When you think of medical waste, you think of hospitals. However, you would be surprised to know that medical waste comes from several sources like veterinary clinics, tattoo shops, dental clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and laboratories. Surgical guide wires, syringes, needles, disposable blades and scalpels are all categorized as medical waste. A number of steps are involved in the process of disposing of medical waste.
First of all, medical waste is collected. Then, this waste is properly separated. This waste (sharps and red bag materials) is then stored in compliance with the regulations of the state authorities. Then it is packaged and labeled for transportation. Thereafter, several methods are incorporated to treat the medical waste accordingly. These methods are further discussed in this post. After the treatment of this waste, it is disposed of at a landfill or down the sewer systems. However, this disposal must be done as per the government’s regulations. If you own a facility that produces medical waste, then you should precisely be searching for a “medical waste disposal near me.”
5 Effective Ways to Treat Medical Waste
Getting rid of medical waste does not mean simply dumping it into a landfill. Prior to that, the waste must be treated effectively so that it does not lead to environmental damage or infectious diseases. Here are the 5 most effective ways to treat medical waste.
- Autoclaving
Autoclaves are also known as steam sterilizations. Autoclaves are enclosed chambers in which medical waste is stored in order to destroy the microorganisms. This is done with the help of high pressure and heat/steam. This process is less expensive than incineration. It is mostly used in hospitals to sterilize medical equipment and tools. The temperature inside the autoclave is high and it depends on the amount of waste that requires sterilization.
- Microwaving
In microwaving, the volume of medical waste considerably decreases. This happens since the medical waste is mixed with water and then shredded. Microwaving is more energy efficient compared to incineration.
- Incineration
In this process, medical waste is burnt in a controlled environment. Many hospitals have on-site incineration technologies. However, the emissions released during the process of burning can prove to be harmful to the environment. Moreover, the materials should be classified as safe to burn before initiating this process of treating medical waste.
- Chemical Disinfection
Chemical disinfection is a popular biomedical waste disposal method. In this process, the pathogens and microorganisms are destroyed as a result of chlorine being introduced to the liquid waste. After decontamination, the liquid waste is disposed into the sewer systems.
- Hydroclaving
Hydroclaving is a safe and economical method of treating medical waste. In this process, the medical waste is loaded into the equipment which is then sterilized by steam. The steaming and mixing continue till the liquids evaporate which leaves the waste dry. This dry and sterile waste is then unloaded and dropped in a water disposal bin. It can also be used for further shredding. Hydroclaving is a high-heat system.
Summing Up
If your facility produces medical waste, you must be aware of the most effective ways to treat medical waste. After this, the process of medical waste disposal should be smooth since all you have to do is search for a “medical waste disposal near me.” You will have an array of options at your fingertips that can help you further along the way. However, you must ensure that you are acting in compliance with all the state and governmental regulations regarding medical waste disposal.
