Used or discarded disinfectants and discarded formalin are categorised under which of the following waste categories?

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

According to the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, chemical waste, which includes used or discarded disinfectants and discarded formalin, is collected in the Yellow category.
This category also includes other waste types like human anatomical waste, soiled waste, and expired medicines.
The designated treatment for this type of waste is typically incineration, plasma pyrolysis, or disposal at a hazardous waste treatment facility to neutralize the chemical hazards.

Option B: The Red category is reserved for contaminated recyclable waste, which is primarily plastic items.
Option C: The Blue category is specifically for waste glassware and metallic body implants.
Option D: The Black category is for general, non-infectious waste that does not pose a biomedical hazard.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM) Color Coding as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correct segregation of biomedical waste is a fundamental responsibility of all healthcare workers to prevent nosocomial infections, protect waste handlers from injury and exposure, and safeguard the environment from hazardous contamination.
Improper disposal can lead to legal penalties for the healthcare facility and serious public health risks.
What if? - If discarded formalin were poured into a Red bag, it could react with plastics or leak, exposing waste handlers to toxic fumes and causing chemical burns. The Red bag waste is intended for recycling, and chemical contamination would render the entire batch unusable and hazardous.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: "discarded disinfectants" and "discarded formalin."
Recognize that these are types of chemical waste.
Recall the standard color-coding system for Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM).
Mentally associate each color with its primary waste type: Yellow (anatomical, chemical, soiled), Red (recyclable plastics), Blue (glass), White (sharps), and Black (general).
Since disinfectants and formalin are chemicals, match them to the Yellow category.
Confirm this by eliminating the other options based on their designated waste types.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) p. 109-111

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Practise the full DSSSB October 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.