Advances in medical waste disposal did not come out of nowhere
. Not unlike the medical research that creates so much of the waste in question, medical waste disposal has often been a few steps behind the need. As things advance and progress new problems spring up and new solutions have to be found in order to deal with those problems. The ability of mankind to adjust to their innovations is not just surprising but inspiring.
Take for example the development of vaccinations. As the use of vaccinations expanded in the middle part of the last century doctors began having an excess of used syringes. These syringes contaminated with blood and all manner of germs therein became quite the troublesome item when they were simply thrown away with normal trash. Unaware and inept trash haulers looking to cut corners would dump them anywhere they found room. As opposed to developing a method of hazardous waste disposal that made sense they released biohazardous material into unprotected trash facilities and in some cases both bodies of waters and city streets. The results were increases in diseases and general injuries related to the gross waste.
Once these problems lead to public outcry and that public outcry lead to political and social changes systems were developed for medical waste disposal. These systems have become an integral part of the infrastructure of any and all cities, towns and municipalities. They keep our drinking water uncontaminated with diseases and bacterias. They offer piece of mind that you will not be walking down the street and step on a needle. They keep diseases from spreading and keep our lives safer. Of course these developments only occur when they are needed in most cases.
As new technology springs up to make us live healthier and longer there will likely be new waste as a result. As that waste develops so too will new ways to manage it all. There will be more effective systems added on to the old systems and when those become obsolete there will be something to replace them.
Natural as all this seems it is not self sustaining. The advances in hazardous waste disposal are all man made and that is a startling and encouraging fact. People step up to the plate when there are problems and things get taken care of. It almost makes the push and pull of tragedy and advancement all seem sort of worth the stress and strain. If nothing else we are all better for it.