Biohazard Waste Definition

It is important to know what constitutes biohazard waste so you can know the proper way to dispose of it. Disposal of biohazards is important; their presence could jeopardize public health.

Identification

• Bioharzard waste is most often produced in scientific and medical labs. Human and animal specimen cultures from laboratories are considered a form of hazardous waste.

Features

• Infectious agents are defined as any type of organism, bacteria or virus that cause harm to humans. Any culture or stock that comes from an infectious agent is considered to be biohazard waste.

Considerations

• Any waste from vaccines used in human health care is defined as biohazardous waste, as is any waste form vaccines used to treat animals.

Further identification

• Specimens that are obtained during surgery that are suspected of containing infectious agents are defined as biohazardous waste. Waste that contains blood or blood particles is also considered biohazardous waste.

Disposal

• Biohazardous waste must be made noninfectious before being put in a dumpster. A professional should be consulted if any questions arise.