CO-UVBin – A COVID-19 initiative to fight biomedical waste crisis
In conversation with Mr. Karthik Sankar and Abhishek Gaikar, Co-founders of CO-UV Bin.
Please tell us more about your company?
We started Must Heal Medical and Surgicals in December 2017 and Forschene Pvt. Ltd. in July 2018. However, both organizations have worked closely since inception on various healthcare products and projects like first aid kits, surgical supplies, and innovative diagnostics.
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed us to find out a solution for COVID-19 waste disposal. Hence the idea of Co-UVBin was born in July 2020. The team of Co-UVBin comprises pharmaceutical professionals working in different fields; these diverse, experienced teammates allowed us to quickly design our prototype and finish ironing out other technical aspects.
Our team comprises two founding members of Co-UVBin, Karthik Sankar, Co-Founder of Must Heal Medical and Surgicals, who finished M. Pharm from Mumbai University.
Abhishek Dattaray Gaikar, Founder of Forschene Pvt. Ltd. – has done his Masters in Biotechnology from NIPER, Mohali.
How and why did you start your venture?
Both Must Heal Medical and Surgicals & Forschene Pvt. Ltd. carried the same vision as individual organizations. The current Covid-19 pandemic opened my eyes to the spread of diseases due to improper disposal of biomedical waste and lack of systematic waste disposal mechanisms. I contacted my friend Abhishek Gaikar; he too is a first-generation entrepreneur who runs an innovative start-up called Forschene Pvt. Ltd. Together, we bootstrapped and started Co-UVBin. We wanted to help and contribute to India’s fight against COVID-19 and make our country cleaner.
Please tell us about the Co-UV bin?
The Co-UVBin is designed to solve fundamental problems like in-place disinfection and segregation of different biohazard waste categories. The disinfection is carried out by UV technology. To facilitate the complete 360-degree disinfection of waste collected in the Bin, we have used a unique coat of UV reflecting material on the Bin’s inner side. Additionally, the auto cut-off circuit starts the disinfection cycle as soon as the waste is dropped in the container. It then shuts off the UV light once the disinfection process is complete; this feature makes our product more efficient. It prolongs life and reduces power consumption.
We have two variants of Co-UV Bin; the smaller Bin can handle 120 liters of waste with full capacity. The second model, a larger model in size, can disinfect 120×3 liters of waste with maximum operating capacity. To further increase the disinfection process’s efficiency, we have incorporated the shredder facility in the second model that allows the cutting of waste material into small pieces. The additional benefit of waste shredding makes it easier to handle. It also prevents the re-entry of used items like masks, gloves, face shields, etc., into the resale and circulation market.
Who can use your product?
We created Co-UVBin with the vision of installing it in a maximum number of Hospitals, treatment centers & COVID-19 quarantine centers to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases due to the waste generated. The Bin can also be installed in community places, schools, colleges, shopping centers & commercial establishments. It will provide them with a means of disposal of COVID-19 waste like masks, gloves, etc., and help them set a benchmark for COVID-19 safety protocols. A dedicated bin like ours for discarding COVID-19 and other biomedical waste will also encourage citizens of our country to use it for disposal instead of throwing the garbage in the open.
How does it help stop the spread of Covid-19?
CO-UVBin segregates and collects the waste. After collection, the waste is broken down into smaller particles, and then it is effectively disinfected on-site with the help of automatic UV technology. 360° degree disinfection is carried, thereby making it safer for handling the waste for sanitation workers. Hence the transmission of COVID-19 due to improper disposal of used COVID-19 safety items like masks, gloves, face shields, PPEs, etc., is avoided. The Bin acts as an automated waste processing disinfection system. Our aim is also to make the citizens realize the importance of responsible and effective disposal of used safety gears. Co-UVBin will also prevent the re-entry of used items like masks, gloves, face shields, etc., into the market for resale and circulation as there have been many cases where used waste re-enters into the consumer market.
Can it be used for disposing of other bio-medical waste?
Co-UVBin can be used for disinfecting any bio-medical waste before being taken to waste to energy plant, disposal, or recycling plant. Immediate disinfection of the waste will make it extremely safe for handling.
Does the Government of India back your company?
Both Must Heal Medical and Surgicals and Forschene Pvt. Ltd. are recognized by the Government of India. Must Heal Medical and Surgicals is registered in start-up India portal and also an MSME. Forschene Pvt. Ltd. is DPIIT registered and also registered in the start-up India portal. We are in the process of getting Co-UVBin certified and are also in conversation with municipal authorities regarding the usage of CO-UVBin as a means for waste disposal.
What has been the response in the market for the CO-UVBin?
We are in conversations with numerous hospitals and NGOs who are actively working COVID-19 waste management crisis. Together, we are looking at possible locations for installing our product.
What would be the approximate cost and the setup time?
Due to the convenience of customization in capacity and features, a CO-VU bin’s cost ranges from 50,000 INR to 1.2L INR depending upon the features and capacity. The setup time is 15-20 working days.
Anything else you would like to add?
We have decided to contribute a small amount from every sale of CO-UVBin towards installing the product in rural hospitals and treatment centers for waste handling. We have also started a crowdfunding project in IMPACT guru towards fulfilling our goal of installing CO-UVBins in rural areas.
https://www.impactguru.com/fundraiser/help-must-heal-medical-and-surgicals
We are also active on social media handles and promote the importance of waste handling regularly. We also have plans in place to encourage organizations that install Co-UVBins on our social media platforms.
To know more, check Co-UV BIN.
