Biomedical waste management

regarding the management of bio medical waste
through collection, treatment and disposal
including 8 categories of waste segregation in comparison with 10 old categories
and including hydroclave

1. 
Bio Medical Waste Bio Medical Waste
managementmanagement

2. 
It is defined as It is defined as “A“Any solid and/or liquid waste ny solid and/or liquid waste
including its container and any including its container and any
intermediate product, which is generated intermediate product, which is generated
during the diagnosis, treatment or during the diagnosis, treatment or
immunization of human beings or immunization of human beings or
animalsanimals”.”.

Total waste in India- 3,30,000 tons/year Total waste in India- 3,30,000 tons/year

Average 1-2 kg/bed/dayAverage 1-2 kg/bed/day

3. GENERATORS OF BIOMEDICAL GENERATORS OF BIOMEDICAL
WASTEWASTE

Government & Private hospitalsGovernment & Private hospitals

Nursing homesNursing homes

Medical research & training establishmentsMedical research & training establishments

MortuariesMortuaries

Blood banksBlood banks

Slaughter housesSlaughter houses

Animal housesAnimal houses

Vaccinating centersVaccinating centers

Biotechnology institutionsBiotechnology institutions

4. 
The waste produced in the course of The waste produced in the course of
health-care activities carries a higher health-care activities carries a higher
potential for infection & injury than any potential for infection & injury than any
other type of waste.other type of waste.

Appropriate management of health-care Appropriate management of health-care
waste is thus a crucial component of waste is thus a crucial component of
environmental health protection & it environmental health protection & it
should become an integral feature of should become an integral feature of
health-care services.health-care services.

7. General algorithm for wasteGeneral algorithm for waste

GenerationGeneration

SegregationSegregation

CollectionCollection

StorageStorage

TransportTransport

TreatmentTreatment

Disposal/recycleDisposal/recycle

8. Working theme for biomedical Working theme for biomedical
waste managementwaste management

ReduceReduce

ReuseReuse

RecycleRecycle

9. CATEGOCATEGO
RYRY
TYPE OF WASTETYPE OF WASTE TREATMENT & TREATMENT &
DISPOSALDISPOSAL
Category Category
11
Human anatomical wastesHuman anatomical wastes Incineration/ deep Incineration/ deep
burialburial
Category Category
22
Animal wastesAnimal wastes Incineration/ deep Incineration/ deep
burialburial
Category Category
33
Microbiology & Microbiology &
biotechnology wastebiotechnology waste
Local autoclaving/ Local autoclaving/
microwaving/incinermicrowaving/inciner
ationation
Category Category
44
Waste sharps like needles, Waste sharps like needles,
syringes, scalpels, blades, syringes, scalpels, blades,
glass etcglass etc
Disinfection Disinfection
(Chemical/autoclavin(Chemical/autoclavin
g/micro waving & g/micro waving &
mutilation/shreddingmutilation/shredding
))
Category Category
55
Discarded Medicines & Discarded Medicines &
cytotoxic drugscytotoxic drugs
Incineration/destructIncineration/destruct
ion & disposal in ion & disposal in
land fillsland fills

10. CATEGORYCATEGORY TYPE OF WASTETYPE OF WASTE TREATMENT & TREATMENT &
DISPOSALDISPOSAL
Category 6Category 6 Soiled wastesSoiled wastes
Items contaminated with Items contaminated with
blood, body fluids including blood, body fluids including
cotton, dressings etccotton, dressings etc
Incineration, Incineration,
autoclaving, autoclaving,
microwavingmicrowaving
Category 7Category 7 Solid wastes like catheters, IV Solid wastes like catheters, IV
sets etc.sets etc.
Disinfection by Disinfection by
chemical chemical
treatment/autoclavingtreatment/autoclaving
/micro waving and /micro waving and
mutilation & mutilation &
shreddingshredding
Category 8Category 8 Liquid wastesLiquid wastes
Laboratory, blood banks, Laboratory, blood banks,
hospitals, house etc.hospitals, house etc.
Disinfection by Disinfection by
chemicals and chemicals and
discharge into drainsdischarge into drains
Category 9Category 9 Incineration ashIncineration ash Disposal in municipal Disposal in municipal
land fillsland fills
Category 10Category 10 Chemical wastesChemical wastes Chemical treatment & Chemical treatment &
discharge into drains discharge into drains
for liquid and secured for liquid and secured
land fills for solids.land fills for solids.

11. CATEGORCATEGOR
YY
TYPE OF WASTETYPE OF WASTE TREATMENT & TREATMENT &
DISPOSALDISPOSAL
Category 1Category 1 Human anatomical wastesHuman anatomical wastes Incineration/ deep Incineration/ deep
burialburial
Category 2Category 2 Animal wastesAnimal wastes Incineration/ deep Incineration/ deep
burialburial
Category 3Category 3 Microbiology & biotechnology Microbiology & biotechnology
waste, waste, Liquid wastes, waste Liquid wastes, waste
from Laboratory, blood from Laboratory, blood
banks, hospitals, house etc.banks, hospitals, house etc.
Local autoclaving/ Local autoclaving/
microwaving/ microwaving/
incineration/ incineration/
Disinfection by Disinfection by
chemicalschemicals
Category 4Category 4 Waste sharps like needles, Waste sharps like needles,
syringes, scalpels, blades, syringes, scalpels, blades,
glass etcglass etc
Disinfection Disinfection
(Chemical/autoclaving/ (Chemical/autoclaving/
micro waving & micro waving &
mutilation/shredding)mutilation/shredding)
Category 5Category 5 Discarded Medicines & Discarded Medicines &
cytotoxic drugscytotoxic drugs
Incineration/ Incineration/
destruction & disposal destruction & disposal
in land fillsin land fills

12. CATEGORYCATEGORY TYPE OF WASTETYPE OF WASTE TREATMENT & TREATMENT &
DISPOSALDISPOSAL
Category 6Category 6 Soiled wastesSoiled wastes
Items contaminated with Items contaminated with
blood, body fluids including blood, body fluids including
cotton, dressings etccotton, dressings etc
Incineration, Incineration,
autoclaving, autoclaving,
microwavingmicrowaving
Category 7Category 7 Solid wastes like catheters, IV Solid wastes like catheters, IV
sets etc.sets etc.
Disinfection by Disinfection by
chemical chemical
treatment/autoclavingtreatment/autoclaving
/micro waving and /micro waving and
mutilation & mutilation &
shreddingshredding
Category 8Category 8 Chemical wastesChemical wastes Chemical treatment & Chemical treatment &
discharge into drains discharge into drains
for liquid and secured for liquid and secured
land fills for solids.land fills for solids.

13. COLOR COLOR
CODECODE
TYPE OF CONTAINERTYPE OF CONTAINER WASTE WASTE
CATEGORYCATEGORY
TREATMENT TREATMENT
OPTIONSOPTIONS
YellowYellow Plastic bagsPlastic bags 1, 2, 3 and 61, 2, 3 and 6Incineration/deep Incineration/deep
burialburial
RedRed Disinfected Disinfected
container/plastic bagcontainer/plastic bag
3, 6 & 73, 6 & 7 Autoclaving/Micro Autoclaving/Micro
Waving/Chemical Waving/Chemical
treatmenttreatment
Blue/white Blue/white
transparenttransparent
Plastic bags/puncture Plastic bags/puncture
proof containerproof container
4 & 74 & 7 Autoclaving/Micro Autoclaving/Micro
waving/chemical waving/chemical
treatment, Destruction treatment, Destruction
& shredding& shredding
BlackBlack Plastic bagPlastic bag 5, 8 & 95, 8 & 9 Disposal in secured Disposal in secured
land fillsland fills

14. Colour CodingColour CodingType of container to Type of container to 
be usedbe used
Waste Category Waste Category 
NumberNumber
TreatmentTreatment
YellowYellow Non Chlorinated Non Chlorinated 
plastic bagsplastic bags
Category 1,2,5,6Category 1,2,5,6IncinerationIncineration
RedRed Non Chlorinated Non Chlorinated 
plastic bags/puncture plastic bags/puncture 
proof container for proof container for 
sharpssharps
Category 3,4,7Category 3,4,7Disinfection, Disinfection, 
autoclave, autoclave, 
microwave, microwave, 
mutilation & mutilation & 
shredding, shredding, 
landfillinglandfilling
BlueBlue Non Chlorinated Non Chlorinated 
plastic bags containerplastic bags container
Category 8Category 8
BlackBlack Non Chlorinated Non Chlorinated 
plastic bagsplastic bags
Municipal WasteMunicipal Waste

17. COLOUR CODING AND TYPE OF COLOUR CODING AND TYPE OF
CONTAINER FOR DISPOSAL OF BIO-CONTAINER FOR DISPOSAL OF BIO-
MEDICAL WASTES-NewMEDICAL WASTES-New

20. Day ............ Month .............. Year ........... Day ............ Month .............. Year ...........
Date of generation ...................Date of generation ...................
Waste category No ........ Waste category No ........
Waste class Waste description Waste class Waste description
Sender's Name & AddressSender's Name & Address --
Phone No...........Telex No .... Fax No .................Phone No...........Telex No .... Fax No .................
Receiver's Name & AddressReceiver's Name & Address --
Phone No ……..Telex No ...........Fax No ...............Phone No ……..Telex No ...........Fax No ...............
Contact Person ........Contact Person ........ In case of emergencyIn case of emergency

27. The Air (PControl of Pollution) Act, prevention and 1981The Air (PControl of Pollution) Act, prevention and 1981
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
The Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1989The Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1989
The National Environmental Tribunal Act, 1995The National Environmental Tribunal Act, 1995
The Biomedical Waste (Management & Handling) The Biomedical Waste (Management & Handling)
Rules, 1998Rules, 1998
The Municipal Solid Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2000The Municipal Solid Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2000

28. Waste survey is an important component of the waste Waste survey is an important component of the waste
management scheme. A survey helps in evaluation both the type management scheme. A survey helps in evaluation both the type
and quantity of waste generated in hospitals.and quantity of waste generated in hospitals.
Aims:Aims:
• Differentiate the types of wasteDifferentiate the types of waste
• Quantify the waste generatedQuantify the waste generated
• Determine the points of generation & type of waste generated at Determine the points of generation & type of waste generated at
each pointeach point
• Determine the level of generation & disinfection within the hospitalDetermine the level of generation & disinfection within the hospital
• To find out the type of disposal carried outTo find out the type of disposal carried out

29. Segregation refers to the basic separation of different Segregation refers to the basic separation of different
categories of waste generated at source and thereby reducing categories of waste generated at source and thereby reducing
the risks as well as cost of handling and disposal. the risks as well as cost of handling and disposal.
Segregation is the most crucial step in bio-medical waste Segregation is the most crucial step in bio-medical waste
management. Effective segregation alone can ensure effective management. Effective segregation alone can ensure effective
bio-medical waste management.bio-medical waste management.
 The BMWs must be segregated in accordance to guidelines The BMWs must be segregated in accordance to guidelines
laid down under schedule 1 of BMW Rules, 1998.laid down under schedule 1 of BMW Rules, 1998.

30. TrolleysTrolleys
WheelbarrowsWheelbarrows

31. Waste treatment process Waste treatment process
categoriescategories

Five broad categories:Five broad categories:
(1) Mechanical processes(1) Mechanical processes
(2) Thermal processes(2) Thermal processes
(3) Chemical processes(3) Chemical processes
(4) Irradiation processes(4) Irradiation processes
(5) Biological processes.(5) Biological processes.

32. Mechanical processesMechanical processes

Used to change the physical form or Used to change the physical form or
characteristics of the wastecharacteristics of the waste

To facilitate waste handling or to To facilitate waste handling or to
process the waste in conjunction with process the waste in conjunction with
other treatment steps.other treatment steps.

Includes-compactionIncludes-compaction
-shredding-shredding
- land fill and burial- land fill and burial

33. 
Compaction- compressing the waste into Compaction- compressing the waste into
containers to reduce its volume.containers to reduce its volume.

Shredding – includes granulation, grinding, Shredding – includes granulation, grinding,
pulping & the like, is used to break the pulping & the like, is used to break the
waste into smaller pieces.waste into smaller pieces.

Health & safety reasons and good practice Health & safety reasons and good practice
prohibit compacting/shredding untreated medical prohibit compacting/shredding untreated medical
waste, because of concerns of aerosoling /spilling waste, because of concerns of aerosoling /spilling
of micro-organisms.of micro-organisms.

However, there are no ill effects if waste is However, there are no ill effects if waste is
sheredded after it has been decontaminated in sheredded after it has been decontaminated in
order to make it unrecognisable.order to make it unrecognisable.

34. Sanitary & secured land fillingSanitary & secured land filling

Deep burial of human anatomical Deep burial of human anatomical
waste, when the facility of proper waste, when the facility of proper
incineration is not available.incineration is not available.

Animal wasteAnimal waste

Disposal of Disposal of
autoclaved/hydroclaved /microwaved autoclaved/hydroclaved /microwaved
wastewaste

Disposal of sharpsDisposal of sharps

Disposal of incineration ash.Disposal of incineration ash.

35. Pit for deep burrialPit for deep burrial

Depth 2 meterDepth 2 meter

Waste fill 1 meter from bottomWaste fill 1 meter from bottom

Cover of lime- 50 cmCover of lime- 50 cm

Galvanised iron/ wire mesh at the Galvanised iron/ wire mesh at the
toptop

Secure the areaSecure the area

36. Thermal processesThermal processes

Srerilize or destroyes medical waste.Srerilize or destroyes medical waste.

Two categories-low heat systems & high Two categories-low heat systems & high
heat systemsheat systems

Low heat systems-use steam, hot water Low heat systems-use steam, hot water
or electromagnetic radiation to heat & or electromagnetic radiation to heat &
decontaminate the waste.decontaminate the waste.

High heat systems-combustion, pyrolysis High heat systems-combustion, pyrolysis
& high temp. plasmas to decontaminate & & high temp. plasmas to decontaminate &
destroy the waste.destroy the waste.

37. • Hot air oven:Hot air oven:
Temperature of 160 degree for 2 h. or 170 degree Temperature of 160 degree for 2 h. or 170 degree
for 1 h.for 1 h.
For glass ware, and metallic instruments.For glass ware, and metallic instruments.
• Incineration: Incineration:
Destruction of contaminated materials in the Destruction of contaminated materials in the
incinerator.incinerator.
• Autoclave
steam sterilisation under pressure by bringing thesteam sterilisation under pressure by bringing the
Steam into direct contact with the waste material to Steam into direct contact with the waste material to
sterilize it.sterilize it.

38. AutoclaveAutoclave
Principle:Principle:
When water is heated in a closed When water is heated in a closed
vessel under pressure, the boiling vessel under pressure, the boiling
point of water rises above 100 point of water rises above 100
degree.degree.
Water is heated at Water is heated at 2 atmospheric 2 atmospheric
pressure pressure and the boiling temperature and the boiling temperature
will be will be 121 degree 121 degree or at or at 3 3
atmospheric pressureatmospheric pressure and the and the
boiling temperature will be boiling temperature will be 134 134
degree.degree.

39. 2)2)Autoclaving is highly efficient Autoclaving is highly efficient
because:because:
High temperature.High temperature.
High penetrating power of the steam High penetrating power of the steam
under pressure.under pressure.
When steam condenses on the articles, When steam condenses on the articles,
it liberates latent heat to the articles to it liberates latent heat to the articles to
be sterilized.be sterilized.
Non toxicNon toxic
Not time consuming.Not time consuming.

40. Simple laboratory
autoclave

41. Directions for use of the simple Directions for use of the simple
laboratory autoclave:laboratory autoclave:
It is a metal cylinder with tightly fitting It is a metal cylinder with tightly fitting
lid. The lid is connected to a steam lid. The lid is connected to a steam
discharge tap, safety valve and discharge tap, safety valve and
manometer. manometer.
Water is placed in the bottom and the Water is placed in the bottom and the
articles to be sterilized are placed on articles to be sterilized are placed on
top of a perforated tray above water top of a perforated tray above water
level, then the lid is tightly closed.level, then the lid is tightly closed.
Water is heated electrically. Water is heated electrically.

42. The steam discharge tap is opened and The steam discharge tap is opened and
the safety valve is adjusted to 15 lbs the safety valve is adjusted to 15 lbs
per square inch= double atmospheric per square inch= double atmospheric
pressure.pressure.
Steam will come out of the tap in Steam will come out of the tap in
interrupted jets as it mixes with air.interrupted jets as it mixes with air.
When steam is released in a continuous When steam is released in a continuous
stream, the tap is closed.stream, the tap is closed.
When the steam pressure reaches the When the steam pressure reaches the
desired level, safety valve will allow desired level, safety valve will allow
excess steam to escape. excess steam to escape.

43. From this point, the holding sterilization From this point, the holding sterilization
time which is 20-30 minutes is time which is 20-30 minutes is
calculated.calculated.
Then, the heater is turned off and the Then, the heater is turned off and the
autoclave is allowed to cool down autoclave is allowed to cool down
before opening the lid.before opening the lid.
Used for-Used for-
Surgical instruments and dressings.Surgical instruments and dressings.
Bed linen.Bed linen.
Cotton, gauzeCotton, gauze
Culture mediaCulture media

44. Temperature
in degree celcius
Holding period
In minutes
121 15
126 10
134 3

45. 
Types:Types:

Gravity type autoclave:Gravity type autoclave:
rely on the steam pressure rely on the steam pressure
alone to evacuate air from the alone to evacuate air from the
autoclave chambers.autoclave chambers.
-temp.121-temp.121C,press.15 lbs psi.
◦
C,press.15 lbs psi.
◦

46. Steam jacketed autoclave:Steam jacketed autoclave:
Double walled chamber in which steam Double walled chamber in which steam
at 121 degree is introduced from an at 121 degree is introduced from an
external source.external source.
Steam enters the jacket from which it Steam enters the jacket from which it
enters the chamber migrating enters the chamber migrating
downwards replacing the air which is downwards replacing the air which is
expelled through a discharge tap at the expelled through a discharge tap at the
bottom.bottom.
Flash autoclaves:Flash autoclaves:
It sterilizes at 134 degree for 3 – 5 It sterilizes at 134 degree for 3 – 5
minutes.minutes.
Used in operation rooms in emergency Used in operation rooms in emergency
situations.situations.

47. 
Pre-vaccume type autoclave:Pre-vaccume type autoclave:
utilizes vaccume pumps to evacuate utilizes vaccume pumps to evacuate
air from autoclave chambers & air from autoclave chambers &
thereby increase steam penetration thereby increase steam penetration
& contact efficiencies.& contact efficiencies.
-time cycle-30-60 min.-time cycle-30-60 min.
-operates at about 132-operates at about 132C.
◦
C.
◦

48. 
Retort-type autoclave:Retort-type autoclave:
large chambers, operate at higher large chambers, operate at higher
temp.& pressures than others.temp.& pressures than others.
-large capacity units, upto 60 tonnes -large capacity units, upto 60 tonnes
per day per unit.per day per unit.
-not available in our country.-not available in our country.

49. 
Parameters which influence effectiveness Parameters which influence effectiveness
of steam autoclave T/t.of steam autoclave T/t.
-temp.& pressure achieved by autoclave-temp.& pressure achieved by autoclave
-size of waste load-size of waste load
-composition of waste load-composition of waste load
-steam penetration of the waste-steam penetration of the waste
-packaging of the waste for treatment-packaging of the waste for treatment
-Orientation of the waste load within -Orientation of the waste load within
autoclave. autoclave.

50. 7)7)Testing the efficiency of autoclave:Testing the efficiency of autoclave:

Mechanical methods:Mechanical methods:
oDaily measurement of temperature, pressure Daily measurement of temperature, pressure
gauge. gauge.

Chemical indicators:Chemical indicators:
oChange its color at the end of sterilization Change its color at the end of sterilization
cycle. (Browne’s tube)cycle. (Browne’s tube)

Biological indicators:Biological indicators:
oUsing spores of Using spores of Bacillus stearothermophilus.Bacillus stearothermophilus.

51. IncinerationIncineration

Incineration fundamentals:Incineration fundamentals:
-incineration comes from a greek word -incineration comes from a greek word
meaning burn to ashes.meaning burn to ashes.
-initially incinerators were just -initially incinerators were just
uncontrolled single chamber fire boxes uncontrolled single chamber fire boxes
provided with smoke stocks.provided with smoke stocks.
-now modern incineration systems are -now modern incineration systems are
well engineered,well designed,well well engineered,well designed,well
controlled,well monitoredcontrolled,well monitored

52. --incineration is a high temperature thermal incineration is a high temperature thermal
process employing combustion of the process employing combustion of the
waste under controlled condition for waste under controlled condition for
converting them into inert material & converting them into inert material &
gases.gases.
-this can be oil fired/electrically -this can be oil fired/electrically
powered/combination. powered/combination.

53. Alternate incineration technologiesAlternate incineration technologies

Broadly 3 types: multiple chamber Broadly 3 types: multiple chamber
incinarator, controlled air incinerator, incinarator, controlled air incinerator,
rotary Kiln incinerator.rotary Kiln incinerator.

All 3 types have primary & secondary All 3 types have primary & secondary
combustion chambers.combustion chambers.

Primary chamber-temp.800 +/- 50Primary chamber-temp.800 +/- 50 C
◦
C
◦

Primary chamber-temp.1000 +/- 50Primary chamber-temp.1000 +/- 50 C
◦
C
◦

Volatiles are liberated in the first chamber, whereas Volatiles are liberated in the first chamber, whereas
they are destroyed in the second onethey are destroyed in the second one

The negative pressure is maintained inside the The negative pressure is maintained inside the
incinerator by the system, thereby forcing the end incinerator by the system, thereby forcing the end
gases out of the chimney.gases out of the chimney.

54. 
Multiple chamber incinirator:Multiple chamber incinirator:
primary chamberprimary chamber-solid phase -solid phase
combustioncombustion
secondary chambersecondary chamber-gas phase -gas phase
combustioncombustion
tertiary chambertertiary chamber-condenses the -condenses the
gases & air particulates.gases & air particulates.

55. 
Controlled air incinerator:Controlled air incinerator:
in this type,the first chamber is operated in this type,the first chamber is operated
at low air levels,followed by an excess air at low air levels,followed by an excess air
chamber.chamber.

Rotary Klin Incinerator:Rotary Klin Incinerator:
cylindrical refractory lined shell that is cylindrical refractory lined shell that is
mounted at a slight tilt to facilitate mixing mounted at a slight tilt to facilitate mixing
& movement of the waste inside.& movement of the waste inside.
-has provision for air circulation.-has provision for air circulation.
-The Klin act as the primary solid phase -The Klin act as the primary solid phase
chamber, which is followed by the chamber, which is followed by the
secondary chamber for gaseous secondary chamber for gaseous
combustion.combustion.

56. 
Use some in-house technology, which Use some in-house technology, which
will turn Medical Waste into ordinary will turn Medical Waste into ordinary
non-regulated municipal waste.non-regulated municipal waste.

Select a Select a non-incineration technology, non-incineration technology,
whichwhich

Is easy and safe to operateIs easy and safe to operate

Has no harmful emissionsHas no harmful emissions

Sterilizes to a high level, at a Sterilizes to a high level, at a lowlow cost. cost.

57. PerformancePerformance

GuaranteedGuaranteed high level high level
of sterilization, of sterilization,
including wet waste, including wet waste,
metals, liquids and metals, liquids and
sharps.sharps.

Automatic operation, Automatic operation,
and not dependent on and not dependent on
operator skill for operator skill for
sterility.sterility.

No infectious or No infectious or
harmful emissions.harmful emissions.

Mechanical destruction Mechanical destruction
of the waste, and safe of the waste, and safe
for land-fill.for land-fill.
EconomicEconomic

Low operating cost Low operating cost
with low energy with low energy
consumption.consumption.

Low maintenance Low maintenance
costs.costs.

No costly bags, filters No costly bags, filters
or chemicals in the or chemicals in the
process.process.

Very large weight and Very large weight and
volume reduction of volume reduction of
the waste.the waste.

Cost-effective purchase Cost-effective purchase
price with price with
leasing/finance leasing/finance
options.options.

Strong warranty.Strong warranty.

58. The Hydroclave
can process:
•Bagged waste, in
ordinary bags
•Sharps containers
•Liquid containers
•Cardboard containers
•Metal objects

59. A.Powerful rotators
mix the waste and
breaks it into small
pieces.
B.Steam fills the
double wall (jacket)
of the vessel and
heats the vessel
interior.
C.The liquids in the
waste turn to
steam.
D.After 20 minutes the
waste and liquids
are sterile.

60. A.The vent is
opened, and the
vessel is de-
pressurizes.
B.Steam heat and
mixing continue
until all the
liquids are
evaporated and
the waste is dry.

61. A.The unloading door is
opened.
B.The mixer now rotates
in the opposite
direction, so angled
blades on the mixer can
push the waste out the
unloading door.
C.The dry, sterile waste
can be fine-shredded
further or dropped in a
waste disposal bin.
The waste is now ready for safe disposal!

62. Working temp and holding timeWorking temp and holding time

132132
oo
C at 36 lbs psi for 20 minutesC at 36 lbs psi for 20 minutes

Total time required for 150kg/cycle Total time required for 150kg/cycle
capacity- 60 minutescapacity- 60 minutes

63. Dries waste, regardless of
its original water content.
Low odor, due to the
dryness.
Volume reduction to 85%
Weight reduction to 70%
Accepted as harmless
waste.
AdvantagesAdvantages

64. 
The Hydroclave achieves a high The Hydroclave achieves a high
degree of sterility due to a vigorous degree of sterility due to a vigorous
mixing and fragmenting of the waste mixing and fragmenting of the waste
inside the hot vessel:inside the hot vessel:
•it breaks apart the sharps container …it breaks apart the sharps container …
•sets free the sharps into the vessel …sets free the sharps into the vessel …
•where they are thoroughly exposed to the where they are thoroughly exposed to the
required temperature and pressure.required temperature and pressure.

65. 
If for any reason temperature and If for any reason temperature and
pressure parameters are not met, the pressure parameters are not met, the
Hydroclave automatically resets and Hydroclave automatically resets and
initiates a repeat sterilization cycle.initiates a repeat sterilization cycle.

It is IMPOSSIBLE for a needle or sharp to It is IMPOSSIBLE for a needle or sharp to
be shielded from the temperature as there be shielded from the temperature as there
are no “cold spots”, assuring total sterility.are no “cold spots”, assuring total sterility.

No bacterial growth is recorded on needles No bacterial growth is recorded on needles
during tests conducted.during tests conducted.

66. 
HydroclaveHydroclave

No pre-shredding No pre-shredding
of infectious of infectious
wastewaste

High level of High level of
sterility,sterility,

Low operating Low operating
cost(by steam)cost(by steam)

MicrowaveMicrowave
(non-pressure type)(non-pressure type)

Must pre-shredMust pre-shred

No sterility, only No sterility, only
“disinfection”“disinfection”

High operating costHigh operating cost

(expensive (expensive
electricity)electricity)

67. 
HydroclaveHydroclave

Low operating cost by Low operating cost by
recycling steam.recycling steam.

No special bags No special bags
requiredrequired

Treats wet or liquid Treats wet or liquid
loads easilyloads easily

Strong weight Strong weight
reductionreduction

Strong volume Strong volume
reductionreduction

Consistent high Consistent high
sterilitysterility

AutoclaveAutoclave

Higher operating cost, Higher operating cost,
no steam recyclingno steam recycling

High temp. bags req’dHigh temp. bags req’d

Cannot treat wet or Cannot treat wet or
liquid loadsliquid loads

Weight increaseWeight increase

No volume reductionNo volume reduction

Spotty sterilitySpotty sterility

68. When installed Sept./99 As it looks today
This unit ran 2,200 cycles, has treated 88,000 Kg of medical waste, and
never failed a sterility test on any cycle, (2001)
Downtime was less than 1%, and maintenance cost minimal

69. Chemical processesChemical processes
--Most chemical waste treatment systems Most chemical waste treatment systems
use a disinfectant solution in combination use a disinfectant solution in combination
with shredding to provide decontamination with shredding to provide decontamination
& disfigurement.& disfigurement.
-1% hypochlorite solution with a minimum -1% hypochlorite solution with a minimum
contact period of 30 min.contact period of 30 min.
-phenolic -phenolic
compounds,iodine,hexachlorophene,iodinecompounds,iodine,hexachlorophene,iodine
-alcohol,formaldehyde-alcohol.-alcohol,formaldehyde-alcohol.
-Pre-shredding of the waste is desirable for -Pre-shredding of the waste is desirable for
better contact with the waste material.better contact with the waste material.

70. Irradiation processesIrradiation processes

Ionizing- Xray, gamma ray, cosmic Ionizing- Xray, gamma ray, cosmic
raysrays

Non ionizing- infra red, ultra violetNon ionizing- infra red, ultra violet

Swabs, plastic materials, oil, metal Swabs, plastic materials, oil, metal
foils, etcfoils, etc

These system requires post-These system requires post-
irradiation shredding to render the irradiation shredding to render the
waste unrecognisable.waste unrecognisable.

71. Microwave treatmentMicrowave treatment

Radiations produced by the Radiations produced by the
microwave are involved to break microwave are involved to break
apart molecular chemical bonds & apart molecular chemical bonds &
thus disinfect infectious waste.thus disinfect infectious waste.

Temp-97Temp-97-100 C
◦ ◦
-100 C
◦ ◦

Cycle time-40-45 min.Cycle time-40-45 min.

Advantage of disinfecting the wasteAdvantage of disinfecting the waste

No hazardous emissions.No hazardous emissions.

Can not be used to treat body parts & tissues.Can not be used to treat body parts & tissues.

72. AdvantagesAdvantages
-absence of harmful air emissions- -absence of harmful air emissions-
environment friendlyenvironment friendly
-absence of liquid discharges-absence of liquid discharges
-non-requirement of chemicals -non-requirement of chemicals
-reduced volume of waste (due to shredding -reduced volume of waste (due to shredding
& moisture loss)& moisture loss)
-operator safety-worker friendly-operator safety-worker friendly
- - However, the investment costs are However, the investment costs are
high at present.high at present.

73. Biological processesBiological processes

Uses biological enzymes for treating Uses biological enzymes for treating
medical waste.medical waste.

It not only decontaminate the waste but It not only decontaminate the waste but
also cause the destruction of all the also cause the destruction of all the
organic constituents.organic constituents.

The shredded residue is mixed with water The shredded residue is mixed with water
& pumped as a slurry to a tank containing & pumped as a slurry to a tank containing
enzymes where biological reactions take enzymes where biological reactions take
place.place.

Treated residue is pumped from the tank Treated residue is pumped from the tank
through a screw press to separate solids.through a screw press to separate solids.

Solid residues are compacted & collected Solid residues are compacted & collected
in a bin for disposal. in a bin for disposal.

75. ConclusionConclusion

Prevent & minimize waste productionPrevent & minimize waste production

Reuse or recycle the waste to the Reuse or recycle the waste to the
extent possibleextent possible

Treat waste by safe & Treat waste by safe &
environmentally sound methodsenvironmentally sound methods

Dispose off the final residue by Dispose off the final residue by
landfill in confined & carefully landfill in confined & carefully
designed sitesdesigned sites