At Bondtech, we provide equipment solutions for a wide range of industries. From manufacturing custom machinery to rebuilding existing units to servicing systems from other OEMs, we aim to support all of our customers’ equipment needs. One of our core system offerings is waste shredders.
What Are Waste Shredders?
Waste shredders are systems designed to break waste material into smaller pieces. This process allows waste to be processed more effectively and efficiently. Additionally, in the case of contaminant-laden waste, it prevents accidental reuse or recycling that can cause injury to or illness in those who come into contact with the material.
An Overview of Medical Waste
Waste shredding systems play a role in the waste management operations of a variety of industries, including the medical industry. In this industry, waste can be classified into four main categories:
- General waste. This type of waste constitutes approximately 85% of the waste generated by medical facilities. It is essentially no different than the type of waste produced by households or business offices, so it can be disposed of normally (i.e., by sending it to a landfill).
- Infectious waste. This type of waste carries the potential of causing infections in humans. It can consist of human or animal parts or materials soaked or stained with bodily fluids. It must be processed and disposed of using specific infectious waste methods.
- Hazardous waste. This type of waste is not necessarily infectious but can cause harm to humans in other ways. Examples include needles, surgical instruments, culture containers, and glassware. It must be processed and disposed of using specific hazardous waste methods.
- Radioactive waste. This type of waste carries a risk of causing radiation-related issues in humans. It is produced by equipment and operations that use radioactive substances, such as cancer therapies or CT scans. It must be processed and disposed of using specific radioactive waste methods.
While the majority of waste that comes from the medical industry can be considered general waste, which can be disposed of like normal municipal waste, industry professionals still must be able to handle the other types of waste produced in their facilities. For these waste materials, many health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend processing them as close to the point of production as possible. As such, having medical waste shredders on hand is essential.
Features of Medical Waste Shredders
Medical waste shredders typically consist of the shredder unit, a control cabinet, a hopper, a dumper, and, optionally, a conveyor. The shredder unit typically contains two shafts with blades that crush and grind the water material into small pieces. At Bondtech, we also offer a 4-shaft model for even greater efficiency. Compared to the systems used in other industries, they generally have higher technical requirements as they have to handle soft materials (e.g., cloth and clothes) and hard materials (e.g., glass and metal).
Advantages of Medical Waste Shredders
Shredders offer a number of advantages over other medical waste management solutions, such as:
- Greater processing efficiency and effectiveness. By breaking waste material into smaller pieces, the steam or chemicals used to make it safer for disposal can more easily penetrate.
- Lower chance of contamination. Since the material has been rendered essentially unusable, it is less likely it will be accidentally reused or recycled. As a result, there is a smaller chance that people will come into contact with infectious or otherwise hazardous compounds. Additionally, since processing operations often occur within a single system, there is a lower risk of cross-contamination between equipment.
- Smaller waste volumes. Shredding the waste material can reduce its original volume to as little as 20%, which allows the processed material to take up less space in storage or disposal locations.
- Better eco-friendliness. Unlike incineration, shredding does not cause airborne byproducts. Additionally, unlike chemical disinfection, it does not add more compounds that can potentially cause harm to humans or the environment.
More advanced waste shredding technologies offer further advantages. For example:
- Fully automated systems allow for easier operation and maintenance
- Stronger and sturdier housings mean lower maintenance, repair, and replacement costs
- Greater blade durability leads to improved shredding performance
- Better discharging system design prevents waste fall and odor spread
Choose Bondtech for Your Medical Waste Shredder Needs
Need a waste shredder for your medical facility? The experts at Bondtech are here to help! We offer custom waste reduction solutions in one-stage or two-stage variations. Each waste shredding system is thoroughly tested to reduce start-up and commissioning costs and ensure reliability in the field. It can effectively and efficiently collect, reduce, and convey sterilized waste material to a compaction chamber or cart.
To learn more about our medical waste shredding systems, contact us today. To discuss your equipment requirements with one of our team members, request a quote.