Paper I
Question
Segregation of biomedical waste.
Answer
Segregation of biomedical waste is performed at the point of generation using colour-coded bags/bins, per the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, as the foundational first step ensuring appropriate downstream treatment and disposal:
- Yellow category — human anatomical waste, animal waste, soiled waste (dressings, plaster casts, bedding contaminated with blood/body fluid), expired/discarded medicines, chemical waste — disposed of by incineration or deep burial.
- Red category — contaminated recyclable plastic waste (IV tubing, catheters, syringes without needles) — disposed of by autoclaving/microwaving followed by shredding and recycling.
- White category — sharps (needles, syringes with fixed needles, scalpels, blades) — disposed of by autoclaving/dry heat sterilization followed by shredding/mutilation.
- Blue category — glassware, metallic body implants — disposed of by autoclaving/microwaving followed by disinfection and recycling.
- General/non-hazardous waste (black bag) — disposed of as municipal solid waste.
Significance: correct segregation at source prevents mixing of infectious/hazardous waste with general waste, protects waste-handling personnel from needle-stick injury and infection, ensures each waste category receives the specific treatment method appropriate to it, and is a mandatory regulatory requirement for all healthcare facilities.