How are infectious wastes destroyed?

2016/12/21

How are infectious wastes destroyed?

Infectious waste is destroyed through a process of decontaminating the waste, and then securely storing whatever is left over. Decontamination can be done through many methods, but the two most common are incineration and autoclaving. Once the infectious waste is decontaminated, the remains are stored in an approved storage shelter for safe keeping. How are infectious wastes treated? Infectious waste can be destroyed through various approved methods, but the two most common methods to decontaminate infectious waste are incineration and autoclaving.

Incineration

With incineration, the infectious waste is burned by direct flame in an incinerator. This method is the most common way to destroy infectious waste, but it isn't ideal. Destroying infectious waste with incineration releases emissions into our air which could pose environmental and public health risks. This is why many waste decontamination facilities are looking for, and moving to, more environmentally-sound methods.

Autoclaving

During autoclaving, steam is pumped into a pressurized chamber to decontaminate and practically destroy the infectious waste. Autoclaving doesn't fully destroy the waste, but it can cause it to lose upwards of 60% of its overall mass. While autoclaving is a safer way to fully decontaminate, the downside is it doesn't completely destroy waste. This means more of the waste must be permanently stored.

Where is infectious waste stored?

Once fully decontaminated, the remaining infectious waste must be stored for safe keeping. This is true regardless of the decontamination method. The facilities that store infectious waste keep the infectious waste remains secure in a safe container. This added level of security is there to prevent any animals or people from accessing it. For more information on the transportation and disposal of infectious waste, contact BWS inc. today. BWS is the largest, privately held transporter of medical waste in the Mid-Atlantic region. For more information, or if you need hazardous waste services, call us today at 800-660-6581 or get a FREE quote.

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Akbar Masood, D.D.S.

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Louis Sachs, D.D.S.

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Kate Blair English

“Great option for healthcare waste management. BWS is an independent owned professional organization that is built on integrity and trust. There is no other company in the region that I'd recommend more. Most others say the right things the folks at BWS do the right thing. I'll continue to recommend them.”

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We are a medical practice in a new location and needed hazardous waste removal services. We have been so pleased with the level of service and professionalism on both the admin and field work end of BWS services, and their pricing is fair and flexible. We would highly recommend them to any medical practice in need of these services.

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Every staff member that I have interacted with has been very friendly. They are quick to respond to emails and do a great job.

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Excellent company. Received notification that I was on schedule, showed up as promised, and very professional service from office to driver. Excellent service!!!

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They were responsive and quickly start services. They were also great at answering all my questions and updating on when services would start.

Rebecca Crouse, Randolph Macon Academy

We used BWS for sharps disposal at a doctor's office. I saw their bright truck in the parking lot at work which lead me to call for a quote. They responded to my inquiry quickly and thoroughly, answering all my questions. They gave me pricing that was very reasonable, and lower than many companies I checked. They were a pleasure to communicate with via phone and email, no phone tag! The truck arrived the day and time we planned. The driver was very personable and easy to communicate with. The people I interacted with seem to understand the value of customer service. I would highly recommend them. They will take care of you.

Melissa C, Patriot Chiropractic

Excellent, professional service and very reasonable price on medical waste removal. Danielle was fantastic to work with - thanks Danielle!

Dr. Rosario Ignacio

Reliable and affordable

Dr. Thomas Lutz, Odenton Family Dentistry

I've used BWS for several years now. Their service is great and their fees are very reasonable, making BWS a great value in hazardous waste removal. Over the 20+ years that I have used them the scope of their services has increased as well as making documentation of their service easier to use!

Dr. Louis Sachs, DDS

I ran a dental charity for many years, organizing huge clinics to treat those in need. BWS donated their waste disposal services for every clinic for many years, and they continue to do so to this day. This is always a huge job, and they are always reliable, dedicated, and fun to work with. They know what it means to give back.

Eric B.

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