Biomedical waste management disparities among laboratory professionals in Casablanca and their environmental and occupational health implications

Abstract Background Biomedical waste management is a critical public health and environmental challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings. In Morocco, few studies have comprehensively assessed waste management practices in laboratory settings, leaving a substantial gap in understanding of the problem. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, practices, and challenges related to biomedical waste management among healthcare professionals working in medical laboratories in Casablanca, Morocco. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2025 among healthcare professionals from public and private laboratories. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire based on WHO guidelines. Chi-square tests were used to compare outcomes across professional groups, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results Among 464 participants (12.2% biologists, 67.0% technicians, 20.9% waste handlers), 62.5% reported receiving training. Striking disparities emerged: waste handlers demonstrated significantly lower knowledge of storage time (p = 0.016), color-coding use (p = 0.027), and chemical waste treatment (p = 0.007) compared to other groups. Occupational risks were alarming : 50.0% of waste handlers sustained sharps injuries (p = 0.018), yet only 15.7% reported them (p < 0.001). Paradoxically, waste handlers reported the highest satisfaction (70.8%) while biologists were the least satisfied (28.6%, p = 0.040). Conclusion This study reveals substantial and statistically significant gaps in biomedical waste management among laboratory professionals in Casablanca, with serious implications for environmental safety and occupational health. Urgent targeted interventions are needed, including reinforced training, improved PPE access, and strengthened monitoring systems.