Which of the following best defines 'biohazardous waste' in a healthcare setting?

Biohazardous waste in a healthcare setting is defined as waste that can pose a risk to health or the environment. This type of waste often includes items contaminated with infectious materials, such as blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious substances. The nature of healthcare environments, where exposure to pathogens can occur, necessitates strict protocols for handling and disposing of such waste to prevent the spread of infections and protect public health.

This definition highlights the potential dangers associated with this type of waste, necessitating special handling, treatment, and disposal methods. Other waste categories, such as recyclable items or non-hazardous waste, do not carry the same risks and are managed through different waste management procedures. By identifying biohazardous waste as a risk to health or the environment, it emphasizes the critical need for proper waste management practices in healthcare facilities to ensure safety for healthcare workers, patients, and the community at large.