Non - Medical Waste Management Operator At The African Medical Centre Of Excellence (amce)
The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)
full-time
Job Objective
The Non-Medical Waste Management Operator is responsible for collecting, segregating, transporting, and disposing of non-medical waste in compliance with local regulations and hospital environmental standards.
The role supports hospital hygiene, safety, and sustainability objectives by ensuring the efficient handling of general waste, recyclables, and organic waste, while promoting awareness and responsible waste disposal practices.
Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities
Waste Segregation and Collection:
Identify and properly segregate various types of non-medical waste (e.g., general waste, recycling, food waste, confidential waste, e-waste).
Ensure all waste containers are clearly labelled and in good condition.
Collect waste from designated areas throughout the hospital (e.g., offices, common areas, kitchens, administrative departments) on a scheduled basis.
Safely transfer collected waste into appropriate bins or containers for further processing.
Monitor waste levels in bins and initiate collection as needed to prevent overflow.
Educate staff on proper waste segregation practices as observed or requested.
Transportation and Movement of Waste:
Operate and maintain waste trolleys, carts, and other designated equipment for waste transportation.
Transport segregated non-medical waste from collection points to central accumulation areas or designated waste disposal zones.
Adhere to designated waste routes and schedules to minimize disruption within the hospital.
Ensure secure containment of waste during transport to prevent spills or contamination.
Verify proper documentation or tracking of waste movement if required.
Report any issues or damage to waste transportation equipment promptly.
Waste Compaction and Processing:
Operate waste compactors, balers, or other processing equipment for various waste streams.
Load waste into machinery safely and efficiently, following manufacturer guidelines.
Monitor equipment operation and report any malfunctions or unusual sounds.
Ensure processed waste is properly contained and ready for off-site collection.
Maintain cleanliness of waste processing equipment and surrounding areas.
Adhere to all safety protocols when operating machinery.
Recycling Management:
Ensure efficient collection and processing of recyclable materials (e.g., paper, cardboard, plastics, glass).
Bale or compact recyclable materials as per established procedures.
Prepare recyclable materials for pick-up by external recycling contractors.
Maintain accurate records of recycled quantities.
Monitor the effectiveness of the recycling program and suggest improvements.
Promote and encourage recycling among hospital staff.
Confidential Waste Handling:
Handle confidential waste (e.g., patient records, administrative documents) with the utmost discretion and security.
Ensure confidential waste is placed in designated, secure containers.
Oversee the secure transfer of confidential waste for shredding or destruction.
Maintain strict adherence to data protection and privacy regulations.
Document the handling and destruction of confidential waste as required.
Report any breaches or suspicious activity related to confidential waste.
Container Management and Sanitization:
Clean and sanitize waste bins, containers, and trolleys on a regular basis.
Inspect waste containers for damage and report or replace as needed.
Ensure an adequate supply of clean and appropriate waste containers throughout the hospital.
Manage the inventory of waste bags and liners.
Properly dispose of cleaning materials used during sanitization.
Maintain a clean and organized waste storage area.
Documentation and Record Keeping:
Maintain accurate daily logs of waste collected, segregated, and processed.
Record quantities of different waste streams for reporting purposes.
Complete waste manifests or tracking forms as required by regulations or hospital policy.
Report any incidents, spills, or safety concerns related to waste management.
Assist with the compilation of waste management data for sustainability reports.
Ensure all documentation is legible, complete, and submitted on time.
Safety and Compliance:
Adhere strictly to all hospital safety policies and procedures, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Comply with all local, national, and international environmental regulations pertaining to non-medical waste management.
Participate in regular safety training and drills.
Report any hazards, near misses, or accidents immediately.
Implement best practices for spill prevention and response.
Maintain a thorough understanding of emergency procedures related to waste.
Sewage and Wastewater management:
Assist in the safe handling and routine monitoring of hospital sewage and wastewater systems, including septic tanks and sewage treatment plants (STP) in line with environmental and health guidelines.
Carry out regular checks on drains, manholes, and sewage lines to identify blockages, leaks overflows, or bad odours.
Respond promptly to sewage spills or overflows by containing, disinfecting, and cleaning affected areas according to approved procedures.
Reported any sewage-related faults, incidents, or unusual conditions immediately to the Waste Management Supervisor.
Assist during desludging, maintenance, and emergency repair activities carried out by internal teams or external contractors.
Record basic inspection findings and incidents in the designated book.
Carry out checks and assessments of required established sewage and effluent quality parameters daily and report to the Waste Management Supervisor.
Qualifications
Minimum of a Diploma in any related field
Additional vocational training or certification in sanitation, environmental health, or occupational health and safety is an advantage.
Basic literacy and numeracy skills for documentation and reporting purposes.
Certificate in Waste Management, Infection Prevention, or Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) is highly desirable
2 - 3 years of experience in waste handling, janitorial services, or environmental support rolespreferably in a healthcare or institutional environment.
Prior experience working with waste segregation and recycling protocols.
Exposure to healthcare safety standards, including handling of general and non-hazardous waste.
Experience operating basic cleaning or transport equipment
Understanding of waste segregation principles (color coding, recyclable vs. general waste).
Knowledge of local environmental laws and hospital sanitation policies.