The Current System

Waste Hauler –

Picks up infectious waste and usually carries it to a remote “approved” processing center which may include incineration or other sterilization methods.

Harmful to the environment -

Some pathogenic organisms may become airborne before the incinerator reaches a temperature sufficient for proper kill level.

Burning plastic gives off toxic gas into the atmosphere.

Chemicals treatment is harmful to the environment and may not sterilize some infectious waste (syringes, etc.).

Expose the hospital to greater liability –

Well-meaning but poorly managed companies are exposing the hospitals to undue risks and paperwork as a result of improper handling.

Unscrupulous haulers create the same risk for the hospitals and expose the public to health risks as well. This creates an indefinite period of ongoing liability.

Expose the hospital to greater risk / loss of control –

By relying on third parties you lose control over your future cost and events such as weather, strikes, etc. In addition, future government regulations could affect the way these haulers operate which could translate into a problem for the hospital.

Expensive -

Disposal cost vary by state from a low of $0.25 to as high as $0.55 per lb for disposal. In addition, with the increase in energy cost these rates will climb. Future Government regulations will also have an impact on cost.

In House Processing -

Many hospitals have turned to in house processing of RBW

Current equipment is complicated to use – To ensure a proper kill of infectious waste and pathogenic organisms strict procedures must be adhered to and most require use of chemicals.

The process is very slow and cumbersome. This equipment is also very hard to maintain.

Current Technology is not always reliable –

Shredding waste before sterilization contaminates the shredder which must be decontaminated before taking corrective actions. In many cases the entire machine must be torn down to repair. All the while RBW continues to accumulate.

Requires a lot of space in the hospital –

Current technology requires a large amount of space and headroom. The machines on the market are very large. Many times the footprint of competitive machines is five times larger than our solution.