Chances are, if you have to get rid of biomedical waste, you don’t know what happens to that waste once it’s out of your hands. Your biomedical waste disposal team is given the task of safely and effectively removing this waste from the environment. Waste disposal is particularly important when it comes to medical supplies, because some waste can be contaminated with diseases or dangerous pathogens. All biomedical waste is not disposed in the same way, and different disposal companies follow different methods. If you’re curious about the different types of biomedical waste disposal practices, read on.

1. Autoclaving

The process of autoclaving involves steam sterilization. Instead of incineration, which can be expensive, autoclaving simply introduces very hot steam for a determined amount of time. At the end of the process, microorganisms have been completely destroyed. This process is particularly effective because it costs much less than other methods, and doesn’t present any personal health risks. While some biomedical waste isn’t able to be disposed of via autoclaving, around 90% of materials are sanitized this way before being sent on to a landfill.

2. Incineration

The major benefits of incineration are that it is quick, easy, and simple. It effectively removes the waste entirely, and safely removes any microorganisms. However, when burning hazardous materials, emissions can be particularly dangerous. Some states prefer for waste disposal companies to look towards incineration as their first choice, but materials must be reviewed and determined as safe to burn.

3. Chemicals

When it comes to liquid waste, a common biomedical waste disposal method can be chemical disinfection. Chlorine is a regular choice for this process, and is introduced to the liquid waste in order to kill microorganisms and pathogens. Chemical disposal can also be used for solid wastes, but it is recommended that they be grinded first to ensure maximum decontamination. Liquid waste, once decontaminated, is then disposed into the sewer system.

4. Microwaving

During this process, waste is shredded, mixed with water, and then internally heated to kill microorganisms and other harmful elements. One of the main benefits of this process is the shredding aspect; it lowers the volume of biomedical waste, and it is reportedly more energy efficient to use this method than to incinerate. While it can’t be used for all biomedical wastes, it can be utilized for a good 90% of it, just like autoclaving.

Which is the best?

It is generally understood that incineration is the most common practice, but is it really the most advantageous? Some would say that autoclaving is perhaps the most economical and safe choice. Steam is not harmful, there are no emissions, and it is not nearly as expensive. The fact that it works for most biomedical waste is also important. BWS conducts autoclaving to ensure that all biomedical waste is safe to dispose. If you’re looking for the perfect waste removal company to collect your biomedical waste, contact us today, and we can get started on making the Earth a cleaner, safer place!

Share this article:

Facebook

Twitter

LinkediIn

Email