The Best Medical Waste Management Practice: Autoclaving vs. Incineration

Healthcare facilities, businesses, and even households generate hundreds of thousands of medical waste daily. Thanks to proper medical waste disposal services Columbia South Carolina, even the most hazardous medical waste causes the least of harm to mankind. These companies have gained a reputation for using the best medical waste management practice.

Prior to disposing of medical waste, these companies ensure that they are properly treated. However, there are many different methods used in treating medical waste prior to disposal. The most efficient methods include the following:

  • Incineration

  • Autoclaving

So which is more effective? Basically, each method has its own unique benefit so choosing the best one boils down to choice

Incineration

Want to reduce the size of the medical waste generated? Looking for ways to get rid of harmful biohazards lurking around medical waste? You’ve got the answer right here. Incineration is one of the methods medical waste disposal services Columbia South Carolina use to eliminate the risk posed by medical waste. So why take advantage of this option? There are many reasons why incineration is a more effective waste treatment method and this includes:

  • It reduces the volume of the waste, making it easier to handle and less harmful

  • The compact size means that you need less space to dispose of the medical waste

  • A great way to save money

  • Kills the hazardous contaminants found on medical waste

Incineration is a great method for disposing of medical waste. It has been embraced with open arms as this disposal method poses less risk to human lives and the environment in general.

Autoclaving

Also known as steam sterilization, autoclaving uses heated steam to sterilize medical waste. This process is used to sterilize sharps used in healthcare facilities. Once done, you can rest assured that this equipment is safe for use once more.

So how does autoclaving work for medical waste? The medical waste is transferred into the autoclave machine. The high temperature steams the medical waste and any other items that need to be sterilized for a specific period. Not even the most dangerous biohazards can withstand the heat produced by the autoclave. The steam kills all viruses and bacteria on these waste materials, making them safe for disposal.

Autoclaving method comes in handling it you want to

  • Save costs

  • Eliminate the health risks associated with medical waste disposal

  • Get rid of all biohazards such as viruses and bacteria lurking around the medical waste.

So Which is Best to Choose: Autoclaving or Incineration?

As earlier mentioned, both these methods are highly effective for medical waste disposal with each having its own unique benefit. However, each medical waste disposal method has its own area of strengths and weaknesses.

Incineration comes in handy for the treatment of medical waste such as

  • Biohazards

  • Chemotherapy waste

  • Human pathological wastes

Autoclaving, on the other hand, is most effective for a wide range of waste. These include

  • Sterilizing medical facilities tools

  • Bandages and gauze

  • Gowns and medical equipment

Want to reduce the hazardous risks of medical waste? Opt for autoclaving or incineration