Medical Waste Management Materials

The following are definitions of medical waste management materials:

Biohazard bag - A disposable red bag that is moisture-resistant and has sufficient strength to withstand ripping, tearing or bursting under normal conditions of use. A biohazard bag must be certified by the manufacturer and constructed of material of sufficient thickness strength to pass the 165 g dropped dart impact resistant test.

Biohazardous waste - Laboratory waste, including:

  • medical and pathological human specimen cultures
  • cultures and stocks of infectious agents
  • waste from the production of bacteria, viruses or the use of spores, discarded live and attenuated vaccines, culture dishes and contaminated devices used for above
  • discarded waste from specimens sent to the laboratory
  • human specimens or tissues removed during surgery or autopsy, which are suspected by the attending physician or dentist of being contaminated with infectious agents

Medical waste - Biohazardous waste, sharps waste or waste generated or produced as a result of diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings. Medical waste may be infectious.

Sharps waste - Any device having acute rigid corners or edges or projections capable of cutting or piercing, including:

  • hypodermic needles, syringes, blades, and needles
  • broken glass items, pipettes and vials that are contaminated with other medical waste