Sanitary Waste

What is Sanitary Waste?

Sanitary waste includes used personal hygiene products that may contain bodily fluids. These items are non-recyclable and need special care to prevent contamination and health risks.

Common Examples

• Sanitary napkins, pads & tampons
• Baby diapers & adult diapers
• Condoms & intimate hygiene products
• Bandages, gauze & cotton with blood
• Medical gloves & masks (household use)
• Wet wipes & tissues with fluids

Why Segregate It?

• Prevents spread of infections and diseases
• Avoids contaminating recyclable dry waste
• Reduces environmental pollution from plastics
• Ensures safe disposal through proper incineration or treatment

Health Risks of Improper Handling

• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis B, C, or HIV from contaminated items
• Respiratory infections from mishandled masks or tissues carrying viruses
• Skin irritations or bacterial infections (e.g., E. coli, Salmonella) for waste handlers
• Groundwater contamination leading to community health issues if landfilled untreated
• Increased risk of vector-borne diseases if mixed waste attracts pests

How to Handle Sanitary Waste

• Wrap each item securely in newspaper or a black bag
• Never flush — it clogs drains and harms waterways
• Use a separate sealed sanitary bin
• Hand over only to designated collectors
• Never mix with wet or dry waste