Overview of Biomedical Waste Technology of Contaminants in Letters

Abstract

Nonincineration methodologies for proper treatment of biomedical waste are in increasing demand around the world, as more and more countries adopt regulations restricting air pollution.

Allen Engineering & Sciences, P.C., recently prepared a report (“Biomedical Waste Treatment and Disposal Options in the Philippines,” May 2002) regarding biomedical waste treatment technologies and vendors, at the request of the Philippine Environmental Management Bureau (EMB). Data for the Report were developed under a grant to EMB from the United States Trade and Development Agency.

The Report is intended to provide information needed by EMB and potential buyers of nonincineration biomedical waste treatment equipment for use in the Philippines, and to facilitate communication among vendors of such equipment and potential buyers in that country. It also provides useful information for other parties and governments around the world that are interested in gathering information on current technologies for biomedical waste treatment. Over 50 vendors of biomedical waste treatment technology and equipment were contacted, as part of the Report research effort. This paper summarizes information developed for the Report.

The following are salient points that have grown out of the research conducted for the Report.

The limited budgets and size (bed count) of most Philippine medical facilities will probably inhibit the purchase of new, in-house biomedical waste treatment equipment for many of these facilities. Low-technology approaches to sharps (e.g., filling partially full used sharps containers with cement mortar before disposing of them) should be considered, at least for small or remote hospitals.

Secure landfills are not available in the Philippines. Solid waste, including treated biomedical waste, is subject to scavenging at open dumpsites. Adequate treatment and destruction of biomedical waste, particularly sharps (e.g., used hypodermic needles), is therefore a significant concern.

Notwithstanding the generally limited budgets noted above, a significant market for nonincineration biomedical waste treatment equipment and services exists in the Philippines.