How to Properly Segregate Biomedical Waste in Your Facility
By Festus on 30th July, 2025
Proper segregation of biomedical waste is not just a regulatory requirement but also a critical step in protecting healthcare workers, patients, and the environment. We believe that safe waste handling begins with proper segregation at the point of care.
🚮 What is Biomedical Waste?
Biomedical waste refers to any waste generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of humans or animals. This includes infectious materials, sharps, human tissue, pharmaceutical waste, and more.
✅ Why Segregation Matters
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Prevents the spread of infections and injuries
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Protects waste handlers and cleaners
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Reduces environmental pollution
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Ensures compliance with Kenya’s Public Health Act and NEMA guidelines
🟦 Color-Coded Biomedical Waste Segregation Guide
| Color Code | Type of Waste | Container | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🟡 Yellow | Infectious waste | Yellow bin or bag | Gloves, gauze, blood-soaked materials |
| 🔴 Red | Highly infectious/pathological | Red bin or bag | Human tissues, placenta, body parts |
| ⚫ Black | General (non-infectious) waste | Black bin or bag | Papers, wrappers, leftover food |
| 🔲 Sharps | Needles, syringes, blades | Puncture-proof container | Used needles, scalpel blades, glass vials |
| 🔵 Blue/White | Pharmaceutical or chemical waste | Leak-proof container | Expired meds, vaccine vials, lab reagents |
🧼 Best Practices for Waste Segregation
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Always segregate at the point of care—never mix waste types
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Use PPE (gloves, masks, aprons) during waste handling
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Ensure containers are clearly labeled and not overfilled
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Seal bags when they reach three-quarters full
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Use trolley carts to move waste—never carry manually
🗑️ Temporary Storage & Disposal
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Keep waste in a designated, ventilated, secure waste area
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Infectious waste should not be stored for more than 24 hours
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Partner with licensed biomedical waste handlers for final disposal
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Incinerate sharps and pathological waste at temperatures above 850°C
🧠 Staff Education is Key
To ensure safety and compliance, all staff must be trained in biomedical waste segregation. Place visible signage at all waste stations and conduct regular audits to enforce compliance.
📌 Need Help Managing Your Healthcare Waste?
At Vitalcare Cleaning Services, we offer professional healthcare waste handling solutions, staff training, and cleaning services that prioritize infection control and safety. Contact us today for a consultation.
📞 0720 981198
📧 info@vitalcare.co.ke
🌐 www.vitalcare.co.ke