Monument Health to use new technology to shred and sterilize waste

RAPID CITY, S.D. (July 16, 2019) – Monument Health Rapid City Hospital will install an ozone-based system to shred and sterilize medical waste and hospital trash. The new system is expected to begin processing waste by the end of 2019.

“This technology provides the best possible solution for safely handling our trash and medical waste. It’s a cost-effective alternative that protects the health and safety of our caregivers and our community,” said Dave Ellenbecker, Vice President of Facilities Management and Plant Operations.

Hospital trash, including medical waste, will be treated with the shredding and ozone process. Hospital caregivers will no longer have to separate the regulated medical waste from the regular trash. When the new system is place, all of the hospital’s trash can be disposed of in the Rapid City landfill.

“The City looks forward to working with Monument Health on their solid waste disposal,” said Dale Tech, Public Works Director for the City of Rapid City.

Manufactured by Clean Waste Systems of Maple Lake, Minn., the system uses a patented ozone technology that completely sterilizes biohazardous waste with zero emissions. The system uses ambient air, a small amount of water and a small amount of electricity, according to the company.

The Monument Health Board of Directors approved the project during its June meeting. To house the new equipment, Monument Health will construct a separate building on the Rapid City Hospital Campus. The equipment and building represent a $2.3 million investment by Monument Health.

“This is good news for Monument Health and for Rapid City. We work to be good stewards of our environment, and this ozone system is environmentally sound and completely sustainable,” said John Pierce, President of the Rapid City Hospital and Market for Monument Health.

About Monument Health
Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. Monument Health offers care in 33 medical specialties and serves 20 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 4,500 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is comprised of 5 hospitals, 8 specialty and surgical centers and more than 40 medical clinics and health care service centers.

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CONTACT:
Dan Daly
Communications Specialist
Strategic Marketing and Communications
Monument Health
605-755-9178
ddaly@monument.health