Hands-Free Loading System

The medical waste microwave system typically utilizes an automatic loading system.

The STI Waste Treatment System utilizes a fully automatic hands-free loading system.

No Water Required

The medical waste microwave relies on water molecules to be excited by microwaves to create heat. No water, no heat. Too much water in the waste and the unit does not heat fast enough extending cook times!

The STI system does not care about the quantity of water content to be fully functional.

No Limitations on Metal

The medical waste microwave system typically has limitations on the amount of metals processed at a given time due to the fact that microwaves and metals may not be compatible. The microwave will typically limit the amount of sharps for instance to around 10-20% of the waste introduced at a given time to limit the amount of metal needles in the system. If too much metal is introduced, it may damage the microwave guns.

STI has no basic limitations on the quantity of metals to be treated and will process as many sharps at one time as the user cares to introduce without limitation and will always remain fully functional.

Unrecognizable Waste

The microwave system shreds the waste, rendering it unusable and generally unrecognizable. The STI unit shreds the waste, rendering it unusable and generally unrecognizable.

Heavy Duty Construction

The microwave unit typically uses much smaller, lighter duty shredder/s compared to the Chem-Clav. The microwave shredder may weigh as little as 1/5th of that used on the BioSAFE Medical Waste Systems Chem-Clav. The shredder on the microwave system may encounter unpredictable and expensive downtime when tramp metal is introduced. Tableware from a kitchen along with hip joints, oxygen canisters, etc. may ruin the shredder cutters, shafts, bearings and seals on the microwave. The system can shred many of the above objects without harming the system. If the system encounters objects that cannot be shredded, the unit is designed to stop, without breakage. To date, STI Waste Treatment Systems have no reports of broken cutters on any of its installed units. Bearings are typically replaced during normal routine maintenance on the system. Cutter wear on the shredders of the microwave system is poor in comparison. STI systems have unusually good wear on the shredder in the system. Users usually do not change cutters inside of the shredder until the unit has processed between 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 pounds of throughput. Some of our users exceed 6,000,000 pounds of throughput without the need to change cutters. No other system on the market achieves the lifespan for cutter wear like STI Waste Treatment Systems.

No Odors

As the microwave heats the waste, a foul odor may become present. Once processed, the microwave waste may create a vector for rodents and insects to lay their eggs.The system has a patented sub-system that may apply a very tiny amount of NaOCl (Bleach) to the waste in that prevents the waste from putrefaction, and from emitting foul odors. In many instances, the waste can sit in a compactor can after processing for up to one week in the direct sunlight without creating bad odors. STI systems will not create a vector for rodents or insects.

Large Capacity

Microwave systems may struggle to obtain the rated capacity.The systems meet or exceed the rated capacity. Users are very pleased with the throughput of the Chem-Clav units.

Lower Operating Costs

Capital costs for the microwave system are typically higher than STI by $150,000 to $300,000 per unit. The microwave system is reported to have operating costs (on-off costs and maintenance of between $0.03 to $0.06 per pound. The operating cost of STI equipment averages at or slightly below $0.015 per pound of waste processed. The major difference in operating costs is reliability. Microwave users may expend large amounts of money in on-going maintenance and state that reliability and operating costs are their largest concern.

No Frivolous Equipment Add-Ons

The microwave system typically has an enclosure around it making it difficult to maintain. STI users typically do not wish to pay for a transport container made by an equipment manufacturer. Instead, they would rather only buy the equipment they need.

Patented Dehydration System

The microwave system does not have a patented dehydration section in the equipment.Waste from the STI unit is very dry and does not carry a bad odor.