Biohazard Waste Management: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Facilities

Biohazard waste must be handled carefully because it can contain infectious or potentially infectious materials. For clinics, laboratories, dentists, hospitals, old age homes and treatment rooms, a clear biohazard waste process protects staff, patients, cleaners and waste handlers.

What is biohazard waste?

Biohazard waste is waste that may contain blood, bodily fluids, infectious material or contaminated healthcare items. This can include gloves, gauze, swabs, dressings, procedure waste and certain laboratory materials.

What container should be used?

Biohazard waste should be placed into suitable medical waste packaging such as biohazard boxes, red liners or approved healthcare risk waste containers. Sharps must go into sharps containers, not soft waste boxes.

Best practices

• Separate biohazard waste from general waste.
• Use the correct container at the point of generation.
• Do not overfill containers.
• Store sealed waste securely before collection.
• Train staff on waste categories and container placement.

How MNE Waste Management helps

MNE Waste Management supplies biohazard waste containers and collection support to help South African healthcare facilities manage waste more safely and conveniently.