What are syringes, blood-soaked bandages, and needles classified as?

Syringes, blood-soaked bandages, and needles are classified as medical waste because they are items generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of humans or animals that may potentially pose a risk to public health or the environment if not managed correctly. Medical waste encompasses a broad category of materials that include sharps (like syringes and needles), pathological waste, and other types that have come into contact with body fluids, thereby requiring specific handling, treatment, and disposal methods to prevent contamination and infection.

Understanding this classification is essential, particularly in healthcare settings, where proper disposal protocols must be in place to minimize risks associated with exposure to infectious agents and to protect both healthcare providers and the community.