Ecosteryl acquires Bertin Medical Waste, sold by the Bertin Technologies group, strengthening its position as the global leader in 100% electric medical treatment technologies.

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In a country facing health, institutional, and environmental crises, the management of infectious medical waste has become a daily challenge. Lebanon now generates several thousand tonnes of hazardous healthcare waste each year, part of which still remains without secure treatment. The installation of a first treatment unit within a public hospital in Karantina—supported by UNDP, the European Union, and the Lebanese authorities—marks a significant step forward in the deployment of these solutions in Lebanon. Ecosteryl’s electric disinfection technology provides a reliable and well-suited response in a territory where every resource counts.

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A world first in automated infectious medical waste treatment

Rennes University Hospital has introduced a fully automated system for treating infectious medical waste, developed specifically for the facility. Waste is collected directly at the source, transported through Envac’s high-speed pneumatic network, and fed automatically into a customised Ecosteryl disinfection machine.
This installation positions Rennes as a global pioneer in zero-contact medical waste management and low-carbon, fully electric disinfection technology.

How the automated infectious healthcare waste system works at Rennes University Hospital

Across the hospital, each floor is equipped with separate chutes for linen, general waste and infectious medical waste. Each chute has its own secure access control. Once a bag of infectious waste is deposited, the system immediately sucks it into the stainless-steel pipeline, accelerates it to nearly 70km/H, and propels it through 350 metres of underground galleries designed by Envac.

Connection system between Envac’s pneumatic network and the Ecosteryl disinfection module

The bag reaches the hospital’s logistics area in less than 20 seconds, where a dedicated Ecosteryl machine awaits. this approach eliminates manual handing and streamlines waste logistics within the hospital.

Inside the Ecosteryl automated disinfection module

To support such a continuous, high-speed flow of infectious waste, Ecosteryl’s R&D team designed a custom module attached to an Ecosteryl 125 unit.

The connected module includes:

• Smart sensors to synchronise the incoming flow and ensure uninterrupted, safe operation.
• An adapted feed hopper and a pre-shred tank to absorb peaks and homogenise waste.
• A powerful industrial shredder reducing waste in volume to ensure optimal dry heat disinfection and complete pathogen inactivation (Discover why pre-shredding is so important for infectious healthcare waste proper disinfection).

Result : the treatment is fully electric and produces no harmful emissions. Processing capacity: minimum 125Kg/hour, zero manual handling, zero external transportation and, zero combustion.

“We designed a flexible machine able to absorb irregular loads while maintaining maximum sealing and safety”, explains Antoine Mouchati, Head of R&D at Ecosteryl.

Environmental and economic benefits of automated medical waste treatment

Since its launch, hundreds of tonnes of infectious medical waste have been processed directly on site at Rennes University Hospital.

Key outcomes:

• 80% reduction in waste volume
• Elimination of external transport for infectious waste
• Significantly reduced operator exposure risk
• Lower environmental footprint
• Lower waste management costs, especially transport and storage

The data confirms the relevance of a local, electric and contact-free treatment model.

A model for the next generation of smart hospitals

The success of this project is already influencing the design of new hospitals. Several facilities are studying similar configurations for new builds or major renovations.

This shows that automated infectious medical waste sorting and low-emission disinfection technologies are no longer futuristic ideas but operational solutions available today.
For Ecosteryl, this project reinforces a longstanding conviction: medical waste should be treated locally, without combustion, with robust electric technology that adapts to each hospital’s needs.

Protecting health and the environment with fully electric medical waste disinfection

Rennes did not merely open a new hospital; it introduced a new way of managing infectious healthcare waste.
With forward-thinking engineering and strong collaboration, the hospital demonstrates that safety, efficiency and sustainability can coexist.

What if other healthcare institutions also aspired to this ecological and economic revolution?

This solution combines maximum safety, logistical efficiency, and environmental responsibility, paving the way for more sustainable and intelligent hospitals. The Rennes model demonstrates that it is possible to reconcile innovation, public health, and ecological responsibility.

For newly established healthcare facilities, it is an invitation to integrate this solution directly at the architectural design stage.

FAQ

What is automated infectious medical waste treatment?

It refers to a system where infectious healthcare waste is collected, transported, shredded, and disinfected without manual handling. The process improves safety and complies with strict hospital hygiene regulations.

How fast is the pneumatic transport system used in Rennes?

Bags are transported at nearly 70 km/h through stainless-steel pipes, reaching the disinfection unit in under 20 seconds.

Does automated medical waste treatment reduce contamination risks?

Yes. Eliminating manual handling greatly reduces exposure risks for hospital staff, particularly in high-volume departments.

What type of technology does Ecosteryl use for disinfection?

Ecosteryl machines use  fully electric microwave-based disinfection, without steam, chemicals, or combustion.

Can this system be installed in existing hospitals?

Yes. The solution can be integrated into existing infrastructures or included directly in the design of new hospitals. Contact us for a custom approach of your project.

What happens to the waste after disinfection?

Waste comes out dry, disinfected and reduced in volume, making it easier to sort, handle and prepare for local recycling streams.

Is shredded medical waste safe to process further?

Once disinfected, the treated waste is non-infectious and compliant with national and international regulations for healthcare waste management.

How much can hospitals reduce their environmental impact?

By treating waste locally with a fully electric process, hospitals cut transport-related emissions and avoid the pollution generated by incineration.

What is the difference between Ecosteryl and an autoclave?
Autoclaves use steam and pressure; Ecosteryl uses microwave energy, operates without water or combustion, and requires less maintenance for continuous throughput.

Who can provide support for installing these systems?

Hospitals, governments and private waste operators can contact Ecosteryl for technical studies, on site assessments and tailored installation plans.

To learn more about or medical waste treatment solutions, discover the Ecosteryl range or contact our team at sales@ecosteryl.com.

We would be delighted to discuss with you the sustainable hospital projects of tomorrow.

Choosing a sustainable medical waste treatment system means investing in a machine built to last and to reduce hospitals environmental footprint

In the specific field of medical waste disposal, performance does not rely solely on the treatment technology itself. It begins much earlier, in the workshop, with the manufacturing of parts, welding, and assembly.

At a time when healthcare facilities face growing pressure to optimize the sorting of medical waste and reduce their environmental impact, it becomes crucial to rely on medical waste machines capable of lasting over the long term, without compromise.

With over 75 years of industrial expertise inherited from Ateliers Mécaniques du Borinage (AMB), Ecosteryl embodies the true essence of a medical waste machine builder. This expertise makes it possible to design biomedical waste disinfection machines that are built to last, scalable, and repairable, without needing replacement after just a few tons of biomedical waste disposal.

From industrial tradition to environmental innovation: the history of Ecosteryl’s medical waste machines

To understand Ecosteryl’s DNA, one must go back to 1947, when Raoul Dufrasne founded the Ateliers Mécaniques du Borinage (A.M.B.) in Jemappes, near Mons. The company specialized in tailor-made industrial machines, with particular attention to the quality of metal structures. These historic workshops, still active today, produce many metal subcomponents used in Ecosteryl’s hazardous medical waste disinfection machines.

In 2000, Philippe Dufrasne gave the company a new direction by focusing on environmental technologies. This was when the patented biomedical waste disinfection technology using microwaves was born, revolutionizing the way medical waste disposal is carried out. Ecosteryl affirmed its specialization in innovative solutions for public health and sustainability. 

Today, it’s Romain Dufrasne’s turn, son of Philippe, to take over the company’s leadership. As the third generation at the helm, he embodies a strong family continuity while driving a momentum focused on innovation and environmental impact. Under his leadership, Ecosteryl continues its international expansion with a clear vision: no compromise on ecology.

Global growth driven by reliable medical waste machines 

By 2015, the company reached a new dimension. The product range expanded to handle 75 to nearly 300 kg of hazardous medical waste per hour, while maintaining a high level of safety and performance. To support this growth, Ecosteryl doubled its facilities to increase assembly capacity and offices.

Recognition quickly followed: Ecosteryl was selected as a key supplier by international organizations such as WHO, the World Bank, the United Nations, UNICEF, and the Solar Impulse Foundation.

Today, proudly certified B Corp, Ecosteryl offers not only disinfection of medical waste machines—including a new model treating 500 kg per hour—but also sorting of disinfected medical waste and recycling solutions to foster a circular economy in healthcare.

Machines you’ll replace in 20 years! 

Unlike some industrial systems that become obsolete after a certain volume of waste treated, Ecosteryl’s biomedical waste disinfection machines are designed to last. Thanks to full control of the manufacturing process, only wear parts need replacement, not the entire machine. This strategic choice significantly extends equipment lifespan while reducing the overall environmental impact of medical waste disposal.

This is where the concept of mechanical durability takes on its full meaning: longevity, reparability, and reliability over decades.

Robust machines at the heart of hazardous medical waste disposal

The disinfection of biomedical waste requires equipment designed to withstand time and extreme operating conditions. In hazardous medical waste, you may encounter flammable products, metals from small batteries, etc.—the perfect recipe for a dangerous situation. The role of the medical waste machine manufacturer is therefore crucial: ensuring from the design phase a mechanical structure capable of processing tons of specific waste whileguaranteeing effective disinfection, without combustion. 

Ecosteryl’s machine-building philosophy is based on a fully controlled manufacturing chain structured around three key principles:

• High-precision welding

Our welders and machine operators ensure consistent quality with strict controls at each stage. This precision guarantees the robustness of ourhazardous medical waste machines under demanding operating conditions.

• Integrated R&D department

Innovation with high durability standards requires in-house research and development. Ecosteryl’s R&D department, working closely with our workshops, constantly tests, adapts, and improves the components used in ourbiomedical waste disinfection machines.

This synergy allows us to:

• • Test new systems for biomedical waste disposal
  • Adapt equipment to local healthcare realities
  • Offer customized and scalable solutions

• Simplified maintenance, designed from the start

Knowing every part of the machine allows Ecosteryl to supply replacement components quickly, designed in-house. This ensures effective preventive maintenance and significantly reduces downtime (Watch the video about our after-sales service).

Ecosteryl: Sustainable Medical Waste Disposal 

As a leader in ecological medical waste disposal solutions, Ecosteryl designs disinfection of medical waste machines that operate without combustion, with low energy consumption, and capable of processing several tons of medical waste per day continuously. Each machine is the result of fine engineering, based on our industrial heritage and continuous innovation.

From prototype to serial production, our medical waste machine manufacturer approach ensures effective, durable disinfection that complies with international standards, while reducing operational costs for our clients.

👉 Read a customer case studyLire une étude de cas client
👉 Explore our equipment

FAQ : 

Q: What is a medical waste disinfection machine?
A: It is a machine that disinfects hazardous medical waste without combustion, making it safe before elimination or recycling.

Q: Why choose a medical waste machine built by the manufacturer itself?
A: A manufacturer like Ecosteryl controls every part of the machine. This guarantees fast maintenance, easy replacement of components, and real durability.

Q: What is the difference between a medical waste machine and an incinerator?
A: The machine disinfects waste using electrical technology (microwaves) without burning it. The incinerator destroys waste by combustion, generating more emissions and stricter regulatory constraints.

Q: What types of biomedical waste can be treated?
A: Medical waste such as gauze, syringes, gloves, dressings—collected in approved hazardous medical waste bins—are compatible with the machine.

Q: Are Ecosteryl’s medical waste machines compliant with health ministry guidelines?
A: Yes, Ecosteryl’s equipment respects sorting instructions and the obligations outlined in the French health ministry’s national technical guide, including its revised version.

Q: How to know if a medical waste machine is durable?
A: Check if it is designed for part-by-part repair without full replacement. A durable machine ensures long lifespan, simplified maintenance, and optimized biomedical waste disposal. Pay attention to the shredding system—the coreof your machine. A four-shaft shredder is preferable.

Contact us for hazardous medical waste disposal projects

Do you want to equip your facility with a sustainable medical waste disposalsolution? Would you like to talk with our technical experts or visit our production site?

👉 Contact us via the contact form.

Every day, tonnes of infectious healthcare waste are generated in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, care homes, and even private homes. Behind a seemingly harmless used needle or soiled dressing may lurk invisible yet formidable pathogens. Hepatitis, HIV, antibiotic-resistant staphylococci… the dangers are real and often underestimated. In a global context of heightened health vigilance, understanding and controlling these risks has become a public health priority.

Waste unlike any other

Not all waste resulting from healthcare activities is created equal. Infectious Healthcare Waste (IHW) – in French, Déchets d’Activités de Soins à Risques Infectieux (DASRI) – includes materials that may contain microorganisms capable of causing infections in humans or animals. This waste is produced in various environments: hospitals, GP surgeries, vaccination centres, diagnostic laboratories, and also during home care procedures.

It includes used needles, syringes, catheters, dressings, gloves, swabs, contaminated test tubes, and even anatomical parts. Its handling requires utmost care, as improper disposal or contact can expose individuals to potentially incurable infections.

Transmission methods: infection at your fingertips

The key danger of IHW lies in its capacity to transmit infectious agents. Unlike household rubbish, this material can remain hazardous for hours or even days, depending on the conditions.

Contamination may occur in several ways:

• Through needlestick injuries or cuts from contaminated sharp objects.
• Through contact with broken skin or mucous membranes, particularly when handling waste without protection.
• Via projection or splatter of biological fluids during transport or sorting.
• By inhalation of contaminated aerosols during certain treatments or when opening non-compliant waste bags.

Each unprotected action can therefore turn into the starting point of a preventable infection.

Silent but serious diseases transmitted through hospital waste

A number of infections can be contracted via IHW. Some are well-known to the general public, while others are less so. Below is a summary of the main infectious risks identified in healthcare field:

Contrary to popular belief, doctors are not the only ones at risk. Many incidents involving IHW affect professionals who often work behind the scenes:

• Nurses and care assistants, who handle waste directly at its source.
• Cleaning and waste collection staff, often less trained yet in daily contact with IHW.
• Waste treatment technicians, responsible for sterilisation, transport, or shredding.
• Patients and home caregivers, particularly when self-care procedures are poorly supervised.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 2 million sharp-related injuries are reported each year among healthcare professionals worldwide, resulting in approximately 66,000 hepatitis B infections, 16,000 hepatitis C cases, and 1,000 HIV infections.

Prevention, training, innovation: pillars of responsible management

To mitigate these risks, several key measures exist and must be deployed at all levels of the care and waste management chain.

1. Use standardised, secure containers
   IHW must be disposed of immediately after use into rigid, leak-proof, sealed and certified containers to prevent spills or accidental injury.
2. Educate and raise staff awareness
   Regular, role-specific training is essential to reinforce good practices, safety protocols, and the importance of correct sorting.
3. Adopt eco-friendly treatment technologies
   Incineration, long used as a disposal method, is now criticised for its pollutant emissions. Innovative alternatives exist: machines developed by companies like Ecosteryl use a combination of microwaves and dry shredding to effectively neutralise pathogens — without combustion, water, or toxic emissions.

These solutions not only significantly reduce the medical sector’s carbon footprint but also ensure biosafety by sterilising infectious waste thoroughly.

A shared responsibility for global health

The management of infectious medical waste is a silent but vital challenge. It calls upon the responsibility of healthcare institutions, public authorities, manufacturers, and each healthcare worker. By reducing transmission risks, adopting sustainable technologies, and fostering a culture of prevention, we can ensure that medical waste does not become a vector of contamination.

At a time when health systems are under strain from pandemics, economic crises, and environmental pressures, rethinking how we handle IHW is more than just a necessity — it’s a commitment to global health.

Sources :

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Healthcare Waste Management
• INRS France – Risks Related to Healthcare Waste
• Institut Pasteur – Hepatitis B and C Transmission
• French Ministry of Health – IHW Management Guide

Just like in any specialised field or professional sector, the world of medical waste management comes with its own language and specific terminology. However, these terms can vary significantly depending on the country, continent, language, or culture. This is especially true for infectious medical waste—a subcategory of medical waste treated by Ecosteryl machines. Despite differences in terminology, the classification principles for infectious medical waste are broadly similar: they all refer to healthcare-generated waste that poses a biological contamination risk (e.g. blood, dressings, needles, etc.).

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