Kelly Prchal of Clean Waste Systems on Why Burning Medical Waste Is Still a Thing—and What Hospitals Can Do Instead

In this episode of The Turning Point, we confront a massive, under-the-radar issue: the environmental and financial cost of burning medical waste. Most hospitals still rely on incineration and autoclaving—methods that are energy-intensive, emit toxic pollutants, and saddle healthcare systems with high costs. Our guest, Kelly Prchal, CEO of Clean Waste Systems, introduces an alternative: ozone-based sterilization. This technology not only eliminates pathogens without heat or water but also dramatically reduces waste volume, emissions, and operational risk.

You’ll learn why healthcare waste is such a large contributor to environmental damage, why systems have been slow to change, and how mission-driven leaders can drive impact by adopting smarter infrastructure. If your organization is serious about sustainability, ESG metrics, and reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions, this episode is essential listening.

Key Takeaways

1. Medical Waste Is a Hidden Climate Crisis
   Hospitals generate over $6 billion of medical waste globally, much of which is incinerated or autoclaved—processes that are energy-intensive and carbon-heavy.

2. Incineration Is Burning More Than Waste
   Despite “waste-to-energy” marketing spin, burning medical waste produces massive carbon emissions and consumes thousands of gallons of water, undermining ESG goals.

3. Ozone: The Clean Tech Disruptor Healthcare Needs
   Clean Waste Systems uses ozone to sterilize waste at room temperature, eliminating the need for heat, steam, or incineration—and slashing emissions and water use.

4. Better for the Planet, Better for the Bottom Line
   With a 3–4 year ROI, hospitals using Clean Waste’s system save millions in disposal and transportation costs over a decade—while achieving major sustainability wins.

5. Cleaner Operations Mean Stronger Employer Branding
   Hospitals using ozone treatment report better staff morale, reduced odors, and easier recruitment and retention in environmental services roles.

6. Waste Audits, Fines, and PR Risk Are Avoidable
   On-site ozone treatment dramatically reduces regulatory risk and eliminates costly audits, helping healthcare systems avoid public-facing waste scandals.

7. From Red Bag to Confetti: 80% Waste Volume Reduction
   The system transforms contaminated waste into inert, unrecognizable material, reducing landfill volume by up to 80% and simplifying logistics.

8. Disruption Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult
   With lease options, four machine sizes, and simple site requirements, Clean Waste Systems is lowering the barrier to adoption for hospitals of all sizes.

Episode Highlights