Glove papers are discarded in which BMW dustbin?

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Explanation

Glove papers, the outer packaging of sterile gloves, are classified as general, non-infectious waste because they do not come into contact with patients or bodily fluids.
As per the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, general waste is collected in black-colored dustbins.
This category includes other non-contaminated items like packaging material, cartons, and office waste.

Option B: The red dustbin is designated for contaminated recyclable waste, primarily plastics. This is where the actual used gloves would be discarded after patient contact, not their clean paper wrappers.
Option C: The yellow dustbin is for highly infectious waste, human anatomical waste, soiled dressings, and chemical waste. Clean paper wrappers do not fall into this hazardous category.
Option D: The blue dustbin is specifically for waste glassware (like vials and ampoules) and metallic body implants. Paper is not disposed of in this bin.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Biomedical Waste (BMW) Management Color Coding as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Proper waste segregation is a fundamental and legal responsibility for all healthcare workers, including nurses, to prevent the spread of infection, protect the community, and avoid environmental contamination.
Mistakes in waste disposal can lead to penalties for the healthcare facility and pose serious health risks, such as sharps injuries or exposure to infectious agents, for waste handlers.
What if? If the glove paper wrapper accidentally falls on the floor and becomes visibly soiled with blood or other body fluids, it is no longer considered general waste. In this case, it must be disposed of in the yellow bin as infectious (soiled) waste.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the specific item mentioned in the question: 'glove papers'.
Crucially, differentiate this item from a similar but distinct one: 'used gloves'. The paper is the outer packaging, while the glove is the item used for patient care.
Recall the principles of biomedical waste segregation: waste is categorized based on its nature (general, infectious, recyclable, sharp, etc.).
Determine the category for 'glove papers'. Since they are clean outer wrappers, they are 'general waste'.
Match the waste category ('general waste') with its corresponding color-coded bin from the BMW Management guidelines.
Conclude that general waste goes into the black bin, making it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health Nursing for BSc Nursing Students Part 2 — Subpart B (pp 276-535 of 550) p. 191-193

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 180-182

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