Reusable outer containers must be what?

• A. Rigid, leak resistant, and puncture resistant outer containers.
• B. Made of smooth, easily cleanable materials
• C. Must be contaminated after every use
• D. Disposable after one use

Answer: (A)

Durable, leak- and puncture-resistant construction is essential for reusable outer containers used with biomedical waste. This design keeps waste contained during handling, transport, and storage, protecting workers and the environment from exposure. Rigidity helps the container maintain integrity under rough handling and stacking; leak resistance prevents spills of liquids; puncture resistance reduces the risk from sharps and other hazardous materials. In practice, these containers are intended for repeated use and must be decontaminated between uses, not discarded after a single use. While smooth, easily cleaned surfaces aid sanitation, they don’t replace the need for a sturdy, containment-focused design.