Biomedical waste (BMW) is any waste produced during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human or animal research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biological or in health camps. It follows the cradle to a grave approach which is characterization, quantification, segregation, storage, transport, and treatment of BMW.

A Common Biomedical Waste Treatment & Disposal Facility or in simple words a biomedical waste management plant is a set-up where biomedical waste generated from member health care facilities is treated to reduce the negative effect that can harm human health and the environment. The treated waste is finally sent for disposal in a secured landfill.

The goals of biomedical waste treatment are to reduce or eliminate the waste's hazards, and usually to make the waste unrecognizable. Treatment should render the waste safe for subsequent handling and disposal. There are several treatment methods that can accomplish these goals. It includes segregating the biowaste.

Medical waste is broadly classified as any item that comes into contact with body fluids. Specifically, it is any solid waste that is generated in the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of humans. This type of waste was once collected in special bags and plastic boxes in clinical settings and then disposed of like normal trash. However, this process was quickly found to spread diseases and viruses and potentially cause outbreaks.

Now a days, biomedical waste is safely segregated and kept in different bags and then these are sent to Biomedical Waste Disposal Plant.

1. YELLOW

Pathological waste Soiled (infectious) waste Medical chemical waste Clinical lab waste Pharmaceutical waste (discarded/expired medicines and drugs) This is the color code that covers most types of biomedical waste. However, depending on how hazardous the waste is considered, you will need to use different types of containers for collection, and different methods for disposal. Most can be collected in yellow coloured containers or non-chlorinated plastic bags, but in the case of liquid chemical medical waste, you will need a separate collection system. Autoclaves are among the best tools available on the market for on-site sterilization, but in the case of hazardous medical waste (like soiled waste),you will also need a medical waste shredder to ensure safe disposal. 

2. RED

Contaminated waste (recyclable) As you can see, the list is much shorter than in the previous category. Red coloured, non-chlorinated plastic bags or containers will do the trick for waste collection. As for the disposal of such medical hazardous waste, your safest (and most practical) bet is to get your hands on an on-site sterilizer and medical waste shredder (or ISS for short).

3. WHITE (or translucent)

Sharps waste Considering the nature of this hazardous medical waste, you will need containers that are puncture, leak, AND tamper proof. As for disposal, the case is the same as with the waste falling under the red category: you’ll need a medical waste shredder.

4. BLUE

Medical glassware waste Depending on the sources you look up, you may not even find this type of container, as some literature lists these in the same category of sharps waste, as they are also capable of inflicting puncture and cut wounds. However, since medicinal vials and ampoules aren’t necessarily as hazardous as sharps waste, autoclaving may be enough to sterilize the waste, and prep it for safe disposal.