Automated on-site disinfection of urine collection bags: a sustainable waste management

Background

Urine collection bags represent a substantial fraction of hazardous biomedical waste, typically requiring costly and energy-intensive disposal. Current handling methods pose occupational risks and environmental challenges due to potential pathogen dissemination. This study evaluates an automated closed-loop system (UBC-V4) designed for on-site disinfection and emptying of urine bags, aimed at enhancing safety and supporting the reclassification of treated waste as municipal waste.

Methods

The UBC-V4 device (Medimed S.r.l.) was tested for its ability to integrate bag cutting, emptying, and disinfection within a standardized 60-second cycle. Three disinfectants were compared: Leucoran (ethanol-based), Neomedil (ethanol/benzalkonium chloride), and GioCOL Ammonium (isopropyl alcohol/benzalkonium chloride). Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229) was used as a model pathogen at bacterial loads ranging from 1.2 x 104 to 2.8 x 1010 CFU/mL. System sterility and residual contamination of the internal basket were also monitored. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Dunnett’s post-hoc test (p < 0.05).

Results

GioCOL Ammonium achieved the highest efficiency, resulting in complete bacterial eradication at inoculum levels up to 6 x 106 CFU/mL. Even at the maximum load (2.8 x 1010 CFU/mL), it produced a significant 2.8 x 103-fold reduction. In contrast, Leucoran and Neomedil showed lower efficacy (779.6-fold and 500-fold reductions, respectively). GioCOL Ammonium also effectively minimized residual contamination in the device, reducing cross-contamination risks between cycles.

Conclusions

The automated UBC-V4 system, combined with specific quaternary ammonium formulations, provides an effective and scalable solution for on-site liquid waste treatment. By reducing the volume of hazardous waste and improving operator safety through a closed process, this technology supports more sustainable healthcare waste management and circular economy principles.

Key messages

• On-site disinfection allows reclassifying urine bags as municipal waste, drastically cutting hospital disposal costs while significantly reducing the environmental footprint of medical waste.

• The UBC-V4 automated closed-loop system protects healthcare workers by eliminating direct contact with biohazardous fluids and preventing pathogen dissemination during waste disposal.