MIL-HDBK-1191
Also, the regulation provides for more frequent removal of biohazardous or
sharps waste stored at a facility if odor becomes a nuisance.
When designing waste handling facilities located in California if storage
times of seven days or more are contemplated the inclusion of refrigeration
should be considered.
Attachment 1
Incineration
With the August 1997 changes to CFR 40 Part 60 (See comments under
Federal/State Guidelines) EPA expects the new standards to apply to between 10
and 70 new medical waste incinerators by the year 2002. Additionally, these
final air emission guidelines are for use by States in developing State plans
to reduce air pollution from existing and new medical waste incinerators and
are only minimum standards. States could impose even more stringent standards
while meeting the intent of the law.
These revised guidelines mean that any new incinerators will probably be built
by large commercial concerns (Browning Ferris Industries BFI, Med-ex, etc.)
or regional hospital systems and not individual health care institutions.
Attachment 2
Medical Waste Treatment Technology
Current viable solid medical waste treatment methods include retort
sterilization, incineration, microwave, and chemical disinfection (see Table
18-1, Mil-Hdbk-1191, Chapter 18). Microwaving would be the preferred
alternate treatment method due to the lack of emissions and economy of
treatment. Costs for microwave treatment average $.06 - .10 per pound (not
including capital cost) versus $.27 - .30 per pound. However, a unit designed
to treat 600-900 pounds per hour costs 0,000 (not including installation)
and has dimensions of 24 feet long, 9 feet high and 11 feet wide (not
including operating space).
With emphasis being placed on medical waste reduction (see Appendix 18.2:
Federal/State Guidelines concerning "Memo of Understanding" between the
Environmental Protection Agency and the American Hospital Association) the
potential volume reductions would extend any payback period beyond a
reasonable economic life.
BIOMEDICAL WASTE TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES
Technology
Approximate
Approximate
Approximate Space
1
Requirements2
Treatment Cost
Capital Cost
>1500 SF3
Microwave
$ .06 - .10/lb
5 650 K
0 250 K4
Autoclave
$ .06 - .10/lb
>1500 SF
Chemical
$ .03 - .06/lb
1450 K
>1500 SF
1
These do not include transportation and landfill costs.
2
These requirements are for equipment and working space. Final requirements should be determined
after volume estimates are determined and transport method has been determined.
3
Height requirements vary with the dumping method used (top loading vs. side loading).
4
These costs do not include a shredder which would be required for any installation.
18-13
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