Yes, autoclaving and on-site decontamination, while incineration still treats 80% of DASRI in France. Autoclaving treats waste with steam (134°C for 18 minutes) then shreds it: it loses its infectious character and enters the ordinary waste route, for around 300 kgCO2e per tonne compared with 934 kgCO2e for incineration. On-site decontamination, using a unit compliant with standard NF X30-503 and authorisation from the prefect, falls to around 250 kgCO2e per tonne and becomes profitable above 5 tonnes a year. Anatomical and cytotoxic waste remains reserved for incineration.
Read the source article: What is the carbon footprint of infectious healthcare waste?