Magic in a Bin

In the hustle and bustle of healthcare environments, the risk of injury from sharp medical waste is a persistent and dangerous problem. Healthcare professionals and garbage sorting facility staff face daily hazards from needles and other sharp objects, leading to potential injuries and the spread of infections such as HBV, HCV, and HIV.

The problem of sharp medical waste is more than just a minor inconvenience; it poses serious health risks and creates additional burdens on the healthcare system. Injuries from needles and other sharps can lead to infections and diseases, putting both healthcare workers and patients at risk. The impact of these injuries is far-reaching, affecting the physical and emotional well-being of healthcare professionals and adding strain to already overburdened medical facilities.

Innovating for Safety: Medical Waste Bin

To tackle this critical issue, Mustafa Akay, Ali Kerem Ergen, Arkad Divan Dinler, Yaren Lal, and Arda Kaplan from Kozmos Software Anatolian High School formed the Aruna Team and developed a groundbreaking idea: a medical waste bin designed to incinerate sharp medical waste safely and efficiently. This innovative project aims to eliminate the risk of injury from needles by reducing them to ashes at extremely high temperatures. Their prototype incorporates two copper electrodes on the lid, which generate the necessary heat to incinerate needles at 1,200 degrees Celsius.

Under the mentorship of a Samsung employee and the support of NGO volunteer coaches, the Aruna Team honed their design thinking and presentation skills through various training sessions provided by Samsung Solve for Tomorrow.

“We are deeply impressed by the ingenuity and dedication shown by the Aruna Team in developing their medical waste bin idea. Their project exemplifies the spirit of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, which is to empower young minds to address real-world challenges through innovative thinking and technology. Solve for Tomorrow is crucial in fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving among students, and we are proud to support such promising ideas that have the potential to make a significant impact,” said Asli Askin, CSR Manager in Samsung Türkiye.

For a More Secure Tomorrow

For healthcare professionals, safety isn't just a priority; it's their lifeline. Every day, they navigate a constant threat that make innovative ideas an urgent necessity.

Driven by this need, the Aruna team is on a mission to create a safer world for healthcare workers. But their vision extends beyond hospital walls. Imagine these innovative bins in sports arenas, clinics, and countless other settings where safe disposal of sharps is crucial. The team’s goal is to make these bins the gold standard, protecting lives and promoting health everywhere. Show your support for their dedication to keeping healthcare workers safe.