In color-coded disposal systems, red bags are used for which hazard?

• A. Infectious
• B. Sharps
• C. Radioactive
• D. Biohazard

Answer: (D)

Red bags indicate biohazardous waste, meaning materials contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious agents. This color cue helps ensure such items are handled and treated as regulated medical waste to prevent the spread of infection. Examples include used dressings saturated with blood, contaminated gloves, and other non-sharp materials that have been in contact with bodily fluids. Sharps have their own secure containment in rigid, puncture-resistant containers to prevent needle-stick injuries, so they aren’t placed in red bags. Radioactive waste follows a different color-coding system and disposal pathway, so it isn’t associated with red bags.