Incineration overused for medical waste

"Incinerators have faced increasing regulation for decades because they release toxic pollutants. But hospitals, labs and medical offices continue to send them wastes that could be processed with less environmental impact, authorities say.

"The truth of the matter is that 90 to 95 percent of the waste that goes to an incinerator doesn't need to go there," said Bill Patrakis, a N.C. Division of Waste Management official who interprets the state's medical-waste rules."


http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/04/09/1365463/incineration-overused-for-medical.html