At SUEZ, we have the expertise, technology and infrastructure to manage the full range of waste streams generated by the healthcare industry in accordance with all state and federal regulations.
Key figures
1.2
million
tonnes of waste diverted from landfill every year
15
specialised medical waste streams managed by SUEZ
Our facilities
What is a medical waste treatment facility and how does it work?
Our network of specialised medical waste treatment facilities enable the safe and compliant handling of the unique and diverse waste streams generated by the healthcare sector.
Our facilities are equipped for the secure treatment and disposal of a wide range of specialised wastes in line with legislation, codes of practice and licensing requirements, including:
Clinical waste
Cytotoxic waste
Pharmaceutical waste
Anatomical waste
Clean plastics
Sterile wrap
Surgical instruments
Sharps
Sanitary waste
X-rays
Amalgam
Absorbent hygiene products
IV bags/PVC vinyl
Theatre plastics
Obsolete lab smalls
SUEZ is a complete waste management partner for the full spectrum of healthcare providers, from major hospitals through to general practices, veterinary surgeries and dental clinics. Alongside our specialised medical waste facilities, we have the expertise and nationwide network of facilities to handle all kinds of general waste and recyclable, from paper and cardboard to organics, e-waste, mattresses, batteries and more.
Specialised solutions for clinical and cytotoxic waste
SUEZ is a leader in the provision of technologically-advanced processes for the treatment of medical waste.
Thermal Destruction (Incineration)
In Australia, the law requires that all cytotoxic waste, and some clinical and related waste such as pharmaceuticals, must be destroyed by incineration. Our High Temperature Thermal Destruction Facility in Western Australia uses combustion chambers to burn waste and volatile gases, with state-of-the-art Air Pollution Control Equipment (APCE) to clean and monitor all emissions. The process reduces the waste to less than 10 per cent of its original volumes, with the inert and unrecognisable residual ash safely disposed of in an approved landfill.
Matrix process
In our Western Australian facility, the Matrix process treats clinical waste, rendering it biologically inert for safe disposal in landfill. Waste is shredded before disinfection via an alkaline oxidation process and is mechanically homogenised before transportation to landfill. Waste is reduced to around 80 per cent of its original volume, offering a viable alternative to incineration.
Autoclave
An autoclave is a pressurised vessel that utilises the moisture and heat of saturated steam to kill pathogens and microorganisms in order to sterilise medical and other waste. The sterilised waste is then shredded so it becomes unrecognisable before being transported to landfill. SUEZ operates both rotating and standard autoclaves in New South Wales and South Australia.
Our locations
Where can I find a medical waste treatment facility?
SUEZ currently owns and operates four medical waste treatment facilities across Australia. We also arrange for the destruction and treatment of materials at licenced facilities in states where we do not operate our own specialised medical waste facilities.
