Feasibility Study on Clinical Waste Management

Bertin Technologies is a supplier of a comprehensive range of equipment and bio-analytical tools, including Sterilwave, a tailor-made machine for on-site sterilisation of infectious waste produced at healthcare facilities (hospital, laboratories, etc…). Such machines work with a combination of shredding and microwaving, offering an efficient sterilisation process with the addition of volume and weight reduction. The final output is highly calorific dry waste that can be assimilated to municipal waste.

Seeds conducted a feasibility study with the aim of building a portfolio of possible recovery applications for the output waste of Sterilwave machines, to improve the contribution that this technology can provide to circular economy objectives.

In the context of the EU's funding programme Green Assist, the client requested an advisory service to improve their contribution to circular economy in the hospital waste management sector – both in the European and international context.

The project started in February 2024 and included:

1. Overview of infectious waste management.
2. Overview of relevant European legislative context (Best Available Techniques, BREF) and national legislation.
3. Assessment of the Sterilwave output waste and a case study.
4. Compendium of possible recovery applications.

In order to compile a compendium of recovery applications, Seeds conducted thorough desk research alongside a specific case study aimed at evaluating the Sterilwave output waste on the field. The case study analyses data from one of the hospitals in which the machine had been installed. A sampling campaign of the output waste was carried out, as well as laboratory analyses (performed by an external laboratory) to assess its chemical composition, which allowed to gain relevant information and identify the most suitable recovery options.

Finally, an evaluation matrix was built as a general tool to assist and guide the beneficiary in identifying and selecting the most suitable recovery application on a case-by-case basis.

The feasibility study explored possible applications for Sterilwave output waste, taking into account both technical and legislative constraints. It included an assessment of relevant EU regulations and a framework of the Best Available Techniques for managing clinical waste.

The case study and the laboratory analyses helped gain key information regarding the waste, in terms of physical properties but also environmental concerns. The collected data was essential in developing an evaluation matrix, a decision-making tool designed to help clients select the most suitable recovery applications for cases beyond the one assessed in the study.