Different Types of Medical Waste and How to Dispose Them

Generally defined by the EPA as any type of waste contaminated by blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), the different types of medical waste are separated into four categories—infectious, hazardous, radioactive, and general waste.

Learn more about the EPA's waste guidelines for the four medical waste categories, including what each type is, examples, and how they should be separated and treated before disposal.