| abstract |
A bag (86) of medical or biological wastes is inserted into a chamber (12) that contains a grinder (20). A package (48) is placed unopened in the chamber with the wastes. A selected volume of a dilutant such as water is added to the chamber (40, 42). The chamber is closed and the grinder operated for a selected duration. The grinder grinds the packaging, disposing of the packaging and releasing liquid peracetic acid (70) and dry pH buffers (80) or permitting contained dry reagents (56, 58) such as acetylsalicylic acid and perborate to react with the dilutant, forming an anti-microbial solution with the dilutant. The grinder continues to grind the packaging and the wastes into fine particles forming a slurry with the anti-microbial solution. The continued operation of the grinder assures that the anti-microbial solution contacts all surfaces of the waste. In this manner, the medical or biological wastes are microbially decontaminated. A color indicator (60, 78) is included with the packaging to provide a color indication as to whether the anti-microbial reaction is complete. For example, a Gentian Violet may be provided which fades to white to indicate completion of the decontamination process. Once decontaminated, the slurry is removed from the chamber and disposed of as non-contaminated waste materials. Optionally, fragrances and deodorants may be included in the package. |