Proper disposal of medical waste is essential to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, protect healthcare workers, and comply with environmental laws. One of the key tools in this effort is the medical waste bin — specialized containers designed for sorting and safely storing different categories of healthcare waste.

In this guide, Kejani Cleaning Services Limited provides an in-depth look at the types of medical waste bins, their color codes, usage, and recommended practices for hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other healthcare settings across Kenya.

Why Specialized Medical Waste Bins Are Important

Healthcare facilities generate a wide variety of waste, including infectious, sharps, pharmaceutical, anatomical, and general non-hazardous waste. Using ordinary bins poses serious risks such as:

• Disease transmission (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B/C)

• Needle-stick injuries

• Environmental pollution

• Non-compliance with NEMA & OSHA regulations

Color-coded medical waste bins help manage these risks by ensuring each type of waste is handled appropriately.

Categories of Medical Waste & Their Bins

1. 🟥 Red Medical Waste Bins – Infectious Waste

Used For:

• Soiled dressings

• Contaminated gloves

• Swabs and cotton

• PPE from infectious zones

Material:
Sturdy plastic or metal pedal bins, ideally foot-operated to reduce hand contact.

Liner: Red biohazard bag

Location:
Isolation wards, outpatient departments, emergency rooms

2. 🟨 Yellow Medical Waste Bins – Pathological & Sharps Waste

Used For:

• Human/animal tissue

• Body parts

• Syringes, needles (if not in sharps containers)

Often Combined With:
Sharps containers made of puncture-proof plastic with yellow lids.

Liner: Yellow bag

Location:
Operating theatres, pathology labs, ICUs

3. 🟦 Blue Medical Waste Bins – Non-Infectious Recyclables

Used For:

• Medicine blister packs

• IV fluid bottles (if non-infectious)

• Empty clean glass vials

Liner: Blue bag

Location:
Pharmacies, nursing stations, wards

4. 🟩 Green Medical Waste Bins – Organic/Biodegradable Waste

Used For:

• Food waste from patients

• Fruit and vegetable peels

• Garden trimmings in hospital grounds

Liner: Green biodegradable bag

Location:
Hospital kitchens, canteens, outdoor areas

5. ⬛ Black Medical Waste Bins – General Non-Hazardous Waste

Used For:

• Office paper

• Packaging

• Beverage bottles

• Tissues (if not contaminated)

Liner: Black bag

Location:
Administrative offices, waiting areas, stores

6. 🟪 Purple Medical Waste Bins – Cytotoxic & Pharmaceutical Waste

Used For:

• Chemotherapy drugs

• Cytotoxic sharps

• Expired medicines

Material:
Leak-proof, chemical-resistant bins with clear “Cytotoxic” labeling

Liner: Purple bag

Location:
Oncology departments, pharmacy stores, disposal rooms

7. ⚪ White Translucent Containers – Sharps Waste

Used For:

• Needles

• Blades

• Lancets

• Broken glass

Material:
Puncture-resistant hard plastic with secure lids

Often Used Alongside:
Yellow bin liners for proper classification after disposal

8. 🟫 Brown Medical Waste Bins – Chemical & Laboratory Waste

Used For:

• Laboratory reagents

• Chemical solutions

• Used lab containers

Liner: Brown chemical-resistant bag

Location:
Medical laboratories, diagnostic centers

Bin Operation Mechanisms

Medical waste bins may come with different opening and closing systems depending on hygiene needs:

• Pedal Bins: Hands-free, most hygienic

• Swing-Top Bins: Less common in clinical settings due to hand contact

• Screw-Lid Bins: Used for sharps and pharmaceutical waste

• Wheelie Medical Bins: For transporting bulk waste internally or to incineration areas

Sizes of Medical Waste Bins

At Kejani Cleaning Services, we stock all standard medical waste bin sizes for Kenyan hospitals and clinics.

Benefits of Proper Medical Waste Bins

✅ Reduces Cross-Contamination
✅ Protects Healthcare Workers & Waste Handlers
✅ Enables Efficient Waste Management
✅ Complies With KEBS, NEMA, OSHA Regulations
✅ Supports Safe Incineration or Recycling

Where to Buy Medical Waste Bins in Kenya

Kejani Cleaning Services Limited offers a wide range of medical waste bins, including:

• Color-coded pedal bins

• Wheelie bins with biohazard markings

• Sharps containers (1L – 10L)

• Pharmaceutical waste disposal bins

🔗 Browse Medical Waste Bin Collection 

Best Practices for Medical Waste Bin Use

• Use Liners That Match Bin Colors

• Never Overfill Bins (Fill up to 3/4 Only)

• Label Bins Clearly

• Train Staff on Waste Segregation

• Disinfect Bins Regularly

• Store in Well-Ventilated Areas

Final Thoughts

With rising concerns about hospital-acquired infections and environmental pollution, color-coded medical waste bins are more important than ever. Whether you’re managing a large hospital, a small clinic, or a dental practice, the right waste bins can make all the difference.

Trust Kejani Cleaning Services Limited to supply compliant, durable, and affordable medical waste bins across Kenya — from Nairobi to Kisumu, Mombasa, and beyond.