The expansion of healthcare has led to a sharp increase in medical waste, much of which consists of single-use plastics, disposable equipment, and pharmaceutical byproducts. The reliance on disposable materials, including gloves, syringes, and packaging, poses significant environmental challenges. A large portion of this waste is non-biodegradable, necessitating incineration, which releases harmful chemicals into the environment. Identifying sustainable alternatives to current disposal methods is crucial for reducing the ecological impact of healthcare. This literature review examines the potential role of autoclaves in reducing medical waste and mitigating environmental harm. By systematically analyzing peer-reviewed research from 2010 to 2025, we assess the effectiveness of autoclaving in sterilizing and repurposing medical materials, its feasibility as a large-scale waste management solution, and its environmental impact compared to incineration. Our findings highlight key takeaways regarding the performance of autoclaves, barriers to implementation, and proposed solutions for integrating sustainable waste processing into healthcare systems. Understanding the role of autoclaves in waste reduction can inform policy changes, improve hospital protocols, and support innovations in sustainable medical waste management. This review provides insight into how healthcare institutions can adopt autoclaving as a viable alternative to incineration, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally responsible approach to medical waste disposal.