Abstract
INTRODUCTION
A trend is continuing to evolve worldwide with the regulation of medical
waste, and in particular infectious medical waste. After the closing of more
than 3,600 medical waste incinerators in the United States since 1995, the
industry was faced with finding alternatives to incineration, noted by most as
the most cost-effective and efficient method of disposing of medical waste.
Now facilities turn to service companies, autoclave methods, and even some
microwave solutions to meet the steady flow of medical waste generated by a
growing health care and pharmaceutical industry.
Several challenges still exist in the medical waste market, including limited
options in on-site treatment and extravagant costs for removal of waste by
service companies. Industry experts have stressed the benefits of reducing the
waste generated and taking advantage of recycling opportunities to be the most
beneficial to saving. However, this approach can take years to implement in
many facilities, particularly high bed count hospitals. The need for
cost-effective, efficient solutions is in high demand by facilities nationwide.
SCOPE OF STUDY
This report contains:
- Descriptions of various types of medical waste treatment, containment,
management and disposal products, with current and potential applications for
each
- The current market status of medical waste treatment, containment,
management and disposal products and forecasts of growth over the next 5 years
- Technological issues, including the latest developments
- A discussion of the increased regulatory requirements for incineration
methods and an overview of services and containment options used by health
care companies in the United States
- An examination of the risks of contact with medical waste.
METHODOLOGY
The information for this report was obtained through primary and secondary
data collection methods. Primary sources included interviews with more than 50
key executives, product managers, industry specialists, and other related key
personnel involved with the medical waste industry. Secondary sources included
published literature, investment reports, company literature, and various
business journals that have emphases on waste management and related areas.
Market data for this report pertains to the world market in U.S. dollars at
the manufacturers' level. The base year of the report is 2007, with historical
data provided for 2005 and 2006, and forecast data provided for 2012.
Historical, base year and forecast data are provided for each market segment
of the report. Growth rates are determined through a compilation of data,
including past trends, future trends, demographics, incidence, mortality,
technology developments, current product growth, etc. Competitor market share
estimates are provided for each market segment for the 2007 base year
ANALYST CREDENTIALS
Melissa Elder is an experienced health care market analyst specializing in
prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and
emerging health care technologies. Ms. Elder has more than 13 years of
experience in the health care industry, specializing in market research for
the past 10 years. This experience has given her substantial insights into
pharmaceutical market analysis. Her work in the medical community, including
emergency room medical training and health care information system
coordination, has enhanced her ability to provide insight into many health
care markets.
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