| 摘要 |
A method of processing waste containing thermoplastic and non-thermoplastic materials comprises the steps of (i) heating the waste, (ii) supplying the waste to a densifier to cause densification of the waste and heat transfer contact between the materials such that the thermoplastic material softens to at least partially surround the non-thermoplastic material, and (iii) extruding the densified waste to form an extruded product. The heating step may be performed at an elevated pressure and may be carried out by exposing the waste to steam, for example, in a rotating autoclave device. An alkaline material like calcium oxide may be added to the waste before or after densification. In other aspects of the invention, the waste to be treated is clinical waste and the method is intended to at least partly reduce bacterial, viral, pharmacological and/or chemical hazards of the waste to facilitate transport and disposal. |
