How to increase efficiency, safety and cost control in hospital infectious waste treatment

An efficient and cost-effective on-site infectious waste management program can be implemented by integrating the decontamination advantages offered by both steam sterilization and incineration. To do so requires the understanding of the interrelationship between the components that comprise the program. The physical and chemical characteristics of the various infectious waste constituents will dictate the mode by which each constituent will be decontaminated. The treatment mode will in turn dictate the packaging and containment necessary to ensure decontamination. An understanding of the operating principles, and design features of each treatment mode will further enhance treatment efficacy.