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
Size (Litres) | Use Case |
---|---|
10 – 20L | Patient rooms, consulting rooms |
30 – 50L | Treatment rooms, labs, minor procedure areas |
120 – 240L | Central waste collection points, incinerator areas |
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.
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