Alternative Medical Waste Treatment Technologies

Many hospitals and medical waste treatment facilities have discontinued use of incinerators due to increased costs. The costs of operating medical waste incinerators have risen in part due to regulations pertaining to Hospital/Medical/Infectious Waste Incinerators (HMIWI). Treatment technologies have been developed and improved which minimize or nearly eliminate environmental discharges. A summary of some representative technologies is provided in the EPA Alternate Treatment Technologies Fact Sheets.

Applying for State Approval of an Alternative Medical Waste Treatment Technology

It is necessary to obtain state approval to operate a new treatment technology in North Carolina. Vendors who would like to seek approval of an alternative medical waste treatment technology need to submit information to obtain the approval. The following shall be submitted:

• General description of the treatment system; 
• Efficacy data on representative microorganisms (a full report is required which includes complete information on experimental design, unsummarized and summarized data, and qualifications of the testing laboratory); 
• Description of any environmental discharges; 
• Information on worker safety aspects; and
• Additional information as may be required.

For further information, contact John Patrone with the Solid Waste Section at john.patrone@deq.nc.gov or 919-280-4814.

Guidance and Assistance in Evaluating New Alternative Medical Waste Treatment Technologies: Guidance for Evaluating Medical Waste Treatment Technologies - EPA publication which provides guidance on how to evaluate new technologies. Some types of technology require registration under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act

Alternative Medical Waste Treatment Technologies Approved for use in North Carolina

The following is a list of alternative medical waste treatment technologies approved for use in North Carolina. Companies and products previously listed are either out of business or no longer market formerly approved products in North Carolina.