Does the STI Waste Treatment System comply with regulations for RMW treatment?

Yes. If your regulators issue approval letters, we will provide a copy for your files.

Do I need to apply for a permit to use the system on-site at one or more of my facilities?

Yes. Normally, the user must apply for permits to operate the system on-site. STI will work with your facility to obtain the necessary permits.

Will I have any off-site hauling needs with the use of the STI?

Yes. It will still be necessary to haul away Chemotherapeutic waste. You may also want to haul away pathological waste for perception purposes. Normally, both of these types of combined waste amount to 0.5% of the total Regulated Medical Waste stream.

Does the system require a full-time operator to feed the waste into the system manually?

No. Typically, the environmental service employees will roll the cart into the machine, push one button, and walk away. It is that simple.

How much chemical (Sodium Hypochlorite – Bleach) is used in the system, and does it have a negative impact on the environment?

Each time the unit dumps a waste cart, a very small (ml) amount of bleach and water is sprayed into the cart dumper. The use of bleach in the system is approved by the USEPA, FIFRA branch for compliance with the USEPA standards, and does not have a negative impact on the environment.

What is the source that treats the waste in the STI system?

The waste is exposed to 215°-240°F direct steam for at least one hour.

Does the STI Waste Treatment System require expensive autoclave bags?

No. The equipment shreds both the waste and the waste containers. We recommend that you use the least expensive, compliant bags available.

Can the unit be installed and operated outdoors in the extreme heat or cold?

Yes. The STI unit may be installed indoors or outdoors. In areas where freezing is a concern, the STI system heat-traces and insulates the plumbing interconnections that are exposed to the cold temperature.

What is the life expectancy of the cutters in the shredder?

BioSAFE Medical Waste Systems estimates the cutters to last between two to three million pounds of throughput. This is unheard of in our industry. Once the cutters wear out, they are easy to replace.

What is the useful life of the STI Waste Treatment System?

The system’s life expectancy depends on how well the unit is maintained. There isn’t much maintenance, but keeping the machine clean and serviced will certainly extend its life. Rather than give an estimated life expectancy in years, we like to think in terms of throughput. To date, the oldest single system (installed in 1993) has processed well over 2 billion pounds of waste.

How much waste will your facility generate this year?

Use our annual waste calculator (link) to determine which size waste treatment system will best meet your needs.

How do I know if my facility has the proper utility and space requirements for a unit from BioSAFE Medical Waste Systems?

BioSAFE Medical Waste Systems has a full staff of engineers dedicated to answering these questions for you, and we are able to provide you with conceptual drawings and solutions. If you would like to see what the system will look like installed at your facility, just let us know.

How do I maintain the unit once it is installed?

BioSAFE Medical Waste Systems provides detailed operator and maintenance training after each installation. In addition to this, we offer service contracts for routine maintenance, as well as a customer service staff that is on-hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our engineers are able to monitor your STI unit and make program changes from our Indianapolis headquarters so that you receive immediate attention.

Can I use the STI system to destroy confidential HIPPA documents?

Yes. The STI is commonly used to shred confidential records instead of hiring a mobile service for this purpose.