Table 2.

Main advantages and shortcomings of the different technologies for HCW in China (Akter, 2000).

Type	Factors	Advantages	Disadvantages	Pollutants emission	Scope can be treated
Incineration/pyrolysis-gasification	•Turbulence and mixing •Moisture content of waste •Filling combustion chamber •Temperature and residence time •Maintenance and repair	•Mature and widely used technology •Volume and weight reduction •Unrecognizable waste •Complete disinfection •Heat recovery potential for large system •Broad applicability, acceptable for all waste types •Large scale system of waste •Related standards and specifications completed	•Public opposition •High investment and operation costs •High maintenance cost •Expensive control equipment required to reduce emissions •Skilled operator needed •Bottom and fly ash may be hazardous	PCDD/PCDFs SO2, HCl, NOx, Heavy metals, etc.	Acceptable for all waste types
High temperature steam-based	•Waste characteristics •Temperature and pressure •Steam penetration •Size of waste load •Length and number of treatment cycles •Degree of vacuum in the chamber	•Low investment cost •Low operating cost •Ease of biological tests •Low hazard residue •PCDD/PCDFs emission free	•Appearance, volume unchanged •Not suitable for all waste types, chemical waste and pharmaceutical waste can not be treated •Possible incomplete disinfection	Microorganisms, Odour, VOCs and others	Infectious waste, Pathological waste, Sharp objects
Microwave	•Moisture content of waste •Microwave strength •Duration of exposure •Extent of waste mixture	•Unrecognizable waste •Significant volume reduction •Absence of liquid discharge •PCDD/PCDFs emission free	•Mod-High investment cost •Not suitable for all waste types, chemical waste and pharmaceutical waste can not be treated •Possible incomplete disinfection	Microorganisms, Odour, VOCs and others	Infectious waste, Pathological waste, Sharp objects
Chemical	•Concerns for chemicals, temperature, •pH •Chemical contact time •Waste and chemical mixing •Recirculation vs flow-through	•Significant volume reduction •Unrecognizable waste •Rapid processing •Waste deodorization •PCDD/PCDFs emission free	•Mod -High investment cost •Not suitable for all waste types, chemical waste and pharmaceutical waste can not be treated •Possible incomplete disinfection •Need for chemical storage	Microorganisms, Odour, VOCs and others	Infectious waste, Pathological waste, Sharp objects