Proper segregation of medical waste is crucial for safety, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency. As of 2025, color-coded waste containers remain the industry standard for identifying and managing different waste types in healthcare and laboratory settings. This guide provides an updated overview of current best practices, incorporating recent regulatory changes and practical applications.
Red: Biohazardous Waste
Red containers are designated for waste contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), including used gloves, gauze, and gowns soaked in blood, IV tubing, catheters, blood bags, and syringes without needles. These materials should be placed in leak-proof, puncture-resistant containers marked with the biohazard symbol. Proper disposal is essential to prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens. For more on regulated medical waste, visit CDC guidelines.
Yellow: Infectious and Pharmaceutical Waste
Yellow containers are used for dressings, bandages, and swabs with body fluids, human anatomical waste and body parts, as well as expired medicines and chemotherapy drugs. These items often require incineration or specialized treatment methods to ensure safe disposal.
Black: Hazardous Chemical Waste
Black containers are reserved for hazardous chemical waste, including chemicals and solvents, cytotoxic drugs, chemotherapy agents, and hazardous pharmaceuticals. Proper labeling and disposal are critical to prevent environmental contamination.
Blue: Non-Hazardous Pharmaceutical Waste
Blue containers are intended for non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste, such as unused antibiotics, denatured drugs, and inhaler cartridges. These items can often be treated and disposed of through standard methods.
White: Sharps Waste
White, puncture-proof containers are used for sharps waste, including needles, syringes, scalpel blades, and broken glassware. These containers must be leak-proof and labeled with the biohazard symbol to ensure safe handling and disposal.
Compliance and Best Practices
Adhering to color-coded waste segregation helps facilities maintain compliance with OSHA and EPA regulations, protect healthcare workers and patients, reduce waste management costs, and minimize environmental impact. Regular staff training and audits are recommended to ensure ongoing compliance and safety. For further details, explore the OSHA biohazard waste disposal guidelines.
For more information on medical waste management and compliance training, visit Waste Medic’s Compliance & Training Services.