BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT
Biomedical Waste Management – Golden Points
• Definition: Waste generated during diagnosis, treatment, immunization of
humans/animals, or in research/biological production.
• Segregation at source = Most important step in BMW management.
• Color coding (BMW Rules, 2016; Amended 2018, 2019) → 4 categories:
Colour Code Waste Type Disposal Method
Human/animal anatomical
Yellow waste, soiled waste, expired Incineration/Deep burial
medicines, chemical waste
Contaminated recyclable
Autoclaving/Microwaving →
Red plastics (IV sets, catheters,
Shredding → Recycling
gloves, syringes without needle)
White (Translucent,
Sharps (needles, blades, Autoclaving/Dry heat →
puncture-proof
scalpels) Shredding/Mutilation
container)
Glassware, medicine vials, Autoclaving/Microwaving →
Blue
ampoules Recycling
• Biohazard symbol & barcoding must be on waste bags.
• Transport: In covered trolleys/vehicles only.
• Treatment: Incineration, autoclaving, shredding, deep burial, recycling.
• Occupational safety: PPE mandatory (gloves, apron, mask, goggles).
• Healthcare workers handling BMW must be immunized with Hepatitis B & Tetanus
vaccines.
• Improper disposal hazards: Spread of HIV, Hepatitis B & C, TB; soil/water pollution;
air pollution; needle-stick injuries.
• Rural areas: Deep burial method permitted when incineration not available.
• Chlorinated plastic bags phased out (2019 amendment).
Biomedical Waste Management – Golden Points
• Definition: Waste generated during diagnosis, treatment, immunization of
humans/animals, or in research/biological production.
• Segregation at source = Most important step in BMW management.
• Color coding (BMW Rules, 2016; Amended 2018, 2019) → 4 categories:
Colour Code Waste Type Disposal Method
Human/animal anatomical
Yellow waste, soiled waste, expired Incineration/Deep burial
medicines, chemical waste
Contaminated recyclable
Autoclaving/Microwaving →
Red plastics (IV sets, catheters,
Shredding → Recycling
gloves, syringes without needle)
White (Translucent,
Sharps (needles, blades, Autoclaving/Dry heat →
puncture-proof
scalpels) Shredding/Mutilation
container)
Glassware, medicine vials, Autoclaving/Microwaving →
Blue
ampoules Recycling
• Biohazard symbol & barcoding must be on waste bags.
• Transport: In covered trolleys/vehicles only.
• Treatment: Incineration, autoclaving, shredding, deep burial, recycling.
• Occupational safety: PPE mandatory (gloves, apron, mask, goggles).
• Healthcare workers handling BMW must be immunized with Hepatitis B & Tetanus
vaccines.
• Improper disposal hazards: Spread of HIV, Hepatitis B & C, TB; soil/water pollution;
air pollution; needle-stick injuries.
• Rural areas: Deep burial method permitted when incineration not available.
• Chlorinated plastic bags phased out (2019 amendment).
