Why Burning Medical Waste Is Still a Thing—and What Hospitals Can Do Instead

Burning medical waste is harmful, expensive, and still surprisingly common in 2025. In this episode of The Turning Point, we explore why—and what mission-driven healthcare leaders can do about it. Kelly Prchal, CEO of Clean Waste Systems, shares how her company’s ozone-based waste treatment system is disrupting the status quo. With no heat or water required, these machines sterilize waste, reduce volume, cut emissions, and can save hospitals millions over time. You'll hear about the operational, financial, and ethical benefits of switching to ozone-based waste processing, including real-world success stories and insights into overcoming the industry's biggest adoption barriers. If you're a business leader looking for innovative, no-compromise sustainability solutions—this is an episode you don't want to miss. 🔗 Learn more about Clean Waste Systems’ solutions: https://www.cleanwastesystems.com 🔗 Learn more about how we help mission driven business grow their impact: https://stillpointinsight.com/ Chapters with Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome + Meet the Guest 01:33 – Defining Regulated Medical Waste 03:01 – The Problem with Burning Waste 06:20 – How the Ozone System Works 10:45 – Visualizing the Output 14:00 – ROI: Cost & Sustainability Benefits 18:19 – Adoption Challenges + Solutions 25:00 – Midwest Hospital Case Study 30:00 – Operational Culture & Employee Impact 33:00 – What Comes Next for Clean Waste Systems Key Takeaways: Most medical waste is still incinerated. Burning creates significant carbon emissions. Ozone kills pathogens without high energy use. Clean Waste Systems machines can cut volume by up 80%. Hospitals can save 50%+ on processing costs. Treated waste is inert, safe, and unrecognizable. On-site treatment reduces third-party liability. The tech aligns with ESG and sustainability mandates. #PodcastForChange #SustainableInnovation #HealthcareLeadership #ESGGoals #ClimateTech #GreenSolutions #MedicalWaste #OzoneTreatment #HealthTech #ImpactBusiness