Which type of waste includes items contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids?

The type of waste that includes items contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids is infectious waste. This category encompasses materials such as used bandages, gloves, needles, and any other items that could potentially transmit infectious diseases. The management of infectious waste is critical in a healthcare environment to prevent the spread of pathogens and ensure the safety of both healthcare workers and patients.

Infectious waste is subject to specific handling, storage, and disposal procedures to minimize risk. For instance, in a hospital setting, it must typically be disposed of in designated biohazard containers to ensure that it is handled according to health and safety regulations.

Understanding the distinctions between different types of waste is vital for proper waste management and compliance with regulations designed to prevent health hazards. General waste refers to non-hazardous materials, hazardous waste encompasses toxic materials that pose a risk to health or the environment, and biodegradable waste pertains to organic materials that can decompose, none of which directly relates to items contaminated with blood or bodily fluids.