What type of waste is indicated by the biohazard symbol?

The biohazard symbol is a graphical representation indicating the presence of biological agents that pose a risk to human health or the environment. This symbol is prominently used to label infectious waste, which consists of materials that may contain pathogens, such as blood-soaked bandages, cultures from microbiology laboratories, and other items that may harbor infectious microorganisms.

Infectious waste needs to be handled with special care to prevent the spread of disease, and its proper disposal is crucial in healthcare settings. Using the biohazard symbol helps ensure that staff and waste handlers are aware of the potential risks associated with these materials, promoting safe handling and disposal practices.

The other types of waste listed have distinct classifications and do not typically carry the biohazard symbol. Non-hazardous waste is considered safe and does not pose health risks, recyclable waste is intended for materials that can be repurposed, and cytotoxic waste specifically refers to hazardous materials that can be harmful because they are toxic to living cells, usually but not exclusively associated with chemotherapy medications.