CRC managing director Baz Khedheyer said the technology using a machine called the Converter transforms syringes, needles, medications, bandages, surgical gloves, vials, bottles, food waste or any clinical waste to a state where they can be recycled. The transformed waste is left sterile, with reduced volume and weight. He said it is a closed system that is user friendly. The computerised system can sterilise 75kg per cycle and uses water as a coolant.
Khedheyer said the state of art technology is safe to the environment and people. The processed batch is said to yield a completely sterilised, dry unrecognisable material and provides no emissions. He said the resultant material can be recycled into a variety of things and can be utilised as a fuel source. It can be used to produce steam and electric power or warm water for the hospitals. He explained that they want to launch from Botswana because it is not only the most suitable country in Africa. Another motivating factor is the support the project has got from President Festus Mogae. Khedheyer said that 10 plants would be required to deal with clinical waste in Botswana. The Converter handles waste from hospitals with a minimum of 500 beds.
