifetime and Rs.20,16,822/lifetime.

Biomedical waste generation at Ayurveda hospitals in South Asia: A mini review of the composition, quantities and characteristics.

Ayurveda hospitals generate biomedical wastes (BMW). However, details on composition, quantities and characteristics are very scarce, details which are important to formulate a proper waste management plan for subsequent implementation and continual improvement. Therefore, this article presents a mini review of the composition, quantities and characteristics of BMW generated from Ayurveda hospitals. Additionally, this article presents some best possible treatment and disposal procedures. Most of the information was gleaned from peer-reviewed journals, although some information was collected by the author and from grey literature available to the author; 70-99% (by wet weight) of the solid waste is non-hazardous; biodegradables contributing to 44-60% by wet weight due to more used Kizhi (medicinal bags for fomentation) and other medicinal/pharmaceutical wastes (excluding waste medicated oils, which is 12-15% of the liquid medicinal waste stream and are not readily biodegradable) largely derived from plants. The hazardous waste component includes infectious wastes, sharps, blood as pathological wastes (from Raktamoksha - bloodletting), heavy metal containing pharmaceutical wastes, chemical wastes and heavy metal rich wastes. Quantities of infectious wastes followed by sharps and blood form a major portion of hazardous wastes. Most of the infectious waste material contaminated with blood or other body fluids and sharps from Raktamoksha are very similar (appearance, moisture content and bulk density) to what is generated from hospitals practicing Western medicine. However, hospital-specific waste studies are required in future to better understand the sources, areas of generation, types, quantities and characteristics of BMW, and hence to formulate more accurate waste management plans.

Valorization of Face Masks Produced during COVID-19 Pandemic through Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC): A Preliminary Study

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the increased use of disposable face masks worldwide, resulting in a surge of potentially infectious waste. This waste must be safely managed and disposed of to prevent the spread of the virus. To address this issue, a preliminary study explored the use of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) as a potential method for converting surgical mask waste into value-added carbonaceous materials. The HTC treatments were conducted at 220 °C for 3 h with or without the addition of acetic acid. The resulting hydrochar was characterized using several techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and N2-physisorption analyzers. The study found that the masks formed a melt with reduced mass (−15%) and volume (up to −75%) under the applied conditions. The carbon content and higher heating value (HHV) of the produced hydrochars were higher than those of the original masks (+5%). Furthermore, when acetic acid was added during the HTC experiment, a new crystal phase, terephthalic acid, was produced. This acid is a precursor in surgical mask production. The study suggests that hydrothermal carbonization could potentially achieve sanitization and volume reduction in non-renewable and non-biodegradable surgical masks while also producing a solid fuel or a raw material for terephthalic acid production. This approach offers an innovative and sustainable solution to manage the waste generated by the increased use of disposable face masks during the pandemic.