Abstract: A syringe encapsulation device having a melt chamber heated by forced hot air to sufficient temperature to melt the plastic bodies of the syringes, where the melt chamber is coaxially mounted onto a rotating shaft and rotated when the plastic is in the molten state such that the molten plastic is centrifugally driven to the outer periphery of the melt chamber to safely encapsulate the needles once the molten plastic has hardened.

Abstract: A device for the sterilization and encapsulation of bio-hazardous materials, especially including needles and syringes, which provides a sealable container to receive the materials and a rotating carousel to successively position the container for processing, a heat device to raise the temperature within the container to sterilize the contents and melt any plastic material, a compactor to crush the container into a smaller volume, and an ejector to remove the compacted container from the carousel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing medical waste are disclosed. Medical waste is disintegrated or shredded, disinfected with radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation and then transformed into useful material such as reclaimed plastic and refuse-derived fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing medical waste are disclosed. Medical waste is disintegrated or shredded, disinfected with radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation and then transformed into useful material such as reclaimed plastic and refuse-derived fuel.

Abstract: A needle destruction device has a main frame, a lateral plate, a motor, a motor shaft extending from the motor, a drive gear connected to the motor shaft, a follower gear engaging with the drive gear, a first upper roller, a second upper roller, a first lower roller, a second lower roller, a first upper shaft extending from the first upper roller, a first upper driven gear connected to the first upper shaft, a second upper shaft extending from the second upper roller, a second upper driven gear connected to the second upper shaft, a first lower shaft extending from the first lower roller, a first lower driven gear connected to the first lower shaft, a second lower shaft extending from the second lower roller, a second lower driven gear connected to the second lower shaft, the first upper driven gear engaging with the follower gear and the second upper driven gear, the first lower driven gear engaging with the follower gear and the second lower driven gear.

Abstract: A method for heat sterilizing or disinfecting hospital waste includes the steps of grinding and/or comminuting the waste under a cutting force and for an amount of time such that a quantity of heat which is sufficient to reach and maintain the sterilization or disinfection temperature within the massive waste is generated by friction. The apparatus includes a rotor provided with vanes or blades for grinding or comminuting the waste and a plurality of fixed strikers in the form of vanes or blades associated with the walls of the housing.

Abstract: Containerized medical waste is treated by a process in which the materials are carried by a conveyor under a negative pressure to a multiple-stage shredder. Sodium hypochlorite is added at several points in the shredder section of the apparatus. The output of the shredder is compressed and the liquid component which is separated out is recirculated. The compressed solid is conveyed through a conveyor in which the temperature is maintained at a level just under 212.degree. F. by the introduction of steam. The pressure is maintained at or below atmospheric pressure at all points in the system to prevent release of contaminated materials into the atmosphere. By using the combination of sodium hypochlorite and steam, it is possible to eliminate live microorganisms entirely while still taking advantage of low pressure to avoid accidental release of contaminated materials.

Abstract: A revolving trommel situated adjacent to a shredder has an annular screen which intercepts oversized or elongated fragments in the outflow from the shredder for return to the shredder. A first fragment guide directs the shredder outflow into the trommel and vanes in the trommel lift the oversized fragments to another fragment guide which extends out of the trommel to the shredder intake. In the preferred form, the trommel rests upon and is turned by a motor driven flexible continuous belt which carries fragments that pass through the screen upward to an elevated discharge chute. The apparatus is particularly useful for fragmentizing sterilized medical wastes.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the decontamination of infectious waste produces a flowable influent slurry from a solid waste and aqueous liquid. The influent slurry is caused to flow through a conduit which includes a heat exchanger, a heater which brings the temperature of the slurry to at least 125 degrees C., and a convoluted holding zone which provides a residence time of at least 15 minutes for the heated slurry. In-line agitation of the slurry is accomplished by injection of pressurized gas.

Abstract: An automatic syringe destruction system for sterilizing and destroying a carrier storing plastic syringes. A transfer wheel stores a plurality of carriers requiring sterilization and destruction. A first piston mechanism contacts one of the carriers stored on the transfer wheel and places the carrier into one end of a compression chamber. An induction coil surrounds the compression chamber and supplies heat to the compression chamber. A second piston mechanism enters another end of the compression chamber and compresses the carrier against the first piston mechanism.

Abstract: A mobile self-contained apparatus and process for grinding, grating, macerating, chemically disinfecting, and drying infectious waste material on-site. A trailer contains a hopper and a system of grinder/graters, enclosed conveyors, drying and filter apparatus, and sources of power, chemical disinfectant, and fresh water. Bagged infectious waste material in a cart is lifted and dumped into a hopper, fed to a first grinder/grater, ground and grated into particles, immersed in a sodium hypochlorite (hypochlorous acid) chemical disinfectant solution, and conveyed by an enclosed upwardly inclined screw conveyor to a second grinder/grater.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing medical waste are disclosed. Medical waste is disintegrated or shredded, disinfected with radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation and then transformed into useful material such as reclaimed plastic and refuse-derived fuel.

Abstract: A medical waste handling device in which the medical waste material, including syringes, are ground and crushed in a grinding unit while being sanitized and subjected to a cold temperature of about -50.degree. F. to make the waste material brittle, passing the fragmented waste material into a removable receptacle in a housing and in which the receptacle is further provided with a disinfectant to secondarily sanitize the medical waste material.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting unconsolidated medical waste into medical waste residue. A horizontal shaft supports revolving cutter blades having teeth which intermesh with teeth on stationary cutter blades. The rotating shaft forces the medical waste into contact with the cutting region between the revolving and stationary teeth to generate medical waste residue, and blades transport the medical waste residue toward a discharge. A first stage cutter can make an initial cut on the unconsolidated medical waste, and a second stage cutter can further reduce the particle size of the medical waste residue. A disinfectant or sterilant can be introduced into contact with the medical waste to convert infectious waste into nonhazardous medical waste residue.

Abstract: A system that sterilizes and compacts medical waste. The system includes a vessel which has a door that provides access to an inner chamber. The inner chamber is coupled to a compressor and a source of heating fluid. The vessel also has a jacket that surrounds the inner chamber. The jacket is coupled to the source of heating fluid and a source of cooling fluid. The operation of the system is controlled by a controller. To sterilize and compact medical waste, the door is initially opened and the waste is placed inside the inner chamber. The door is closed to seal the vessel. A vacuum is pulled within the inner chamber to remove any moisture contained therein. Simultaneous with the creation of the vacuum is the introduction of heating fluid to the jacket to heat the vessel. Heating fluid is then introduced to the inner chamber to sterilize the waste. After the waste is sterilized, a vacuum is pulled to remove the heating fluid from the inner chamber. The waste is then compacted by a piston.

Abstract: A process is described in which hospital refuse is comminuted to a powder-like consistency or at least so as to be capable of being pumped and subsequently subjected to heat sterilisation treatment in a highly turbulent dynamic thin layer.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating infectious wastes from hospitals, medical clinics or the like integrates sterilizing, fragmentizing and compaction steps within a single waste processor. Wastes which are deposited in a sterilization chamber are made non-infectious by exposure to pressurized steam. An outflow of wastes from the sterilization chamber is fed through one or more on-line shredders or the like and then into a compactor which compresses the processed material into a transportable container that may be hauled to a dump site.

Abstract: A sterile method of simultaneously breaking a number of ampules (22) containing medication and transferring the liquid drug into syringes (58), which include cutting the ampule shipping container (20) in half and enclosing the ampules in a holder (26). Further, cleaning the ampules and breaking the ampule necks (30) with a shear plate (40) struck by a mallet (44). Finally, transferring the medication with a filtered needle (50) to a sterile container (56) and filling the syringes from the container. The method utilizes apparatus which has a holder (26) of the same configuration as the shipping container (20) and a shear plate (40) that fits over the ampule necks (30). The mallet (44) is used to strike the shear plate breaking all of the necks simultaneously. A tray (34) collects the necks and debris and a sweep (46) clears the debris away into a bio-hazard container (62), or the like.

Abstract: A processing chamber for the treatment and decontamination of biological or medical waste includes a rotating waste treatment system carried within an open-top processing chamber, a cap for closing the chamber opening, a gas-pervious liner carried within the chamber for preventing waste from adhering to the underside of the cap as a result of waste-treatment operations, a sealing member disposed at and for sealing the interface of the cap and the processing chamber, and a chemical indicator carried within the interior of the processing chamber for confirming the presence of decontaminant during a waste treatment cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of medical waste, including solid and non-solid materials, permits the collection of such medical waste at the point and at the time of its generation in a solid container. The contained medical waste can be subsequently transported for pulverization, decontamination and safe disposal. A separate portable processing chamber, with an integral means to treat medical waste, can be used at locations remote from its power unit for the collection of medical waste and then moved to the location of the power unit to drive the waste-treatment means within the chamber.

Abstract: A process and processing system are disclosed that provide for the processing of many forms of waste, such as medical waste, food waste disposable diapers or the like, that both reduces the volume of waste solids and neutralizes the biological activity of such waste, thereby facilitating the disposal of potentially unhealthy or hazardous materials. The process and system also provides for the removal of coating from the surfaces of plastic waste material or for the dissolution of water soluble polymeric or fibrous waste material. Biological neutralization or, alternatively, coating removal or dissolution of water soluble waste, is accomplished by chopping the waste material and mixing it with a circulating stream of fluid such as water that is heated to a temperature which effects disinfection or sterilization or, alternatively coating removal or waste dissolution, in accordance with the needs of the user.

Abstract: Containerized medical waste is treated by a process in which the materials are carried by a conveyor under a negative pressure to a multiple-stage shredder. Sodium hypochlorite is added at several points in the shredder section of the apparatus. The output of the shredder is compressed and the liquid component which is separated out is recirculated. The compressed solid is conveyed through a conveyor in which the temperature is maintained at a level just under 212.degree. F. by the introduction of steam. The pressure is maintained at or below atmospheric pressure at all points in the system to prevent release of contaminated materials into the atmosphere. By using the combination of sodium hypochlorite and steam, it is possible to eliminate live microorganisms entirely while still taking advantage of low pressure to avoid accidental release of contaminated materials.

Abstract: Organic wastes are made suitable for disposal by sequential treatment with an oxidizing solution and an alkaline earth oxide or hydroxide. The treated waste is then mixed with an absorbent material to absorb excess liquid, and optionally with a binding material. An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a feed hopper, a shredder, mixer and appropriate metering means.

Abstract: A grinder for dry waste materials such as rubber gloves has a vertically-oriented, cylindrically-shaped housing with an opening at its upper end for receiving materials to be comminuted. The housing is divided into upper and lower chambers by means of a rotatable, disk-shaped shredder element. The shredder element has a pair of parallel upwardly-extending impeller blades disposed on its upper surface on opposite sides of its center of rotation which define a channel across the diameter of the shredder element.

Abstract: To reliably sterilize hospital refuse in a quantities and configuration in which it occurs on its collection, the plant includes a refuse loading device, a shredder, a motorized screw for refuse conveying, a microwave oven and a device for removing the treated refuse upon its exit from the oven.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of medical waste, including solid and non-solid materials, permits the collection of such medical waste at the point and at the time of its generation in a solid container. The contained medical waste can be subsequently transported for pulverization, decontamination and safe disposal. A separate portable processing chamber, with an integral means to treat medical waste, can be used at locations remote from its power unit for the collection of medical waste and then moved to the location of the power unit to drive the waste-treatment means within the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing medical waste are disclosed. Medical waste is disintegrated or shredded, disinfected with radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation and then transformed into useful material such as reclaimed plastic and refuse-derived fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing hypodermic needle having a needle shaft with a pointed end and a hub end and having a needle hub joined to the hub end for safe disposal of the hypodermic needle includes a metal grinder assembly including a grinding member having a grinding surface and a mechanism for moving the grinding member, and a needle guide structure for holding the needle shaft adjacent to the grinding member and the pointed end oriented substantially toward the grinding surface, for guiding the needle shaft toward and against the grinding surface to progressively grind the needle shaft into very fine particles. The mechanism for moving the grinding member preferably includes an electric motor. The apparatus preferably additionally includes a housing enclosing the grinding member, having a housing wall.

Abstract: A sharps disposal apparatus is provided for reducing contaminated medical sharps into unrecognizable, ordinary waste. The disposal apparatus comprises a disposal unit including a disposer, disposable waste receptacle, and sterilant recycling system. During the destruction and sterilization operation, the sterilant recycling system introduces sterilant into the disposer to sterilize the contaminated medical sharps while the disposer is grinding the sharps into small fragments. Once the medical waste is reduced to small fragments and is sterilized, the reduced waste is deposited in the disposable waste receptacle. Excess disinfectant flows through the waste receptacle and is recovered by a reservoir to be recycled. After the waste receptacle is full, the waste receptacle is easily removed from disposal unit, without the reduced medical waste coming into contact with human hands, and is disposed as ordinary waste.

Abstract: An industrial waste disposal apparatus which converts the waste from hazardous to nonhazardous form. The apparatus processes the waste into a solid block of nonhazardous material. The solid block may thereafter be disposed of through conventional disposal methods. This apparatus and process also reduces the volume up to 80% of the original volume.

Abstract: Apparatus for fragmentizing objects recovers and reprocesses oversized fragments. A shredder is encircled by an annular trommel revolving about a horizontal axis of rotation and which extends over the shredder intake hopper and below the fragment outlet. Fragments which are too large to pass through apertures in the trommel are carried upward by vanes on the trommel and returned to the intake hopper. In one form of the apparatus, a fragment guide has a curved surface extending along at least a lower portion of the trommel and which is spaced from the trommel to allow small fragments to pass through the trommel apertures. Cleats on the trommel urge such fragments towards a fragment discharging end of the guide. Thin elongated fragments which attempt to pass through a trommel aperture are stopped by the presence of the guide and thus are also carried upward and returned to the intake for further processing.

Abstract: This invention describes a microwave decomposition machine and method to decompose and sterilize medical waste material using high energy density microwaves, 60 Kilowatts or greater. The medical waste is well stirred and there is no damage of the cavity due to arcing during the process. The decomposition process takes place in a sealed oxygen free atmosphere of 1.0% or less oxygen thereby preventing the discharge of any medical waste gases into the atmosphere. The microwave decomposition machine can be mounted on a vehicle for easy transport to the source of the medical waste material.

Abstract: A process and processing system are disclosed that provide for the processing of many forms of waste, such as medical and food waste, that both reduces the volume of waste solids and neutralizes the biological activity of such waste, thereby facilitating the disposal of potentially unhealthy or hazardous materials. Biological neutralization is accomplished by chopping the waste material and mixing it with a circulating stream of fluid such as water that is superheated to a temperature which effects disinfection or sterilization in accordance with the needs of the user. The superheated fluid is maintained substantially in a liquid form to facilitate intermixing with the waste material and absorption thereby in instances of the processing of fluid-absorbable materials. The processed waste can be filtered to remove solid particles having a size in excess of a predetermined amount, and the filtrate can be passed into municipal sewer systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for comminuting and sterilizing infectious waste wherein the size reduction processes take place within the same sealed container within which the sterilization through vacuumization and saturated steam pressurization takes place. Between the vacuum cycle and the high-pressure steam cycle there is interposed an intermittent steam pressurization step to atmospheric pressure. The comminution of infectious waste material is carried out by a series of cutting, crushing and shearing elements which are arranged in a compact, stack-like fashion in a vertical arrangement with the bearing elements, clutch, gear and motor located outside the autoclave container and detachable therefrom, which allows ready access to the shredder stack which can be removed and exchanged in fully assembled fashion.

Abstract: Various kinds of used and potentially infectious medical articles such as injection needles are first crushed into pieces to such an extent that the shape of the articles can not be visually identified. Subsequently, the crushed medical articles and particulate absorbent are introduced into a mixer and mixed and heated therein to a temperature above 180.degree. C. by use of a heater in combination with frictional heat generated as the mixer blade is rotated, whereby the crushed infectious medical waste articles are completely sterilized. The particulate absorbent serves to absorb any unpleasant odor or toxic gas which is generated from the crushed infectious medical articles during heating. In such manner, sterilization of the crushed infectious medical appliances and absorption of the toxic gas can simultaneously be achieved, and moreover, the resultant sterile admixture can be used as an aggregate for construction material such as concrete.

Abstract: Hospital wastes or the like are sterilized and compressed for disposal by apparatus having a waste receptacle with a waste receiving opening at the top and having a sterilizer casing, the receptacle and casing being in telescoping relationship. The receptacle initially protrudes from the casing in order to receive the wastes and is then translated into the casing to close the casing and thereby enable sterilization of the contents by admission of pressurized steam. A helical rotary conveyer extends along the axis of the receptacle and has several functions. The conveyer moves wastes from the receptacle into the casing and precompacts such wastes prior to the sterilization cycle and may be used to stir the wastes during sterilization. After opening of a casing door, the conveyer operates to discharge the sterile wastes from the casing and a translatable ram forces the material into an adjacent compactor container.

Abstract: There is disclosed the sterilization of infectious hospital waste to generating a residue which is suitable for disposal. The invention comprises a first step of digestion at elevated temperatures and under highly alkaline condition for one to three hours. This step is combined with the necessary comminution, e.g., grinding, pulverizing and the like, to ensure substantially complete liquefaction of the wastes. The liquid reaction products from the first step are neutralized to a slightly alkaline pH, e.g., 7.5-9.5, and the waste is then subjected to enzymatic digestion with a suitable proteolytic enzyme for a short period of time. Preferably this proteinase treatment is combined with further comminution to further reduce any oversized particles that may remain in the waste following the first treatment. The enzymatic treatment is continued for a period from 30 to 90 minutes at temperatures most suitable for the selected enzyme and results in substantially complete hydrolysis of the proteins in the waste.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for simply disposing medical waste from a medical institution on site. The method comprises crushing medical waste in a closed container, exhausting air out of the container, sterilizing the air before releasing it into the atmosphere, and filling the container with a high-pressure steam having a temperature between 110.degree. C. and 150.degree. C. to sterilize the crushed medical waste. The apparatus is equipped with a pressure container having at least one air-tight seal, an internal waste crushing mechanism such as blades, an internal supply of steam, a valve for exhausting air from the container, and an air sterilizer for the exhausted air.

Abstract: A sharps disposal apparatus is provided for reducing contaminated medical sharps into unrecognizable, ordinary waste. The disposal apparatus comprises a disposal unit including a disposer, disposable waste receptacle, and sterilant recycling system. During the destruction and sterilization operation, the sterilant recycling system introduces sterilant into the disposer to sterilize the contaminated medical sharps while the disposer is grinding the sharps into small fragments. Once the medical waste is reduced to small fragments and is sterilized, the reduced waste is deposited in the disposable waste receptacle. Excess disinfectant flows through the waste receptacle and is recovered by a reservoir to be recycled. After the waste receptacle is full, the waste receptacle is easily removed from disposal unit, without the reduced medical waste coming into contact with human hands, and is disposed as ordinary waste.

Abstract: A medical waste disposal system includes an assembly for superheating a quantity of untreated medical waste which is partially saturated with water to an internal temperature of at least 275 degrees Fahrenheit for at least thirty minutes. After such superheating the vessel is rotated to cool the same to under 100 degrees Fahrenheit after which the contents are deposited into a matrix of grinding elements having surfaces of different grinding dimensions and capabilities such that the output thereof is unrecognizable as medical waste. Such output is then deposited into a microwave assembly to further disinfect and decontaminate the medical waste. After such treatment the output of the system may be treated in the same fashion as conventional household refuse.

Abstract: A continuous method for shredding waste material, particularly medical waste material, includes continuously loading the waste material into a hopper; passing the waste material into a continuously running primary shredder; initially shredding the waste material in the primary shredder; passing the initially shredded material into a continuously conveying screw conveyor wherein the initially shredded material is mixed together; conveying the mixed material into a continuously running high speed shredder for further shredding; passing the further shredded material into a turbo blender for additionally reducing the particle size of the shredded material; removing the shredded material by conveyor to a discharging area, and discharging the shredded waste material to a receptacle.

Abstract: The medical waste disposer has a frame and a receiving chamber connected with the frame. The receiving chamber has a discharge port and an anvil is connected with the receiving chamber adjacent the discharge port. The anvil has an anvil aperture extending through the anvil and aligned with the discharge port. A knife abuts and slides against the anvil along an axis. A knife hole extends through the knife. An assembly plate abuts the knife in sliding engagement to sandwich the knife between the anvil and the assembly plate. The assembly plate also has an opening extending through the plate. A drive is operatively connected with the knife to slide the knife. The knife slides between a first position in which the knife hole overlaps the anvil aperture and a second in which the knife hole is offset from the anvil aperture and overlaps the assembly plate opening. Each of the knife and the assembly plate may have a second hole or opening, spaced along the axis from the first hole or opening.

Abstract: A method of disposing of medical waste is disclosed wherein medical waste generated at a facility such as a hospital, clinic, and/or a doctor's office, after being bagged and sterilized, usually by a stem autoclave, is delivered to a mobile carrier having a shredder or similar device, for finely-dividing the sterilized waste which is then compacted and transferred to a storage area on the carrier where it can be commingled with sterilized shredded medical waste obtained from other facilities having been processed in like manner, before being transported to a sanitary disposal site.

Abstract: A process and processing system are disclosed that provide for the processing of many forms of waste, such as medical and food waste, that both reduces the volume of waste solids and neutralizes the biological activity of such waste, thereby facilitating the disposal of potentially unhealthy or hazardous materials. Biological neutralization is accomplished by chopping the waste material and mixing it with a circulating stream of fluid such as water that is superheated to a temperature which effects disinfection or sterilization in accordance with the needs of the user. The superheated fluid is maintained substantially in a liquid form to facilitate intermixing with the waste material and absorption thereby in instances of the processing of fluid-absorbable materials. The processed waste can be filtered to remove solid particles having a size in excess of a predetermined amount, and the filtrate can be passed into municipal sewer systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for safe disposal of hypodermic syringes, needles and other small, contaminated instruments such as, for example, scalpel blades, stitch cutters etc. (Commonly referred to as "sharps"). The apparatus firstly comprises a collection container having a primary lid which is movable between an open position and a closed position and is releasable latched in the closed position. The latch mechanism is adapted to be released when the contain is brought into cooperation with a destructor apparatus. The destructor apparats comprised a disposal receptacle adapted to receive the container and unlatch the lid, and a destructor means. adapted to generally comminute the material deposited therein. The destructor apparatus has an inlet and an outlet, a plurality of rotating blades which cooperate with two cutting plates which are arranged to define a flow path for the material between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for comminuting and decontaminating discrete batches of waste material to reduce the volume, to render it unrecognizable and to render it safe for subsequent handling. The minimum volume of decontaminant fluid to be added to each batch is determined by its weight. Batches of differing weights are fed consecutively to the comminuting apparatus either manually or by a conveyor. A batch weigh scale is employed to preset a timer which controls the duration of operation of a device feeding decontaminant fluid to the batch. The feeding means can be made operable to withdraw reactive agents from separate storage means, to mix them to produce the decontaminant fluid and to feed the reacted mixture into the comminuting apparatus.

Abstract: A cart-mounted or counter-top-mounted cabinet encloses a processing flask assembly located in an upwardly opening tub portion of the cabinet and which supports a drive motor below the cabinet. A blade-mounting impeller in the flask assembly is received on a motor output coupling when the flask assembly is installed in the tub. The motor, when operated, drives the blades in rotation to move and cut waste materials inserted through the open top of the flask. After a batch of waste has been processed, the flask assembly is removed from the tub and the minced and disinfected contents are dumped into suitable waste receivers with absorber material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of contaminated medical waste, including solid and non-solid, potentially infectious materials, permits the collection of such medical waste at the point and at the time of its generation in a solid container, which is subsequently transported for pulverization, disinfection and safe disposal. A separate portable processing chamber, with an integral means to treat medical waste, is used at locations remote from its power unit for the collection of medical waste and then moved to the location of the power unit to drive the waste-treatment means within the chamber.

Abstract: Method for decontaminating medical waste by comminuting it and contacting the comminuted waste with an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A method of disposing of medical waste is disclosed wherein medical waste generated at a facility such as a hospital, clinic, and/or a doctor's office, after being bagged and sterilized, usually by a steam autoclave, is delivered to a mobile carrier having a shredder or similar device, for finely-dividing the sterilized waste which is then compacted and transferred to a storage area on the carrier where it can be commingled with sterilized shredded medical waste obtained from other facilities having been processed in like manner, before being transported to a sanitary disposal site. A mobile carrier for disposing medical waste in the afore described manner having mounted thereon a shredder, located at one end of the carrier for receiving and finely dividing sterilized medical waste from a facility which generates the waste and a compacting unit coacting with the shredder for compacting and moving the finely-divided waste to a storage area therein.