Vaccination programmes produce one very specific waste stream: safety boxes full of used syringes and needles, plus vials, packaging and swabs. During campaigns, volumes can rise sharply for a few weeks. Without a safe disposal route, boxes pile up or end up in open pits and fires.
Why a Small Incinerator Fits Vaccination Sites
- Sharps boxes are destroyed the same day – no stockpiles
- Plastic syringes and boxes burn completely; needles remain as sterile metal
- A compact unit like the MWI-20 suits township clinics, vaccination centres and small labs
- 220V power and simple controls suit rural health facilities
Sizing for Routine and Campaign Periods
| Situation | What to plan |
|---|---|
| Routine immunization at a clinic | Size for daily boxes plus other clinic waste – often MWI-20 |
| District vaccination store or hub | Collect boxes from several clinics – MWI-30 or MWI-50 |
| Mass campaigns | Plan extra operating hours, or a second unit / mobile unit for the campaign period |
PATH’s Incinerator Guidebook describes loading safety boxes one at a time, roughly every 8–10 minutes in small units, to keep the temperature stable. Count the boxes produced per day and per campaign week to size correctly.
What to Keep Out of the Incinerator
- Unopened vials and glass in bulk – glass melts onto the grate and sealed vials can burst
- Batteries and pressurised containers
- Large quantities of liquids
See what can and cannot be burned and sharps and pathological waste incinerators.
Mobile Option for Campaigns
The CX-01 small mobile type puts the MWI-20 on a trolley, and our containerized units can serve temporary vaccination sites. See mobile and containerized incinerators.
Equip Your Vaccination Sites
Tell us how many safety boxes you produce per day and per campaign – we’ll recommend the model and quantity.
FAQ
Can safety boxes be loaded whole?
Yes. Load one box at a time at a steady interval so the temperature stays stable.
What happens to the needles?
They do not burn; they remain in the ash as sterile metal and should be collected according to local rules.
Which model is best for a vaccination centre?
The MWI-20 (10–20 kg per batch) suits most single sites; district hubs often choose the MWI-30 or MWI-50.
Can you supply units for a national programme?
Yes – standardised units, documentation and spare parts for multi-site programmes.