The three kinds of waste

There are three kinds of waste generally found in health facilities: general waste, medical waste, and hazardous chemical waste. It is important to dispose of all kinds of waste properly, but improper disposal of medical and hazardous chemical waste poses the most immediate health risk to the community. This module will focus on ways of decreasing the infection risks associated with the disposal of medical waste.

General waste

Non-hazardous waste that poses no risk of injury or infections. This is similar in nature to household trash. Examples include paper, boxes, packaging materials, bottles, plastic containers, and food-related trash.

Medical waste

Material generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of clients, including:

• Blood, blood products, and other body fluids, as well as materials containing fresh or dried blood or body fluids, such as bandages and surgical sponges
• Organic waste such as human tissue, body parts, the placenta, and the products of conception
• Sharps (used or unused), including hypodermic and suture needles, scalpel blades, blood tubes, pipettes, and other glass items that have been in contact with potentially infectious materials (such as glass slides and coverslips)

 

Hazardous chemical waste

Chemical waste that is potentially toxic or poisonous, including cleaning products, disinfectants, cytotoxic drugs, and radioactive compounds.

NOTE:
Although both medical and chemical waste pose dangers, the focus of this module is on disposal of potentially infectious medical waste. Disposal of cytotoxic drugs and radioactive waste requires special consideration outside the scope of this course: If your facility uses these materials, consult local experts for guidance on appropriate handling and disposal.

©2004 EngenderHealth