Download Infection Control (Health) Toolbox Managing waste Colour coding of

Infection Control (Health) Toolbox
Managing waste Colour coding of waste disposal containers
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Normal waste
Black, white or green containers are used for normal waste, which is waste that has not been
contaminated with blood or blood-contaminated body fluids.
Disposal of normal waste
This waste is disposed of by landfill (or recycling if appropriate).
Clinical/infectious waste
Yellow containers are used for clinical/infectious waste. Yellow rigid-walled containers are
used for sharps. Both of these types of containers should be labelled with the clinical waste
symbol.
Disposal of clinical/infectious waste
Sharps require incineration by a licensed contractor.
Non-sharps may be incinerated or steam sterilised by autoclaving, then disposed of in
supervised landfill.
In office-based practices, small volumes of blood, urine or faeces can be disposed of via the
sewerage system, but disposal of a large volume of clinical waste must follow local
regulations.
Cytotoxic waste
Purple containers with the cytotoxic waste symbol are used for cytotoxic waste.
Disposal of cytotoxic waste
Cytotoxic waste requires incineration at 1100oC. This must be carried out by a licensed
contractor.
Radioactive waste
Red containers with the radiation symbol are used for radioactive waste.
Disposal of radioactive waste
Radioactive waste must be disposed of by a licensed contractor.
Dilute isotopes may be disposed of via the sewerage system in accordance with relevant
guidelines.
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