What should be done with contaminated items before disposal?

Contaminated items must be cleaned and disinfected before disposal to minimize the risk of infection and ensure safety. Cleaning removes dirt and organic matter, while disinfection kills pathogens that could pose a risk to health. This step is crucial in handling materials that may harbor bloodborne pathogens, as proper sanitization helps prevent the spread of infection.

When contaminated items are simply thrown away or stored without adequate treatment, they remain a potential hazard, increasing the likelihood of accidental exposure to pathogens. Labeling for recycling is inappropriate since contaminated items should not enter the recycling stream due to the health risks involved. Storing contaminated items without treatment does not address the risk they pose, and inadequate disposal methods, like throwing them in regular trash, can endanger both sanitation workers and the community at large.