what is biohazard waste

Biohazard waste, also known as biomedical waste or infectious waste, is any kind of waste that contains infectious or potentially infectious materials generated during the treatment of humans or animals, as well as during research involving biologics. Biohazard waste may be solid or liquid, and examples of infectious waste include discarded blood, sharps, unwanted microbiological cultures and stocks, identifiable body parts, other human or animal tissue, used bandages and dressings, discarded gloves, other medical supplies that may have been in contact with blood and body fluids, and laboratory waste that exhibits the characteristics described above. Biohazard waste is distinct from normal trash or general waste, and differs from other types of hazardous waste, such as chemical, radioactive, universal, or industrial waste. Disposal procedures for biohazard waste depend on whether the waste is classified as biohazardous or medical waste. Biohazardous waste, also called infectious waste, must be collected by a licensed biohazardous waste hauler, while non-contaminated waste can be disposed of as medical waste. Biohazardous waste can include any form of equipment that has come into contact with a potentially infected individual, such as surgical and procedural tools and devices used to treat an infected individual or items that might have come into contact or been contaminated such as gloves, gowns, gauze, or any tools or implements used in the treatment of a person who may be infected with dangerous pathogens.