If you run a hospital, vet clinic, tattoo parlor or other facility in West Palm Beach that generates biohazard waste, you should be aware of the different methods of disposal. Bio waste disposal in West Palm Beach can be done in the following ways:
Onsite Methods
*Autoclave – Thermal treatment: This is typically used for certain types of infectious waste and sharps. An autoclave is essentially a pressure cooker that uses steam and high temperature to kill microorganisms. These come in different sizes to accommodate the amount of waste your facility generates. Another benefit is that they are automated in order to reduce human interaction, thus reducing the amount of needle-stick injuries and contamination. Once the waste has been de-contaminated, it can be handed over to a medical waste facility as non-infectious waste.
*Chemical treatment: This is used to decontaminate liquid waste on site rather than packaging them and sending them to a facility. This helps to reduce chemical spills during transportation. Keep in mind that some chemicals, such as chlorine, calcium oxide and sodium hydroxide can produce undesirable side-effects, such as VOC’s when applied. This type of treatment must be executed using extreme caution.
*Microwave treatment: Similar to autoclave, this treatment used heat to decontaminate the waste. For best results, waste should be mixed with water and shredded.
Offsite Methods
*Incineration: This is often used for pharmaceutical and pathological waste. This should only be performed in a controlled facility to minimize negative effects to the environment. This method kills 99% of microorganisms and leaves minimal waste.
*Land disposal: This is used for treated, shredded and decontaminated waste. Specialized land fill sites exist to provide the maximum level of protection against soil contamination and other negative reactions.
Bio waste disposal in West Palm Beach is an important part of your business, and you should consider all methods before deciding on which one is right for you and your facility.
