What is the purpose of a sharps bin with an orange lid?

A sharps bin with an orange lid is specifically designed to contain sharps that do not pose an infection risk from medicinal products. This type of bin is used in a healthcare setting for the safe disposal of items such as needles, scalpel blades, and other sharp instruments that have not been in contact with potentially infectious materials.

The use of an orange lid indicates that it is intended for non-hazardous sharps, making it clear to healthcare workers that they can dispose of used medical equipment in a way that minimizes risk to themselves and others. Proper disposal helps prevent needle-stick injuries and the spread of infection, promoting overall safety in the healthcare environment.

In contrast, bins with different color lids serve other specific purposes. For instance, a sharps bin with a yellow lid would be used for items contaminated with medicinal products, and bins designated for cytotoxic waste have their own unique labeling requirements to indicate that they contain hazardous materials. These distinctions are crucial in ensuring that the waste is handled and disposed of according to the health and safety regulations.