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Alternative Medical Waste Treatment Technologies

autoclave
There’s a need to get away from incineration as a treatment for medical waste. Many countries are already doing so. Third world nations are particularly in need of new methods to control their growing waste issues.

Some of the viable alternatives are steam sterilization, microwaves, sterilization using dry heat methods, biological countermeasures and more.

The most common of these today is autoclaving, or sterilization with steam. It’s the cheapest and can be utilized for 90% of medical waste. This is achieved in closed cylinders where heat and pressure are applied to the waste. This kills all microorganisms present. The waste is then sent to landfill sites. Advanced autoclaving utilizes a combination of steam and pressure with internal shredding or fragmentation, desiccation and compaction. This is much better as it reduces the volume by up to 90%, using less space in landfills. However, these more advanced systems are expensive and not all facilities can afford them.

Microwaving is another alternative. It works by microwave energy generating moist heat in the form of steam. It is a more expensive treatment than autoclaving, so isn’t a viable option for developing nations.

The use of chemical disinfectants, for instance lime, is becoming more popular. Heated alkali in stainless steel tanks can be used to dispose of human or animal tissues.

It is hoped that as more and more alternative treatments are used for medical waste that they will become more mainstream and therefore more affordable.