Known or suspected to be contaminated.
Infectious waste needs to be treated to reduce / eliminate the risks present. Because of this, it costs more to treat and dispose of infectious waste than other healthcare wastes so it is important to practice good waste segregation. It is extremely important that proper waste segregation is practiced.
Yellow Containers & Bags
The yellow waste stream is used for the disposal of infectious waste such as:
- Blood & items visibly soiled with blood
- Contaminated waste from patients with transmissible infectious diseases
- Incontinent wear from patients with known or suspected enteric pathogens
- Items contaminated with body fluids other than faeces, urine or breast milk i.e. pus, sputum or peritoneal fluid
- Other healthcare infectious wastes
Yellow Lidded Container
Yellow lidded containers must be used when disposing of:
- Blood and blood administration sets
- Body fluids but not in bulk and must be solidified Disposable suction liners
- Redivac drains
- Drained histopathology waste (no formaldehyde) Sputum containers from known or suspected TB cases
- Clinical wastes from Lab permitted (no chemical residues
permitted)
Purple Sharps Containers
Purple sharps containers are used for the disposal of infectious waste such as:
- Needles, syringes, sharp instruments etc. that have been used for the administration of cytotoxic waste.
- Controlled drugs (discharge first)
Black lidded containers
Black Lidded containers must be used for:
Recognisable anatomical waste
- Blood or tissue suspected of CJD contamination
- Non autoclaved risk group 2 & 3 lab cultures
- Bulk metal objects e.g. laryngoscope blades
Experienced and reputable
Our experienced teams provide advice and guidance for appropriate handling, containment, transportation and disposal of infectious waste.