Medical Waste Management and Disposal

Describes the current status of US medical waste management and disposal practices, ranging from handling the waste as nonhazardous municipal solid waste to strict segregation, packaging, labeling, and tracking. Treatment techniques include steam sterilization, incineration, recycling and reuse methods. Also covers EPA studies characterizing types, numbers and sizes of waste generators and wastes generated.

Introduction
Characterization of Medical Waste
Health Hazard Assessment
Estimated Costs of the Demonstration Program and Improper
Demonstration Program Objectives and Evaluation
Medical Waste Handling Methods
Medical Waste Treatment Methods
Medical Waste Treatment Effectiveness
Existing State and Local Requirements
Regulatory Options for a National Program
Appropriateness of Penalties
Home Health Care and Small Quantity Generator Waste
Medical Waste Reuse, Recycling and Reduction
Part II: EPA Guide for Infectious Waste Management
Introduction
Infectious Waste Characterization
Infectious Waste Management
Treatment of Infectious Waste
Suggested Treatment Methods for Each Infectious Waste Category
Part III: Medical Waste Combustion at Municipal Waste Combustion
Facilities
Introduction
Medical Waste
Impact of Medical Waste on Combustor Emissions
Important Considerations
Current Practices-U.S. MWCs
Current Practices-European and Canadian MWCs
MWC Manufacturers'/System Suppliers' Recommendations
Preliminary Recommendations and Research Needs
Part IV: Hospital Medical Waste Incinerator Operation and
Maintenance
Introduction
Hospital Incineration Systems
Air Pollution Control
Operation
Maintenance
Control and Monitoring Instrumentation
Operational Problems and Solutions
Recordkeeping
Safety Guidelines
Glossary
Part V: Waste Minimization Options for Selected Waste Streams
Waste Minimization Options
Toxics, Corrosives, and Miscellaneous Chemicals