Biomedical wastes include a wide variety of items that may carry disease-causing germs including those that cause hepatitis and the virus that causes AIDS. It also includes items such as: live vaccines; laboratory samples; cultures; sharp needles; lancets that have been used to puncture, cut, or scrape the body; and human or animal body fluids or waste.Because laboratories, hospitals, and medical clinics generate much of this waste, these facilities are required by law to follow procedures to protect the public from contact with this waste.Biomedical waste can also be created in homes and businesses so it is important for everyone to know about safe handling of this type of waste. Sometimes in a disaster situation, normal disposal systems for biomedical waste may be disrupted. When these disruptions occur, the disease risk from these wastes increases.
Incineration is one way to manage these wastes.It is a waste treatment technology that involves the combustion of organic materials and/or substances. Incineration and other high temperature waste treatment systems are described as “thermal treatment” as well.
