What Is Biomedical Waste?

Biomedical waste is any solid or liquid waste which may present a threat of infection to humans, including:

• Infectious waste:  Waste contaminated with blood, waste from patients in isolation wards, discarded diagnostic samples containing blood and body fluids, infected animals from laboratories, and contaminated materials (swabs, bandages) and equipment (such as disposable medical devices).
• Sharps:  Syringes, needles, disposable scalpels and blades, etc.
• Pharmaceuticals:  Expired, unused, and contaminated drugs and vaccines, and drugs used in cancer treatment.
• Radioactive waste:  Glassware contaminated with radioactive diagnostic material or radiation therapy materials.

Please note:  urine and feces are not usually considered biomedical waste unless the person has a known or suspected infection.

It’s important to handle and dispose of biomedical waste properly because it places healthcare workers, sanitation workers, and the general public at risk for becoming infected with dangerous diseases.

Biomedical waste can be created by:

• Hospitals.
• Clinics.
• Nursing homes.
• Laboratories.
• Funeral homes.
• Dentists.
• Veterinarians.
• Physicians’ offices.
• Pharmacies that provide flu shots.
• Body piercing salons.
• Tattoo shops.
• Individuals in their own homes who use syringes and/or lancets for diabetes care.