Medical waste incinerators are considered to be the second-largest source of mercury in the environment. Access EDF s Chemical Scorecard for more information on health problems associated with Mercury. They can take steps to reduce the need to burn waste and expose our communities to toxic air pollution. Much of the waste burned in medical waste incinerators can be recycled and remade into new items instead. Recycling keeps these items from being burned, reducing air pollution and saving natural resources at the same time.
Hospitals can take other steps to reduce the amount of trash they produce.
Reducing the amount of trash produced by hospitals will reduce the amount of trash that needs to be burned. Using superheated, pressurized steam, hospitals can sterilize some medical waste so it can be harmlessly buried in landfills. Alternatives to many commonly used medical items containing dioxin and mercury do exist. For example, hospitals can use thermometers that contain no mercury and non-PVC plastic items that contain no dioxin or chlorine. Using these alternatives will reduce much of the toxic materials from incinerator emissions.