Categories of Biomedical Waste
Start with the big picture
The lesson compares two ways of organizing biomedical waste: the current four-group color-coded system—Yellow, Red, White and Blue—and the traditional ten functional categories. It outlines C1–C10, from human and animal anatomical waste to sharps, discarded medicines, soiled materials, infectious plastics, liquids, incineration ash and chemical waste. The categories differ in their appropriate containers and treatment approaches, such as disinfection, autoclaving, incineration or secure disposal. A central principle is segregation where waste is generated, helping reduce hazardous exposure and environmental contamination. This overview provides a framework for recognizing the categories; the full lesson develops their color coding, disposal pathways and practical distinctions.
What you'll learn
- Distinguish the four color-coded groups from the ten traditional functional categories.
- Identify the main types of waste represented by categories C1–C10.
- Relate selected waste categories to their color coding and disposal approaches.
- Explain why segregation at the point of generation is important.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
