Segragation of Sources
Segregation is the separation of different types of waste by sorting or the systemic separation of Bio-medical waste into designated categories.
Significance
It is the most important step in the entire process of Bio-medical waste management as it needs special attention to be given to the relatively small quantities of infectious and hazardous waste, thereby reducing not only the risks but also the cost of handling, treatment and disposal.
For example if general waste gets mixed with infectious wastes the whole waste has to be incinerated which may prove to be costly.
Segregation of Bio-medical waste in appropriate colour coded containers is the most important aspect of Bio-medical waste management. We provide extensive training to the appropriate staff of the affiliated HCE before starting service to the institution using latest technology tools like laptops and projectors.
The classification of waste in a Health Care Establishment is as briefed below:
| Colour Coding | Type of Container | Waste Category | Treatment options as per Schedule I | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Plastic bag | Category 1,2 and Category 3,6 | Incineration/deep burial | |
| Red | Disinfected container/plastic bag | Category 3,6,7 |
Autoclaving/Microwaving/ Chemical Treatment |
|
|
Plastic bag/puncture proof | Category 4,7 | Autoclaving/Microwaving/ Chemical Treatment and destruction/shredding | |
|
Plastic bag | category 5,9 and Category 10 (Solid) | Disposal in secured landfill |
According to WHO reports 80% of the Bio-medical wastes are general wastes which are not infectious. 15% are infectious wastes but not hazardous and the rest 5% of wastes are hazardous and infectious. If the 20% of infectious wastes are not segregated properly from the general wastes, the whole general wastes are also converted into infectious wastes.
