Using microwave technology, the Sterilwave process achieves microbiological inactivation of medical waste in just 30 minutes, without steam, pressure, combustion or liquid effluent discharge.
This approach reduces operational requirements and simplifies day-to-day management.
The system is easy to operate, with a fully automated treatment cycle requiring less than 10 minutes of operator intervention.
The technology does not require highly qualified personnel dedicated to waste treatment, helping to reduce operating costs while maintaining a high level of safety.
By comparison: an autoclave requires steam, water, drainage connections and effluent management, as well as qualified operators to run and maintain pressurised equipment.
By comparison: small-scale on-site incineration units require strict control of combustion conditions, operating temperatures and flue gas treatment systems. Their operation involves complex equipment, specialised maintenance and continuous environmental monitoring.
Incomplete combustion can generate undesirable atmospheric emissions, including particulate matter, smoke, acid gases and certain persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as dioxins and furans.
The management of ash and combustion residues also represents an additional operational challenge.
This is why microwave technology is recognised worldwide as one of the most environmentally friendly approaches to medical waste treatment.