What method is used to disinfect waste and is considered an efficient wet thermal disinfection process?

The method considered an efficient wet thermal disinfection process is autoclaving. This process uses steam under pressure to sterilize healthcare waste, effectively killing pathogens. During autoclaving, the high temperature and moisture create an environment that leads to the denaturation of proteins and the breakdown of microbial cell structures.

Autoclaving is particularly advantageous in healthcare settings because it can simultaneously handle a variety of waste types, including surgical instruments and contaminated materials. It ensures that waste is reduced in volume and rendered safe for disposal or further processing. The wet thermal characteristics of autoclaving, combined with its effectiveness, make it a widely accepted practice in infection control.

Other methods mentioned, such as chemical disinfection and incineration, serve different purposes. Chemical disinfection relies on different agents to eliminate pathogens and is not classified as a thermal process. Incineration, while effective in waste reduction and pathogen destruction, involves high-temperature combustion rather than a wet process. Landfilling, on the other hand, does not provide disinfection, as waste placed in landfills may still harbor harmful pathogens, making it unsuitable for managing hazardous healthcare waste.