What must highly infectious waste be disinfected at?

Highly infectious waste must be disinfected at the source to effectively control the potential risks associated with such waste. This practice ensures that harmful pathogens are neutralized before the waste is moved to subsequent handling stages. By implementing disinfection at the source, healthcare facilities can limit the spread of infections, protect sanitation workers, and minimize environmental contamination. Disinfecting at the source aligns with best practices in health care waste management, which emphasize safety and the importance of handling potentially hazardous materials with the utmost care right from their point of origin. In contrast, the other options do not focus on immediate processing at the location where the waste is generated, potentially increasing the risk of exposure during transportation and handling.