Based on the purpose of environmental protection and resource and energy recycling, and focusing on the strategy of sustainable development, the state has put forward the principles of recycling, harmlessness and reduction for waste treatment. Harmless means that the treated waste is harmless to human health and the surrounding environment; Reduction refers to the obvious reduction of the volume and quantity of treated waste to reduce the harm to human beings and the environment; Recycling refers to the proper treatment of waste to obtain useful materials and energy.

At present, the commonly used medical waste treatment technologies are generally divided into three categories: ① conventional treatment methods, such as disinfection, sterilization, microwave and safe landfill; ② High temperature treatment methods, such as incineration, pyrolysis and gasification; ③ Innovative technologies, such as plasma technology. The following table compares the advantages and disadvantages of several common medical waste treatment technologies. The World Health Organization stated that the selection of medical waste treatment technology should follow the following points: the risk assessment of equipment is the lowest, the impact on human health and the environment is the smallest, low-cost, high-yield and easy to implement; It can fully inactivate infectious microorganisms to protect public health and safety; Know the quantity and type of waste before choosing technology. The following table summarizes the applicability of medical waste treatment technology to different medical wastes.