: Items capable of puncturing or cutting skin, such as needles, scalpel blades, lancets, and broken glass.
: The area must be secure (no unauthorized access), well-ventilated, impermeable (for easy disinfection), and protected from pests.
: Do not recap, bend, or break needles by hand to prevent needlestick injuries.
: Human tissues, organs, body parts, and anatomical remains.
: Non-hazardous materials like paper, food packaging, and office waste (estimated at 85% of total healthcare waste). 2. Color-Coding and Containment
: Use an approved disinfectant (like bleach) and allow it to sit for the recommended contact time.
: Expired or unused drugs, solvents, and heavy metals (e.g., mercury from broken thermometers).