Clinical Waste Bag Colours Explained
Navigating the world of clinical waste disposal can be confusing, especially when it comes to the various colored bags used for segregation. Here’s a breakdown of the most common clinical waste bag colors and the types of waste they contain, along with some of the businesses that generate them.
Common Types of Medical Waste:
| Yellow Bags Infectious Waste | Contents: These bags are used for highly infectious clinical waste, typically containing bodily fluids contaminated with pathogens. Examples include: Swabs used for wound cleaning or blood collection Contaminated bandages and dressings IV bags and tubing Blood cultures and other infectious specimens Businesses: Hospitals, veterinary clinics, laboratories. |
| Red Bags Non-infectious Anatomical Waste | Contents: These bags are used for human or animal body parts and tissues that are not considered infectious. Examples include: Organs and tissues removed during surgery Placentas after childbirth Biopsy samples Businesses: Hospitals, surgical centers, pathology labs, veterinary clinics. |
| Orange Bags Low-Risk Infectious Waste | Contents: These bags are designed for infectious waste that poses a lower risk of infection than yellow bag waste. Examples include: Used gloves and gowns contaminated with blood or bodily fluids Soiled bandages from non-infectious wounds Disposable diapers from infected patients Businesses: Hospitals, care homes, nursing homes, dental practices. |
| Purple Bags Pharmaceutical Waste | Contents: Purple bags are used for expired, unused, or contaminated medications. Cytotoxic and cytostatic drugs (used in cancer treatment) require special handling and may have specific disposal requirements. pen_spark Businesses: Hospitals, care homes, nursing homes, dental practices, pharmacies. |
| Tiger (Yellow and Black Striped) Bags Offensive Waste | Contents: These bags are used for non-hazardous waste that is unpleasant but not infectious. Examples include: Soiled adult diapers (not from infected patients) Sanitary towels and tampons Casts and dressings removed at home Businesses: Care homes, nursing homes, hospices, some beauty parlors, tattoo parlors, dental practices and more |
Why Use The Correct Clinical Waste Bag?
Using the appropriate colored bag ensures proper segregation, treatment, and disposal of clinical waste. This protects you, your staff, public health, the environment, and healthcare workers from potential hazards.
MediWaste: Your Partner in Clinical Waste Disposal
We simplify clinical waste disposal for all types of healthcare facilities, including aesthetics clinics, beauty parlors, dentists, care homes, and hospitals. Our platform helps you:
Identify the correct bag type for your specific waste streams.
Connect with a network of licensed collectors who handle each waste category according to regulations.
Obtain competitive quotes to ensure you get the best price for your waste disposal needs.
Maintain clear and compliant audit trails for your waste disposal activities.
Partner with MediWaste for Streamlined and Compliant Clinical Waste Disposal
Don’t let clinical waste disposal become a burden for your business. Contact the MediWaste team today to learn more about how our platform can help your healthcare facility ensure safe and compliant disposal of all your medical waste streams.
Visit our website at https://www.mediwaste.co.uk or contact us directly to discuss your specific needs.
