Acta Scientific Microbiology

Research Article Volume 9 Issue 4

Reactualizing the Sustainable Impacts and Challenges of Municipal and Health Care Solid Waste Management Practices in Douala 4 Council Area Cameroon

Nkwenti Peter*

Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, P.O Box-2701, Douala, Cameroon

*Corresponding Author: Nkwenti Peter, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, P.O Box-2701, Douala, Cameroon.

Received: January 21, 2026; Published: March 31, 2026

Abstract

The growing urbanization and health care facilities has intensified the challenges on municipal and health care waste management. Thus, the study aims to understand waste management practices, identify key challenges, and uncover opportunities for sustainable recycling and resource valorization across the Douala IV council area. “Health facilities”, as an approach to address environmental challenges and to meet communities need in health issues. In this approach, all the environmental aspects of municipal waste management are important and to be addressed. Health care and municipal administrators can manage wastes disposal through composting, recycling and better supplying methods .This study is a review of the subject matter, in nature, using many library and online sources; it discusses about the need to move towards the healthcare and municipal waste management approach, the administration and leadership role in its establishment, the environmental impact of health care operations and assessment of the effects, wastes management and recycling, and also the methods in wastes treatment and disposal. The findings are categorized into key themes as waste composition and current practices (biodegradable waste, with limited segregation at source), role of the informal sector in collection and recycling, resource valorization to create training and economic opportunities, socio economic impacts, innovative practices and challenges (weak municipal services, inadequate infrastructure, limited community awareness, and fragmented policy enforcement hinder progress). Turning waste into wealth in Douala IV council demands efforts coordinated efforts among healthcare administrators, policy makers, communities, and entrepreneurs. With strategic support, localized innovations, and inclusive governance, waste can become a good source for sustainable development.

Keywords: Impact; Challenge; Solid Waste Management; Sustainability; Douala IV Council

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC)”. Draft Guideline for Environmental Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities (2001): 96-101.
  2. Harris N., et al. “Hospitals Going Green: A Holistic View of the Issue and the Critical Role of the Nurse Leader”. Holistic Nursing Practice 23 (2009): 101-111.
  3. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/HNP.0b013e3181a110fe
  4. Cheng YW., et al. “Medical Waste Production at Hospitals and Associated Factors”. Waste Management 29 (2009): 440-444.
  5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2008.01.014
  6. World Health Organization. “Healthcare Waste Management (HCWM), Some Basic Information on Healthcare Waste” (2006).
  7. Shojaei S and Tehrani H. “Textbook of Preventive Andocial Medicine”. Samt Public, Persian, 3 (2004).
  8. Maharjan and Lohani, 2020; Adhikari., et al. (2024).
  9. , et al. (2004).
  10. Maharjan and Lohani, (2020).
  11. , et al. 2017; Mandpe., et al. (2023).
  12. , et al. 2022; Ghisellini., et al. (2016).
  13. Unep, (2022).
  14. , et al. (2024).
  15. , et al. (2023).
  16. , et al. (2024).
  17. Goorah SSD., et al. (2009).
  18. Ziraba AK., et al. (2016).

Citation

Citation: Nkwenti Peter. “Reactualizing the Sustainable Impacts and Challenges of Municipal and Health Care Solid Waste Management Practices in Douala 4 Council Area Cameroon". Acta Scientific Microbiology 9.4 (2026): 52-61.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2026 Nkwenti Peter. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.




Metrics

Acceptance rate30%
Acceptance to publication20-30 days

Indexed In






News and Events


  • Publication Certificate
    Authors will be provided with the Publication Certificate after their successful publication
  • Last Date for submission
    Authors are requested to submit manuscripts on/before April 21, 2026, for the upcoming issue of 2026.

Contact US