A waste management officer is responsible for planning, coordinating, supervising, and monitoring all activities related to the safe and scientific management of waste. The officer plays an important role in protecting public health, maintaining environmental quality, ensuring legal compliance, and promoting efficient use of resources. In hospitals, industries, municipalities, educational institutions, commercial establishments, and other organizations, the duties of a waste management officer may differ according to the type and quantity of waste generated. However, the basic responsibility is to ensure that waste is minimized, properly segregated, safely handled, treated, recovered, and finally disposed of. One of the primary duties of a waste management officer is to identify and assess the different sources and types of waste generated within an organization or area. Waste may include biodegradable waste, recyclable materials, inert waste, hazardous waste, biomedical waste, chemical waste, electronic waste, and other special categories. The officer must understand the characteristics and risks associated with each category and determine suitable methods for handling them. Waste characterization helps in selecting appropriate containers, transportation systems, treatment technologies, and disposal methods. Waste segregation at the point of generation is another major responsibility. The officer must establish suitable procedures so that different types of waste are placed in designated containers. Proper segregation prevents hazardous materials from being mixed with general waste and improves opportunities for recycling and recovery. In healthcare settings, special attention is required for infectious materials, sharps, pathological waste, pharmaceutical waste, and chemical waste. The waste management officer must ensure that appropriate colour-coded containers and labels are used and that workers understand the segregation system. The officer is also responsible for developing and implementing a waste management plan. This plan should cover waste generation, segregation, collection, storage, transportation, treatment, recycling, recovery, and final disposal. It should specify responsibilities for different employees and establish procedures for routine operations as well as emergencies. The plan should be regularly reviewed and modified according to changes in waste quantities, technology, regulations, organizational activities, and environmental conditions. Monitoring waste collection and internal transportation is an important duty. The officer must ensure