Why is autoclaving commonly used for BDW?

• A. It sterilizes infectious material, reducing the risk of transmission and allows safe disposal
• B. It makes the waste easier to compress
• C. It is the cheapest method available
• D. It leaves pathogens intact

Answer: (A)

Autoclaving is used because it reliably decontaminates infectious waste by applying saturated steam under pressure to reach temperatures that inactivate microorganisms. This dramatically lowers the risk of transmission to workers and others who handle the waste and makes disposal safe and compliant with regulations. The process is validated and monitorable, so facilities can verify that the waste has been sterilized before it’s disposed of. After treatment, the waste is considered non-infectious for many disposal pathways, which simplifies handling and aligns with safety guidelines. It’s not primarily about reducing volume and isn’t necessarily the cheapest option, and it does not leave pathogens intact.