Infectious waste is defined as which?

• A. Refuse containing readily communicated disease-causing organisms and/or offensive materials
• B. Waste generated by electrical equipment
• C. Waste that is recyclable
• D. Waste that is always hazardous

Answer: (A)

Infectious waste is waste that contains pathogens or materials that are contaminated with potential pathogens, such as blood or body fluids, that could spread disease. The key idea is the presence of disease-causing organisms or materials capable of transmitting infection, which is why the definition includes refuse that harbors these organisms or materials.

This is why the option describing waste that contains readily communicable disease-causing organisms and/or contaminated materials best fits. Waste from electrical equipment, recyclable waste, or general statements about hazard status don’t specify the infectious risk from pathogens or contaminated bodily substances, which is the defining feature of infectious waste.