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Objective: to identify the knowledge of nursing professionals at pediatric inpatient units about waste management of health services. Method: this descriptive, exploratory research was developed at two inpatient units of a children's hospital in Southern Brazil. Data collection was carried out between July and August 2014 through questionnaires to 30 nursing team professionals. The data were analyzed in a quantitative and qualitative perspective. Results: the results show that few professionals at the investigated institution know the Health Service Waste Management Program. The majority performs care related to the waste, but does not participate in training on the subject. Conclusion: the training of nursing professionals is critical for the effectiveness of the waste management program at the health institution, favoring proper disposal, facilitating the collection and contributing to environmental preservation.