Where Do They Throw Away Biodegradable Medical Waste?

Simply put, biodegradable waste is any material that can be broken down by biological means. This process is known as decomposition, with bacteria or any other small organisms as the main mechanisms.

  

In medical facilities, biodegradable waste is first treated and made non-infectious before being disposed of in a landfill. This move helps protect individuals from possible infections whilst preventing environmental pollution. The non-infectious waste is then thrown away like any other home or office refuse.

  

In this article, we will discuss the three basic ways of treating biodegradable medical waste. They include:

  

Autoclaving

Autoclaving process entails the use of saturated steam and pressure via an autoclave machine. This process is convenient to use since it is inexpensive and possesses no documented health benefits.

  

Firstly, medical waste passes through the autoclave, where it is sterilized to remove any traces of pathogens. Waste bags generally undergo high-pressure levels for a specific period to ensure maximum destruction of potential contaminants.

  

Chemical Disinfection

  

This process uses chemical agents like chlorine to disinfect medical waste. Medical facilities that use chemical agents should consider some factors, including the kind of micro-organisms that the waste possesses, the degree of contamination, and the type of applied disinfectant.

  

Incineration

  

Around 90% of medical waste can undergo incineration even though autoclaving is becoming more popular nowadays. The process simply involves burning waste at very high temperatures (temperatures may range from 1800 degrees F to 2000 degrees F).
   

Final Thoughts

  

We can all agree that an essential step for medical facilities is to ensure that all waste is safely disposed of. Some healthcare providers usually prefer managing their waste, whereas others contact a professional.

  

While biodegradable waste may seem easy to dispose of, it may still pose some threats to an individual’s health. Therefore, the waste must pass through combustion or even chemical reactions before being disposed of in a landfill.