Six tons of medical waste generated from fighting the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) were disposed of at the Zhuhai Medical Waste Incineration Plant as of Feb 2 to avoid secondary transmission.

Due to the epidemic, the volume of general medical waste sent to the incineration plant increased by 35 percent from last year, with waste specific to 2019-nCoV on the rise.

Worker in biohazard suit examines containers bearing infectious substance symbols [Photo by Wu Changfu / Guanhai App] 

The incineration plant is operated by a subsidiary of Zhuhai Water Environment Holdings Group which activated a contingency plan on Jan 21. The plan prioritizes treatment of 2019-nCoV-related medical and household waste. The infectious waste is turned into slag after being combusted at a temperature of 1,100 degrees Celsius so it is no longer capable of transmitting the virus.

In addition, prevention and protection mechanisms at the plant have been intensified. Work staff in the loading bay, who are most directly exposed to the waste, are wearing protective suits, N95 masks, and goggles. Workshops, cold-storage houses, and transfer containers and tools in the plant are strictly sterilized.

The incineration plant has maintained close contact with appropriate authorities so as to make sound arrangements based on updated information about sources and possible volume of 2019-nCoV-related waste, said Chen Haibo, head of the plant.