Resomation, the solubilisation of tissues in a heated potassium hydroxide solution, is the subject of  a substantial PR campaign aimed at gaining public acceptance and regulatory approval for the disposal of the dead.

For a brief description, see today’s BBC news article, and watch the full report on Newsnight on Tuesday 30 August 2011 at 22:30 BST on BBC Two, then afterwards on the BBC iPlayer and on the Newsnight website.

Resomation, and the separate process promession that is under development in Sweden, are both moving forward with some interest from UK local authorities and easing of teh regularoty position in Ohio. Given the furore at suggestions to introducce cremation around 100 years ago, the road to acceptance may be long, but that is not our concern.

The disposal of tissue wastes by resomation seems to be a sensible option. Suitable for small scale and discontinuous operation, this is worthy of consideration for use alongside ATT disposal systems. Surgical waste and small animal waste from research establishments and veterinary surgeries would provide a commercially worthwhile feedstock to provide an effective and environmentally sound disposal option.

Previoslu discussed in the Clinical Waste Discussion Forum over a year ago, this is a technology that should be under scrutiny by those hauling tissue wastes to a remote incinerator.