THE ROLE OF THE NURSING TEAM IN HEALTHCARE WASTE MANAGEMENT AND SEGREGATION AND ITS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Abstract

Healthcare waste management connects care safety, occupational health and environmental protection, while segregation at the point of generation depends directly on nursing team practices. Objective: To analyze the role of the nursing team in healthcare waste management and segregation and its environmental repercussions. Methods: A structured literature review was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, VHL, LILACS, BDENF and SciELO, including studies published from 2020 to 2025. After screening and full-text assessment, 14 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Results: The evidence showed recurrent gaps in knowledge of waste classification, identification and packaging, as well as barriers involving infrastructure, supervision and work organization. Educational interventions combined with practical demonstrations improved knowledge and adherence to correct segregation. Mixing general, infectious, chemical and sharp waste increased occupational risks, treatment costs and the potential for environmental contamination. Conclusions: Nursing plays a decisive role in segregation and internal waste management, but safe performance requires continuing education, suitable containers, accessible protocols, monitoring and institutional commitment to the Healthcare Waste Management Plan.