What form of waste should be treated differently due to its potential to transmit infectious diseases?

Infectious wastes are materials that have the potential to transmit infectious diseases and therefore require special handling and disposal procedures. This classification includes items that may be contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or infectious pathogens, such as used gloves, gauze, or extracted teeth.

Due to the risk they pose, infectious wastes must be segregated from other types of waste to prevent exposure to healthcare workers, patients, and the general public. They are typically disposed of through incineration or other methods that effectively kill pathogens, unlike regular or recyclable waste, which do not have such stringent requirements. The proper management of infectious waste is critical in infection control practices, especially in settings like dental offices where the risk of exposure is heightened.

In contrast, other types of waste, such as regular, recyclable, or general solid waste, do not carry the same level of risk for disease transmission and can be handled with standard disposal methods. This distinction underscores the importance of categorizing waste appropriately to ensure effective infection control in healthcare settings.