Final answer:
Regulated waste, particularly biohazard waste, must be autoclaved before entering a landfill. This sterilization process is vital for public health safety. Incineration is another primary method of waste disposal and is used to reduce waste volume.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before regulated waste is placed in a designated landfill, it is typically autoclaved. Autoclaving is a process of sterilization that uses steam under pressure to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. The process is essential for biohazard waste, which must be sterilized to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. It is crucial to recognize the international symbol for biohazards and understand the proper disposal of waste, particularly biohazard waste.
While incineration is also a method of waste disposal, it is mainly used for the reduction of waste volume and can convert waste materials into ash, gas, and heat. Incineration is particularly suitable for disposing of medical waste and other toxic substances that cannot be sanitized through simpler methods. However, for biohazardous materials, autoclaving is the required step before these materials can enter the waste stream, which may include landfilling after they are rendered non-infectious.
It's important to note that the two primary means of waste disposal are landfill and incineration. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, especially when it comes to disposing of materials that do not naturally decompose, such as Styrofoam and plastics. These substances can lead to environmental concerns, such as air pollution from incineration or groundwater contamination from landfill sites.