| | Non-Incineration Medical Waste Treatment Technologies: A |
| | 1,01 | | MB | Resource for Hospital Administrators, Facility Managers, Health |
| | 118 | | stron | Care Professionals, Environmental Advocates, and Community |
| | Members |
| | 4050 | | ID | Health Care Without Harm |
| | 2001 | | rok |
| | Table of Contents |
| | Preface . iii |
| | Executive Summary ix |
| | 1. Introduction: Why Non-incineration Technologies . 1 |
| | 2. Strategic Framework for Non-incineration Technologies: The Broader Context 3 |
| | Waste Minimization is Key 3 |
| | Why Segregation is Essential 4 |
| | Collection, Transport, and Storage 6 |
| | Waste Management and Contingency Plans 6 |
| | Occupational Safety and Health 7 |
| | Siting and Installation 7 |
| | Land Disposal 8 |
| | Evaluating and Selecting Non-incineration Technologies 9 |
| | 3. Understanding the Waste Stream: A Necessary First Step 11 |
| | Categories of Medical Waste 11 |
| | Medical Waste Audit 15 |
| | Worker Training on Waste Classification 15 |
| | 4. Non-incineration Technologies: General Categories and Processes . 17 |
| | Thermal Processes 17 |
| | Chemical Processes . 17 |
| | Irradiative Processes 17 |
| | Biological Processes . 18 |
| | Mechanical Processes . 18 |
| | Non-incineration Technologies by Categories 19 |
| | 5. Low-Heat Thermal Technologies: Autoclaves, Microwaves, and Other Steam-Based Systems . 23 |
| | |
| | Autoclaves and Retorts 23 |
| | Other Steam-Based Technologies 29 |
| | Microwave Systems . 35 |
| | Dielectric Heating 38 |
| | 6. Low-Heat Thermal Technologies: Dry Heat Systems41 |
| | High Velocity Heated Air 41 |
| | Dry Heating . 43 |
| | 7. Medium- and High-Heat Thermal Technologies: Depolymerization, Pyrolysis, and Other Systems |
| | . 47 |
| | Depolymerization 47 |
| | Pyrolysis-Oxidation 49 |
| | Plasma-Based Pyrolysis Systems . 52 |
| | Induction-Based Pyrolysis 57 |
| | Advanced Thermal Oxidation 57 |
| | Others . 58 |
| | 8. Chemical-Based Technologies: Chlorine and Non-Chlorine Based Systems . 61 |
| | Chlorine-Based Systems . 62 |
| | Non-Chlorine Technologies 64 |
| | Other Systems . 67 |
| | 9. Irradiation, Biological, and Other Technologies: E-Beam, Biological, and Sharps Treatment |
| | Systems . 69 |
| | Irradiation Technologies . 69 |
| | Biological Systems 72 |
| | Small Sharps Treatment Units 72 |
| | 10. Factors To Consider in Selecting an Non-incineration Technology . 75 |
| | 11. Economics of Treatment Technologies: Comparing Treatment Options 85 |
| | Cost Items 85 |
| | Incinerator Upgrade Costs . 86 |
| | Hauling Costs . 88 |
| | Costs of Non-incineration Technologies 88 |
| | Options for Acquisition . 88 |
| | 12. References and Recommended Readings . 93 |
| | Appendices |
| | 1. List of Alternative Technologies and Contact Information 95 |
| | 2. State Regulations for Pathological Waste . 99 |
| | Index . . 103 |