Which waste is classified as biohazardous waste?

Biohazardous waste is defined as any material that poses a risk to human health or the environment due to its infectious nature. This includes substances like blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials. The presence of pathogens in these materials can lead to the transmission of diseases, making their proper disposal crucial in healthcare settings and laboratories.

In contrast, recyclable plastics and paper do not carry infectious substances and are instead managed through recycling programs to reduce environmental impact. Food waste and refuse, while they may decompose and attract pests, do not necessarily present the same risk level as biohazardous waste. Chemicals and cleaning agents, although potentially hazardous, are typically categorized under chemical waste rather than biohazardous. Thus, blood and body fluids distinctly stand out as biohazardous waste due to their potential to transmit diseases.