The Four Major Types of Hospital Waste
7/22/2023
Hospital waste is classified into four different types. These are infectious, hazardous, sharps, and radioactive. Each of these types of waste will require different disposal methods, but all will require proper handling due to their dangerous nature.
Let’s have a look at the four major hospital waste types in further detail.
This includes waste that can produce or spread infection such as wound dressings, PPE, body organs, and the like. Such type of waste should be handled with care by highly trained personnel.
This type of waste should not be mixed alongside other waste types due to their dangerous elements. Some good examples include corrosives, medications, and poisons.
As the name implies, sharps are a type of waste that includes sharp objects such as scalpels, needles, and syringes. They are mostly disposed of using specially made containers.
Radioactive hospital waste is quite dangerous if not handled properly. Individuals who are exposed to such type of waste will end up suffering from long-term sickness.
Some examples of radioactive hospital waste include sharps, clothing, and utensils that are used for radiation therapy. Basically, anything that is used in radiation therapy can be considered radioactive waste.
Each type of waste will have its own disposal methods and needs. However, all of them should only be handled by a waste disposal company that specializes in medical waste. Not only are they complicated to handle, but certain measures should be taken so they won’t lead to serious and long-term consequences.