Summary
In the absence of internationally recognized standards as to
the components of the infectious waste stream, this paper
11
Table 1. Advantages and disadvantages of common clinical waste treatment systems
Type Factors Advantages Disadvantages
Incineration Turbulence and mixing Volume and weight reduction Public opposition
Moisture content of waste Unrecognizable waste High investment and operation costs
Filling combustion chamber Acceptable for all waste types High maintenance costs
Temperature and residence time Heat recovery potential Future restrictive emissions laws
Maintenance and repair
Steam Temperature and pressure Low investment cost Appearance, volume unchanged
autoclave Steam penetration Low operating cost Not suitable for all waste types
Size of waste load Ease of biological tests Air emissions
Length of treatment cycles Low hazard residue Ergonomic concerns
Chamber air removed
Microwave Waste characteristics Unrecognizable waste High investment costs
Moisture content of waste Significant volume reduction Increased waste weight
Microwave strength Absence of liquid discharge Not suitable for all waste types
Duration of exposure Air emissions
Extent of waste mixture Ergonomic concerns
Chemical Concerns about chemicals, Significant volume reduction High investment costs
temperature, pH Unrecognizable waste Not suitable for all waste types
Chemical contact time Rapid processing Air emissions
Waste and chemical mixing Waste deodorization Need for chemical storage
Recirculation vs. flow-through Ergonomic concerns
Pyrolysis Waste characteristics Almost no waste remains Novel technology
Temperature Unrecognizable waste Air emissions must be treated
Length of treatment cycle Heat recovery potential Skilled operator needed
has proposed five categories of such waste on the basis of
their potential to act as reservoirs for the transmission of
infectious diseases. In addition, the paper has discussed
the advantages and disadvantages of the more commonly
employed conventional and alternative methods of treating
the various components of the infectious waste stream.
More detailed information on the treatment of infectious
waste may be obtained from the report by Salkin et al.