Guidelines for the Storage of Essential Medicines and Other Health ...

86DISPOSAL METHODSBurial pits and encapsulation are suitable in locations withoutshallow groundwater and for small volumes of waste.Burial pits: The bottom of the pit should be 1.5 m above thegroundwater level, 3–5 m deep, and lined with a substanceof low permeability, such as clay. Surround the opening witha mound to keep run-off water from entering the hole, andbuild a fence around the area. Periodically, cover waste layerswith 10–15 cm of soil.Encapsulation: Cement-lined pits or high-density plasticcontainers or drums are filled to 75% capacity with healthcare waste. The container is then filled with plastic foam,sand, cement, or clay to immobilize the waste. The encapsulatedwaste is then disposed of in a landfill or left in placeif the container is constructed in the ground.Incineration: Medium- and high-temperature incinerationdevices require a capital investment and an operations andmaintenance budget. They operate on fuel, wood, or othercombustible material and produce solid ashes and gases.Pollutants are emitted to varying degrees. The ash is toxicand must be buried in a protected pit. Combustible waste isreduced to incombustible waste with a decreased volume.The high temperatures kill microorganisms.