The author addresses the issue of managing and treating the 700,000 tons of hospital waste generated annually. The diverse nature of this waste necessitates a variety of treatment methods. The Pollution and Risk Prevention Directorate of the Ministry of the Environment and the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) presented the results of a survey conducted among authorized treatment facilities, regional directorates for industry and research, and local health departments (DDASS). The waste is divided into hospital waste proper and waste from the general sector. 10 to 15% of this waste is believed to be contaminated. Achieving objectives for quality, safety, and control of disposal costs requires ending on-site treatment and implementing widespread sorting. The rational use of existing facilities and new microbiological decontamination techniques must be organized. The value of establishing a network of healthcare providers who generate waste for cost-effective collection is illustrated by the creation of the Cyclamed association (established under the auspices of public authorities), which handles the collection of unused medications and related packaging.