Medical waste decontamination

Abstract

A bag (86) of medical wastes is inserted into a chamber (12) that contains a grinder (20). A package (48) is placed unopened in the chamber with the medical wastes. A selected volume of a dilutant such as water is added to the chamber (40, 42). The chamber is closed and the grinder operated for a selected duration. The grinder grinds the packaging, disposing of the packaging and permitting contained dry reagents (56, 58) such as acetylsalicylic acid and perborate to react with the dilutant, forming a peracetic acid solution or permitting a sterilant concentrate (70) to form an anti-microbial solution with the dilutant. The grinder continues to grind the packaging and the medical wastes into fine particulates forming a slurry with the peracetic acid solution. The continued operation of the grinder assures that the anti-microbial solution contacts all surfaces of the waste. In this manner, the medical wastes are microbially decontaminated. A color indicator (60, 78) is included with the packaging to provide a color indication as to whether the anti-microbial reaction is complete. For example, a Gentian Violet may be provided which fades to white to indicate completion of the decontamination process. Once decontaminated, the slurry is removed from the chamber and disposed of as non-contaminated waste materials. Optionally, fragrances and deodorants may be included in the package.