Methods for treatment and disposal of regulated medical waste

摘要

A method for safely treating and disposing of infectious biomedical waste and other hazardous materials is disclosed. The method involves alkaline hydrolysis of infectious agents contained in regulated medical waste or hazardous waste solutions. The infectious waste is immersed into a highly basic solvent (>130° C.,>2.79 atm) until the hydrolyzable matter is fully digested, thereby forming a sterile solution and sterile solid waste. The sterile solution and solid waste may then be disposed of through standard means, such as in a sanitary sewage system or local landfill facility. The method also provides for the treatment of lipid soluble hazardous material contained in the regulated medical waste.