Effective waste management is crucial, especially in healthcare. Our strategy includes comprehensive procedures for hazardous and non-hazardous waste, aiming to minimize health and environmental risks. In 2023, we generated 507 tons of hazardous waste, a 14% reduction from the previous year. 
Regina Maria - The Private Healthcare Network pays special attention to hazardous waste management, with written procedures for the efficient management at all stages: selective collection, storage, transport and disposal. At the organization level, there are separate procedures for the selective disposal of non-hazardous waste to be recycled by the external waste management services provider.

Always paying attention to compliance with the legislation, we draw up an annual hazardous waste management plan, which is approved and registered by the Public Health Directorate to which each location pertains and each Regina Maria location reports to the national authorities the amount of waste disposed of on a monthly basis. In addition, a plan to reduce the production of non-hazardous waste is developed annually for hospitals and aims to recycle batteries, plastic and paper/cardboard, the use of electronic medical devices instead of the classic ones (e.g. mercury thermometers), use of computerized imaging investigations instead of the classic ones, which involve the use of development solutions, materials control at the time of purchase, etc. In this program it is also mentioned the selection of a supplier for the disposal of hazardous waste using neutralization methods at the time of disposal with minimal impact on the environment. At least every six months, the Quality Department performs audits in each location, thus monitoring compliance with the safe disposal circuits of hazardous waste, the traceability of these processes being ensured by waste disposal forms, prepared in accordance with legal requirements in force. During the internal audits, the traceability documentation is verified, as well as the appropriate waste collection.