What color-coded waste container typically holds infectious materials?

The color-coded waste container that typically holds infectious materials is yellow. This designation is used in many healthcare settings to promote safe disposal and minimize the risk of infection transmission. Infectious waste includes items like used needles, contaminated gloves, and dressings that have come into contact with bodily fluids.

The yellow container is specifically designed to indicate that its contents pose a biological hazard, which necessitates special handling and treatment to prevent potential health risks. This clear color coding helps healthcare workers identify the appropriate waste disposal procedures and maintain safety protocols in clinical environments.

In contrast, other colors have different uses: green often indicates recyclable materials or non-hazardous waste, red might be used for specific medical waste like anatomical parts or may be used for sharps containers, and black is generally used for regular waste that does not present a biohazard risk. Thus, the use of yellow for infectious waste emphasizes the importance of careful waste management in healthcare settings.