Frequently Asked Questions About the SSM

The SSM is a Versatile Machine. Please Review what Others Have Asked...

Q: What can be processed through the SSM?

A: Anything that is normally put into a "red bag" can be processed in the SSM. This includes paper, cardboard, film, wovens, non-wovens, degradables, plastics, and metals as well as specific items such as blood, suction canisters, disposable stainless steel instruments, trocars, needles, sharps containers and any other blood contaminated materials.


Q: How do most hospitals dispose of their infectious medical waste today?

A: Most hospitals today utilize haulers to remove the material from their facility and dispose of it while a limited number of hospitals still use on-site incinerators. Alternative technologies began appearing in the early 90's after the Clean Air Act of 1990 forced many hospital incinerators to close and the cost of disposal services escalated. However, many of these early approaches did not provide a practical or cost-effective solution to the problem.


Q: If a hauler picks up the red bags and disposes of the material, why would a hospital want to do it themselves?

A: Cost and liability are big factors. In a competitive era where all healthcare providers are looking to cutting costs while enhancing their patient care, any opportunity to save money should be scrutinized. Hauling costs have a wide range depending on local market conditions and the competitive situation, ranging in our surveys from a low of $350 per ton to over $1100 per ton. Material processed through the SSM can be disposed of as non-regulated waste at a rate of approximately $30 to $60 per ton. Because the SSM converts regulated waste to non-regulated waste, the generator's exposure to liability from mishandling or improper disposal is virtually eliminated. Additionally, an SSM on-site solution allows the facility to control their infectious medical waste disposal cost for the life of the equipment or lease term. With a hauler, contracts usually include annual price increases, fuel surcharge clauses, or increased expense risks for regulatory changes.


Q: What are the advantages of the SSM vs. other technologies?

A: The SSM is very cost effective, relatively small, simple to operate, reduces liability, and is environmentally friendly. One unit is capable of servicing a 300 to 325 bed hospital. If more capacity is needed, additional units can be added and placed close to major areas of infectious waste generation or it can be centralized. One employee can operate up to six units.


Q: What federal and local approvals are required?

A: Because the SSM utilizes steam/water sterilization as its basic technology for rendering material non-infectious, produces no hazardous byproducts, and creates no negative air emissions, its use does not require federal approvals. Permitting and efficacy verification at the state and local level, however, may be required. Regulations governing such approvals vary from state to state. Red Bag Solutions has secured permits from most states and municipalities. Please call for specific information.


Q: Is the SSM available today?

A: Yes. The company is taking orders for delivery now. See our Partners and Customers pages for sales contacts.

Q: What are the placement options offered by Red Bag Solutions?

A: Customer flexibility is most essential. Red Bag Solutions provides three alternatives for placing its equipment.

• Managed Services: Red Bag Solutions provides equipment, operations, all maintenance, and consumable. Each facility provides the spaces, utilities, and authorizes a 5-year services contract for waste to be processed on a per-pound basis.
• Operations Lease/Rental: Either using Red Bag Solutions' leasing agent, GE Health Services, or the customer's own leasing company, the customer can place equipment within their facility and use its own employees to operate the equipment.
• Capital Purchase.