Abstract: Disposal means for large scale efficient disposal of medication and controlled substances comprising a homogeneous mixture of one or more surfactants, aerobic enzymes, anaerobic enzymes, soluble bitterants, insoluble bitterants, colorants, excipients, thickener agents, and humectant. Unwanted medication and controlled substances, such as opioids, are introduced to the solution and rendered inert and/or useless.

Abstract: A composition that can decontaminate opioids on surfaces or objects, and in particular decontaminate fentanyls on surfaces using an opioid-active reagent and an opioid-effective solubilizing agent, which is a mixture of an alkyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant, an alkyl dimethylamine oxide surfactant, a C8-18 alkyl polyethylene glycol sorbitan fatty ester surfactant, and a C12-14 secondary alcohol ethoxylate surfactant. Preferably, the opioid-active reagent is chlorine dioxide. Additionally, methods for decontaminating opioids on surfaces using this composition.

Abstract: An accumulation/disposal bin includes a container body with an upper opening. The lid pivots about the forward edge of the opening, allowing a lock to be formed on the rear edge of the lid. Edge mounted wheels may further be located proximate the rear bottom of the container, diagonally across from the hinge. The bin may further include a lifting slot on the rear wall. A handle may be formed proximate the upper opening on the rear the bin. The lid may comprise a downwardly sloped ramp extending from an opening in a horizontal plane to beneath a portion of the lid that at least partially covers this horizontal plane. The ramp and the covering portion of the lid define first and second slots each in a generally vertical plane that may prevent access to the body.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for disposal of used home medication which comprises an outer container being sealable and disposable containing an inner water-soluble packet/bag of gelling agent and coloring agent for stabilizing the used medication wherein the outer container comprises a foil-type container having a double sealing mechanism including a first zip lock sealing portion and a second self-sticking sealing portion to insure that the contents are safely sealed prior to disposal in a conventional home solid waste disposal unit.

Abstract: General medication disposal systems are provided. Aspects of the systems include devices having a sealable container dimensioned to accommodate a pharmaceutical composition; and an amount of an inactivating substance, e.g., granulated or pelletized activated carbon, present inside of the sealable container. Aspects of the invention further include methods of making and using the systems, as well as kits comprising the devices of the system.

Abstract: Containment systems and methods safely and permanently encapsulate a sharp portion of a sharp medical instrument (e.g. a hypodermic needle). The containment system includes a cap or other container formed of a durable and flexible material having a rim defining an open end configured to receive a sharp portion therein, an interior surface, wherein at least a portion of the interior surface comprises a puncturing element, and a bladder contained within the cap proximate the puncturing element, the bladder containing a first component of a liquid hardenable solution. Opposing sides of the cap can be deformed under external pressure to cause the puncturing element to puncture the bladder so as to release the first component of the liquid hardenable solution from the bladder such that the first component contacts the sharp portion and the sharp portion is substantially permanently retained inside the cap by the liquid hardenable solution.

Abstract: Containment systems and methods safely and permanently encapsulate a sharp portion of a sharp medical instrument (e.g. a hypodermic needle). The containment system includes a cap or other container formed of a durable and flexible material and having a rim defining an open end configured to receive the sharp portion therein and an adhesive disposed on an interior surface of the container. The method of use includes inserting the sharp medical instrument into the container, and compressing the sides of the container to permanently encapsulate the sharp portion of the medical instrument within the adhesive. The adhesive may be an adhesive tape and may be protected before use by a covering, which may be removed at the time of use by pulling a pull tab extending from an opening in the container.

Abstract: Containment systems and methods safely and permanently encapsulate a sharp portion of a sharp medical instrument (e.g. a hypodermic needle). The containment system includes a cap or other container having a rim defining an open end configured to receive the sharp portion therein and an ingress port configured to permit injection of a liquid hardenable solution into the container to encapsulate the sharp portion. The method of use includes inserting the sharp metal instrument into the container, and injecting a liquid hardenable solution into the container through the ingress port to encapsulate the sharp portion of the medical instrument. The hardenable solution then hardens, encapsulating the sharp portion of the medical instrument. The liquid hardenable solution is injected by a base or base unit configured to receive the container and to inject the solution through the ingress port.

Abstract: Methods and products for cleanup of fluid medical waste. In one illustrative embodiment, a product may include coconut coir in a loose granulated grade, a compressed pellet grade, or mixture thereof allowing users to choose between grades more ideal for their application while achieving the same results of absorbing and solidifying all human waste and fluids for safe removal and disposal. In a second illustrative embodiment, a product may include coir in a proportion of from about 85% to about 99% and a suitable microbe for initiating bioremediation in an appropriate form in a proportion of from about 20% to about 1%, by weight.

Abstract: An assembly and method for processing human waste includes providing a supporting base having an opening within which a waste reservoir is affixed. The assembly may be installed on or below a rim of a toilet bowl. Solidification and pathogen killing materials are provided. The materials are deposited in the reservoir either prior to or upon accumulation of waste in the reservoir. The reservoir with the solidified waste is then sealed and transported to a collection facility.

Abstract: The waste disposal system disclosed herein includes a chamber operated at high ampere and low voltage, the chamber configured to inject smoke on a stream of free radicals. In one implementation, the stream of free radicals is generated from a plasma igniter and the smoke is generated from waste products, such as hospital waste products.

Abstract: The invention includes a system for solidification of liquid medical waste for use in connection with a vessel configured to receive an aqueous liquid to be solidified. The system includes an absorbent composition including a plurality of surface cross-linked superabsorbent particles and a plurality of second particles. Additionally, a soluble packet may be included so that the absorbent composition is released upon dissolution of the packet. The invention also includes a liquid solidification system for reducing gel block and a method of solidifying liquid medical waste.

Abstract: By-product materials are processed to mitigate undesirable effects. In some embodiments, industrial waste by-products are recycled using calcium polysulfide and used in building materials. In certain implementations, toxins are rendered non-viable as human pathogens by reaction with calcium polysulfide to create non-soluble sulfide crystals locked in the material as hydration is completed. The sulfides are not soluble in water and are locked into position within the resulting hydrate material, which mitigates escape of or changes of state in the toxins.

Abstract: A container for confining nuclear waste, including a sleeve of longitudinal axis closed at a first longitudinal end by a base and a second longitudinal free end via which the container is designed to be loaded, a plug configured to close the second longitudinal free end tightly, a flange fixed on the inner face of the sleeve to the side of the second longitudinal free end, the plug having at least one external diameter substantially equal to at least one internal diameter of the flange, the plug configured to be welded on the flange such that the welding zone is offset radially towards an interior of the container, relative to an inner face of the sleeve.

Abstract: Containment systems and methods safely and permanently encapsulate a sharp portion of a sharp medical instrument (e.g. a hypodermic needle). The containment system includes a cap or other container formed of a durable and flexible material having a rim defining an open end configured to receive a sharp portion therein, an interior surface, wherein at least a portion of the interior surface comprises a puncturing element, and a bladder contained within the cap proximate the puncturing element, the bladder containing a first component of a liquid hardenable solution. Opposing sides of the cap can be deformed under external pressure to cause the puncturing element to puncture the bladder so as to release the first component of the liquid hardenable solution from the bladder such that the first component contacts the sharp portion and the sharp portion is substantially permanently retained inside the cap by the liquid hardenable solution.

Abstract: Containment systems and methods safely and permanently encapsulate a sharp portion of a sharp medical instrument (e.g. a hypodermic needle). The containment system includes a cap or other container having a rim defining an open end configured to receive the sharp portion therein and an ingress port configured to permit injection of a liquid hardenable solution into the container to encapsulate the sharp portion. The method of use includes inserting the sharp metal instrument into the container, and injecting a liquid hardenable solution into the container through the ingress port to encapsulate the sharp portion of the medical instrument. The hardenable solution then hardens, encapsulating the sharp portion of the medical instrument. The liquid hardenable solution is injected by a base or base unit configured to receive the container and to inject the solution through the ingress port.

Abstract: Containment systems and methods safely and permanently encapsulate a sharp portion of a sharp medical instrument (e.g. a hypodermic needle). The containment system includes a cap or other container formed of a durable and flexible material and having a rim defining an open end configured to receive the sharp portion therein and an adhesive disposed on an interior surface of the container. The method of use includes inserting the sharp medical instrument into the container, and compressing the sides of the container to permanently encapsulate the sharp portion of the medical instrument within the adhesive. The adhesive may be an adhesive tape and may be protected before use by a covering, which may be removed at the time of use by pulling a pull tab extending from an opening in the container.

Abstract: Disposal of medications presents a multifaceted problem where medications disposed of via sewage systems can eventually affect water supplies. Meanwhile disposal via normal solid waste systems faces a similar problem and have the added dilemma of potential diversion of drugs of abuse. Combining those medications with an absorbent mixture containing bentonite clay with other absorptive materials allows those medications to be disposed of in a form that limits exposure to a water supply while simultaneously hedging diversion.

Abstract: A waste transformation and destruction apparatus includes a natural gas ignition system, a silica material bed, a heat transfer device, and a system for collecting plasma produced energy. A reaction formed by heat from ignition, carbon from the waste material, supercritical water, —OH radicals, and muons released from the silica bed transform the waste into a fuel. This fuel is more efficiently consumed by the complete combustion process resulting in near total elimination of the waste, increased energy production, and virtually no emissions.

Abstract: Devices for use in the disposal of pharmaceutical compositions are provided. Aspects of the devices include: a support having a surface; an activated carbon layer present on the surface; and an adhesive for stably associating a pharmaceutical composition with the activated carbon layer upon application of the pharmaceutical composition to the activated carbon layer. Also provided are methods of using the devices and kits containing the devices.

Abstract: General medication disposal systems are provided. Aspects of the systems include devices having a sealable container dimensioned to accommodate a pharmaceutical composition; and an amount of an inactivating substance, e.g., granulated or pelletized activated carbon, present inside of the of sealable container. Aspects of the invention further include methods of making and using the systems, as well as kits comprises the devices of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating hazardous materials, such as those which result from an unwanted spill or leak, which comprise one or more of the steps or effects of: neutralizing the dispersed material; solidifying the dispersed material; immobilizing the material; and/or reducing the evolution of harmful or unwanted gaseous forms from the spillage, preferably using a binding agent which comprises a polyacrylate-polyacrylamide cross-linked copolymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a storage device adapted for use for the storage of waste materials in a glovebox, the device comprising support means incorporating engaging means, the support means comprising a substantially hollow body and the engaging means being adapted to restrain an object therein. It is a particular advantage of the device that the support means defines a hollow interior section in the device, thereby facilitating the storage of additional waste materials integrally within the device in a safe and orderly manner. The device finds particular application in a method for the removal of waste materials located in a glovebox, wherein the waste materials comprise hazardous biological or radioactive materials.

Abstract: A chemical warfare (CW) agent decontamination system and method for decontaminated surfaces contaminated by CW agents. The system includes both solid particles and liquid solution in admixture such that the solid particles absorb the liquid decontamination material. The method of decontaminating surfaces contaminated with CW agents includes contacting the CW agent with a sufficient amount of a solid-particle sorbent for a sufficient time and under conditions which are sufficient to produce a reaction product having less toxicity than the CW agent. CW agents to be decontaminated include the nerve agents VX and G-type agents, and mustard agent HD. The system is non-toxic and has a reduced environmental impact as compared to the previously available decontamination systems and solutions.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the detoxification of chemical agents including chemical warfare agents such as sulfur mustards, nitrogen mustards, nerve agents of G and V type, lewisite and adamsite by reacting the chemical agents with hydroxyl radicals at a pH greater than 7.0 to detoxify the agents and to render them suitable for disposal. The process can be used on-site and can be easily scaled to fairly large sizes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic peptide useful in the treatment or prevention of infection caused by Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus anthracis.

Abstract: A fluid absorption mat is applied to a floor where fluids often drip. The fluids are absorbed through an upper and/or lower layer. The upper and lower layers are less absorbent than an intermediate layer which is made of polymers. The intermediate layer absorbs and retains fluids introduced into the absorption mat making cleanup more efficient.

Abstract: A hydrogel having a floatability where from 40% to 90% of a solution and/or suspension to be thickened are thickened starting from the surface of the liquid and the rest of the solution and/or suspension to be thickened is thickened starting from the bottom of the container, a process for preparing the hydrogel and also its use for absorbing blood and/or body fluids, especially in hygiene articles, or for thickening aqueous solutions and/or suspensions, especially for thickening medical wastes.

Abstract: A new High-Throughput Explosive Destruction System is disclosed. The new system is comprised of two side-by-side detonation containment vessels each comprising first and second halves that feed into a single agent treatment vessel. Both detonation containment vessels further comprise a surrounding ventilation facility. Moreover, the detonation containment vessels are designed to separate into two half-shells, wherein one shell can be moved axially away from the fixed, second half for ease of access and loading. The vessels are closed by means of a surrounding, clam-shell type locking seal mechanisms.

Abstract: A composition for destruction of unused or expired medicines comprised of: an acidic solvent; a dishwashing liquid; and activated carbon. The acidic solvent can be distilled vinegar, lemon juice, hydrochloric acid, diluted hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, diluted acetic acid, bleach, ammonia, alcohol, and combinations thereof, the dishwashing liquid includes at least one anionic surfactant, at least one nonionic surfactant, and cocinin, and the activated carbon is selected can be powdered activated carbon or granulated activated carbon, typically with a surface area of at least approximately 500 square meters per gram. The composition can further include fragrance and/or coloring. The components of the composition can also be sold individually or one or more components can be sold together with a container.

Abstract: A method for the exclusive and singular treatment of all pharmaceuticals and drugs in any form that have passed their effective date, or are no longer of use to the individual, by mixing the pharmaceuticals and drugs with a granular solidification agent and water to form a non hazardous slurry which will solidify the liquefied pharmaceuticals and drugs into a non hazardous, environmentally friendly mixture safe for disposal into normal solid trash receptacles and landfills, and no longer a potential legal risk from ingestion after depositing into trash system. In this treatment the additional potential health risk and legal liability is eliminated from drugs and pharmaceuticals going into toilets and drains to sanitary sewers or septic tanks, and becoming liquid and untreatable at municipal wastewater treatment plants or septic fields, thereby returning to fresh water resources causing a risk to the general public health.

Abstract: A fluid absorption mat is applied to a surgery/operating room floor during a medical procedure. The fluids are absorbed through an upper and lower non-woven, non-cellulose fibrous layer. The upper and lower layers dry while an intermediate layer made of a cloth or paper integrated with copolymers absorbs and retains fluids introduced into the absorption mat. Medical personnel are thereby exposed to minimal fluids and surgery room cleanup is more efficient.

Abstract: A method for in situ generation of a decontamination solution adapted to decontaminate mustard agents by oxidation and nerve agents by perhydrolysis, comprising the steps of generating a stable precursor solution of aqueous NH4HCO3 by bubbling CO2 and NH3 into a container of water; and adding a peroxide component to the precursor solution. The step of bubbling CO2 into a container of water may be accomplished by bubbling fossil fuel engine exhaust including CO2 directly into the container of water.

Abstract: Apparatus, process and article for treating an aqueous solution containing a chemical contaminant. The process includes contacting an aqueous solution containing a chemical contaminant with an aggregate composition comprising an insoluble rare earth-containing compound to form a solution depleted of chemical contaminants. The insoluble rare earth-containing compound can include one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. A suitable insoluble cerium-containing compound can be derived from a cerium carbonate, cerium oxalate and/or a cerium salt. The aggregate composition can include more than 10.01% by weight of the insoluble rare earth-containing compound, and in a particular embodiment consists essentially of one or more cerium oxides, and optionally a binder and/or flow aid. Although intended for a variety of fluid treatment applications, such applications specifically include removing or detoxifying chemical contaminants in water.

Abstract: A medical waste disposal apparatus for receiving and retaining waste articles, such as catheter fittings, and the like, for controlled and facilitated handling and disposal of such waste articles, during and following the performance of treatment procedures on a patient by a practitioner. The waste disposal apparatus includes a first retaining member, mounted on a base panel, for receiving and retaining a waste article placed there by a practitioner during a treatment procedure, and further includes at least one side panel, for covering the waste article, after placement of the waste article on the first retaining member. Alternative configurations of retaining members are provided.

Abstract: A portable device that can be taken to the site of biological remains is provided. The device includes means for holding and dispensing one or more types of sealable shielding elements within which to seal remains. The device also includes means to temporarily hold the remains while the sealable shielding elements are placed about the remains and sealed. The device includes means to hold one or more rolls of one or more types of sealable shielding materials to first protect the user and the shielding elements from sharps and then seal, including heat sealing, the body and/or toxic or caustic elements from the population before disposal.

Abstract: A disposal device for collecting bags for bodily fluids has a receptacle for receiving at least one collecting bag containing bodily fluid, a comminution unit (2) for comminuting the collecting bag, a fluid collecting basin (5) for receiving the bodily fluid, a particle collecting container (8) for receiving the comminuted collecting bag, and at least one decontamination unit (7) for the decontamination of the collecting bag and the bodily fluid.

Abstract: A water-soluble package, having a water-soluble foil defining a first compartment and at least one second compartment separate from the first compartment, wherein the at least one second compartment contains a functional depot.

Abstract: A composition for destruction of unused or expired medicines comprised of: an acidic solvent; a dishwashing liquid; and activated carbon. The acidic solvent can be distilled vinegar, lemon juice, hydrochloric acid, diluted hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, diluted acetic acid, bleach, ammonia, alcohol, and combinations thereof, the dishwashing liquid includes at least one anionic surfactant, at least one nonionic surfactant, and cocinin, and the activated carbon is selected can be powdered activated carbon or granulated activated carbon, typically with a surface area of at least approximately 500 square meters per gram. The composition can further include fragrance and/or coloring. The components of the composition can also be sold individually or one or more components can be sold together with a container.

Abstract: A hazardous substance (20) is removed by using a hazardous substance removing material (10) in which a support (11) supports an antibody (12). Humidity of the ambient atmosphere of the antibody (12) is controlled so that the antibody (12) becomes active.

Abstract: Tropospheric volume elements enriched with vital elements and/or protective substances as well as procedures for their production and application. The term “vital elements” applies to all matter supporting the development of life within the earth's biosphere and the term “protective substances” means all those substances which contribute directly or indirectly to the prevention of harmful effects on the earth's biosphere and in particular on man. Tropospheric volume elements in the form of clouds which contain contaminants and which can escape from industrial facilities due to damage or malfunction are enriched with protective substances which prevent the organism from taking in radioactive elements and minimize the extent of the area affected by the clouds and possess additional warning and identification properties.

Abstract: A cementitious container that has a low-frequency radio tag containing the container's pedigree and history. The container is used for storage of hazardous waste are disclosed having an inner layer of substantially unhydrated cement in contact with the hazardous waste and an outer layer of hydrated cement. Cementitious hazardous waste containers may be prepared by compressing powdered hydraulic cement around solid hazardous waste materials as well as the encapsulated radio tag that uses low frequency communication. This makes it possible to read and write information though the wall of the container as during transportation to a storage site. Once placed at the storage site, the pedigree, (history contents, Chain of Possession, Proof of delivery, weight), may be checked and verified by reading the tag on a regular basis, (once an hour), to confirm the vessel is intact and has not been moved.

Abstract: A reactive-adsorptive protective material having an activated carbon adsorbent for adsorbing chemical impurities, wherein nanoparticular entities are loaded into and onto a surface of said activated carbon adsorbent to further impart chemically reactive and biocidal properties onto the activated carbon for providing protection against chemical and biological agents in the atmosphere. Advantageously, a superior reactive-adsorptive material is provided having the ability to kill microorganisms in addition to the ability to neutralize and decompose chemical substances, while at the same time not diminishing the adsorptive/reactive capabilities and effectiveness of either the substrate carbon or the loaded nanoparticular entities used.

Abstract: A method for immobilizing at least one hazardous chemical, comprising the steps of breaching a container having a bulk chemical agent, adding a rheological modifier into the container, and dispersing the rheological modifier within the container so as to promote interaction between the rheological modifier and the bulk chemical agent.

Abstract: The present invention is for a spore collection apparatus and its method of use. The portable spore collection apparatus includes a suction source, a nebulizer, an ionization chamber and a filter canister. The suction source collects the spores from a surface. The spores are activated by heating whereby spore dormancy is broken. Moisture is then applied to the spores to begin germination. The spores are then exposed to alpha particles causing extinction.

Abstract: Polyoxometalate topical compositions for removing contaminants from an environment and methods of use thereof are disclosed. An embodiment of the polyoxometalate topical composition includes a topical carrier and at least one polyoxometalate, with the proviso that the polyoxometalate is not H5PV2Mo10O40; K5Si(H2O)MnIIIW11O39; K4Si(H2O)MnIVW11O39; or K5CoIIIW12O40. Another embodiment relates to a method for removing a contaminant from an environment, including contacting the polyoxometalate topical composition with the environment containing the contaminant for a sufficient time to remove the contaminant from the environment.