Disposal of Hospital Wastes Containing Pathogenic Organisms
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the suitability of landfilling for the disposal of hospital solid waste containing pathogenic organisms. The various aspects of the subject that were examined include the regulatory background affecting hospital waste disposal (including the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, regulations proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the responses to thereto, and state regulations); standard operating procedures for disposal of hospital infectious waste; characterization of solid waste from U.S. Army and civilian hospitals; the infectiousness of hospital solid waste; soil factors and other considerations in landfill design; soil factors affecting pathogen fate; case studies relevant to pathogenic contamination of groundwater; data gaps and recent research pertinent to the landfilling of hospital solid waste; and recommendations for U.S. Army RD/D. On the basis of available information, the disposal of infectious hospital solid waste in sanitary landfills appears to be feasible and safe. Conditions within the properly constructed and maintained landfill make it unlikely that any pathogens would remain viable and be transported beyond the confines of the landfill.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA084913
Entities
People
- Howard Rubin
- Judith G. Gordon
- Kathy Brooks
- Louis Cofone
- Neal Zank
Organizations
- MITRE Corporation