Medical waste is known for being hazardous. It often contains dangerous microorganisms and toxins that pose massive health risks. It is important to get rid of medical waste to ensure the safety of people in the vicinity of a hospital.
When it comes to medical waste disposal, there are two primary methods out there. These include landfills and incineration. The choice between the two has always been a matter of debate among the experts.
In this article, we are going to break down these two methods of medical waste disposal. The information provided in this guide will help you make an informed decision regarding your waste disposal needs.
So, let’s get straight to it
Importance of Medical Waste Disposal
Before we get into the methods for medical waste disposal, let’s talk a little bit about why it is crucial to do it in the first place.
Medical waste gets collected when patients suffering from infectious diseases are treated within a hospital. From minor injuries to major operations, the need for medical equipment is always there. There is a huge amount of disposable equipment needed out there including injections, droppers, surgery, and more.
These disposable instruments may carry hazardous and viral materials that can be injurious to health. This is what necessitates the value of proper medical waste disposal.
What is a Landfill?
Landfills are a commonly used method for medical waste disposal. The process includes storing solid waste in a large pit and covering it with soil. Landfills have been around for ages. They are the oldest yet the most convenient forms of waste disposal out there.
Modern landfills are heavily monitored to ensure the safety of people living close to them. Environmental regulations require constant checks for landfills to identify and tackle potential contamination issues.
Benefits of Medical Waste Disposal Through Landfills
Below is a list of the reasons why you should go with landfills for medical waste disposal:
Cost-Effective
Landfills don’t require any expensive infrastructure. You don’t need a trained staff and you don’t have any ongoing expenses. And there is no need for heavy equipment or learning complicated procedures. This is what makes landfills an affordable method for medical waste disposal.
Convenient
Landfills are an easier solution for medical waste disposal. This is especially true for developing countries with less waste disposal budgets. You just need a big enough space capable of holding the medical waste. Once you have that, you can keep storing the waste there without any specialized equipment or personnel training.
No Emissions
There is no processing involved with storing medical waste in a landfill. You don’t need to burn the waste. Which means that there will be no emissions going into the environment. So, as a whole, landfills are an eco-friendly method for medical waste disposal. Although landfills produce slight air pollution, it is not as concerning as burning the waste.
Safe for Public Health
Along with being good for the environment, landfills are safe for the public as well. Burning the waste may produce particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and heavy metals. There are no such issues with disposing of the waste in a landfill.
What is Incineration?
Incineration is the process of burning waste at high temperatures. It is a fast and efficient way of getting rid of toxic medical waste. Incineration is an equally good method for disposing of infectious and non-infectious waste.
Hospitals and medical research facilities all around the globe use incineration for waste disposal. Since this method provides comprehensive neutralization of medical waste, it is the primary reason why incineration is a preferred choice for disposal.
Benefits of Medical Waste Disposal Through Incineration
Here are the benefits that you get with incinerating the medical waste:
Source of Energy
Medical waste can be converted into usable energy through a process called WTE (Waste To Energy). You can use this method to convert medical waste into electricity, steam, or heat. Many countries around the world are using combustible waste to generate energy.
Efficient as Compared with Landfills
Incineration is a great way of disposing of medical waste if you prefer efficiency. It reduces the volume of the waste to be disposed of by up to 95%. This means that you won’t need a large space to get rid of the waste. Also, you won’t need to spend money on transporting large quantities of medical waste. So, it has financial viability as well.
No Need for Space
Some countries don’t have space to spare for creating large-scale landfills. These countries can utilize incineration to get rid of the medical waste.
No Methane Development
Waste that is left to decay in landfills can generate large quantities of methane. Research suggests that methane is responsible for around 30% of the current rise in global temperature. There have been huge concerns over it. This is what makes incineration a better method for medical waste disposal.
Landfills Vs. Incineration: Which is Better?
The choice between the two disposal methods depends on various factors. If you prefer affordability, then go with landfills. If efficiency is your goal, then incineration might be a better option for you. It is important to understand the pros and cons of both methods before making the decision.
Conclusion
Medical waste disposal is crucial for creating a sustainable living environment for your loved ones. It is important for environmental reasons as well. In this article, we have outlined the best methods for medical waste disposal. If you want to streamline things, we recommend getting assistance from a professional waste disposal company. Visit Globalex for the best medical waste disposal services in Dubai, UAE.