MEDIATED ELECTROCHEMICAL OXIDATION OF DESTRUCTION OF SHARPS

摘要

Sharps are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the sharps with the electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode (26) of an electrochemical cell (25). A definition of sharps is "objects or devices having acute rigid corners, edges points or protuberances capable of cutting or penetrating the skin". The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present and capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize sharps and the biological waste on the sharps and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized. The oxidation process will be enhanced by the addition of ultrasonic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation.