Should BDW be mixed with general waste?

• A. Yes; BDW may be mixed with general waste.
• B. No; BDW must be segregated and handled separately.
• C. BDW can be mixed during certain shifts.
• D. BDW must be stored with general waste temporarily.

Answer: (B)

Biomedical waste contains infectious or potentially infectious materials and must be treated and disposed of separately from general trash. From the moment it is generated, it should be placed in leak-proof, properly labeled biohazard bags or puncture-resistant sharps containers and kept in a designated BDW storage area. This segregation allows the waste to be handled by trained staff and processed by licensed biomedical waste transporters and approved treatment methods (such as autoclaving or incineration) without exposing others to pathogens. Mixing BDW with general waste would bypass required safety and regulatory controls, increasing the risk of exposure and infection for waste handlers and the public. There are no exceptions for shifts or temporary storage that would justify combining the wastes; BDW must stay separate until it is properly treated and disposed of.