Over the years, the biomedical industry has developed a system of color coding just about every aspect of its waste management system. One of the advantages of those color codes is that it makes waste management throughout the chain of command, so to speak, comparatively more straightforward. Everything can automatically be discarded in similarly colored containers which reduce the risk of waste getting mixed up.
Medical waste and especially the hazardous type need to be separated and processed accordingly. The majority of medical waste generated by hospitals, clinics and research centers is incinerated just so that they don’t end up in landfills. However, a more modern and better way of handling biomedical waste is doing so onsite. Waste shredders, sterilizers, etc., are some of the most commonly used solutions today.
Businesses generating biomedical waste are responsible for labeling their bins using colors, to ensure that matching color waste is disposed of correctly.
Types of Biomedical Waste and their Color Codes
It is essential to be familiar with the various types of biomedical waste to fully understand how the color codes are assigned. That said, depending on what sources you check, there could be slight variations in how they are categorized.
The main categories of waste include:
Infectious waste
Usually, any tools that come into contact with the body’s fluids like cotton swaps, bandages etc., are categorized as biomedical infectious waste.
Sharp waste
As the term suggests, it will include sharp objects like scalpels, blades and needles, amongst other stuff.
Recyclable contaminated waste
Generally, this category of waste includes items that are disposed of but can be recycled like syringes, intravenous tubes, gloves etc.
Pathological waste
Pathological waste is defined as waste removed from the human body like tissue, blood, and organs.
Medical waste
It is waste used in the production of disinfectants like formalin and other lab liquids. It may also include drug waste or expired medicines, which include cytotoxic drugs and antibiotics.
Lab waste
These will include microorganisms, bags, vaccines etc.
A Few Major Benefits of Color Coding Biomedical Waste
Color coding helps to segregate the various types of waste. This form of segregation mainly helps to:
- Reduce how much biomedical waste is treated in a particular way.
- Offer a higher probability of recycling most types of biomedical waste.
- Prevent the reuse of illegal chemicals, expired medicines and sharp objects.
While color coding biomedical waste is undoubtedly good for the environment, it also ensures that businesses don’t get into trouble for improperly managing their waste. Furthermore, the correct handling of this waste prevents workplace hazards. Not to mention that when biomedical waste from hospitals and clinics is handled properly, it is good for a business’s reputation.
Think of Color Coding As a First Good Step to Safely Disposing of Biomedical Waste
Disposing of various types of biomedical waste requires different steps based on the waste in question. However, color coding is the first yet important step which all staff members should be trained to fully understand.