← All Posts


Common Methods to Dispose of Medical Waste

POST 6
Medical waste disposal is a topic that people should know and be aware of aside from healthcare practitioners in order to prevent the spreading of diseases as not all medical wastes come from hospitals. In fact, there are other sources of medical wastes such as veterinary clinics, funeral homes, medical research laboratories, physician offices, as well as dentist and home health care.

Before anything else, segregation should always come first. This is the first and most important step for medical waste disposal. Segregating medical waste comes first so as to determine what is the next step or how the medical waste is going to be disposed of.  By simply segregating wastes, the disposal can be made easier and faster.

That said, here are the most common methods of disposing medical wastes:

1. Autoclave

An autoclave is a device that is used for sterilization of equipment and other objects.  This device kills bacteria, spores, fungi, and viruses through the use of high temperatures, making them safe for disposal.

2. Incineration

This method is similarly termed as the thermal oxidation process which is being mandated for pathological waste and other very toxic and/or infectious medical waste only.

Medical waste is not something that can just be thrown anywhere along with other household wastes. They contain infectious materials that are not just harmful to humans and animals but also for the environment. If left untreated, they could potentially lead to waste regeneration which can lead to the spread of diseases. As always, awareness is the key to help stop the spread of diseases.