Biohazardous waste is any waste product that has the risk of carrying blood borne pathogens. It’s often found in doctor’s offices, public restrooms, and even trash cans in areas you frequent, like schools and parks.
The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center defines biohazardous waste as “any waste containing infectious materials or potentially infectious substances, such as blood.” They go on to name needles, blades, and other waste as potentially dangerous since they can cause injury during handling.
Examples of Biohazardous Waste
All biological materials should be treated as though they carry infectious diseases. That’s one way to protect yourself or your employees from potential danger. Here are some examples of biohazardous waste to always handle with care and caution:
Human blood and blood products. This also includes items contaminated with blood or things that will release blood in a liquid form when squeezed or broken.
Human body fluids. This includes semen, vaginal secretions, saliva, urine, and excrement.
Pathological waste. This means biopsy materials, including human tissue or human body parts, usually from an autopsy, surgery, or other medical procedure.
Microbiological waste. This could be discarded live and attenuated viruses, along with discarded specimen cultures and culture dishes.
Sharps waste. This includes sharp objects, including used needles, scalpels, broken glass, and any other object that could be contaminated.