Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for processing documents with medical and other waste. The method includes the steps of supplying the documents to an apparatus (1, 6) adapted to shred documents and medical waste, shredding the documents, and discharging the shredded documents from the apparatus (1). The apparatus (1) has little or no liquid effluent and little or no toxic air emissions. Also included is a system and method for tracking medical or toxic waste including a first container (13) adapted to hold untreated medical waste, the container having a wireless tracking device (170) attached thereto. The system also includes a tracking station capable of monitoring the movement of the medical waste by tracking the wireless tracking device (170).