Which waste is indicated by a purple-lidded bin?

• A. Cytotoxic waste
• B. Offensive waste
• C. Clinical waste
• D. Pharmaceutical waste

Answer: (A)

In healthcare waste management, certain containers are color-coded to keep hazardous materials separate from regular waste. A purple-lidded bin is specifically used for cytotoxic waste, which includes anything contaminated with chemotherapy drugs or other cytotoxic/cytostatic agents. These substances can damage or kill cells, so they require strict containment and disposal through licensed hazardous waste channels, usually via specialized incineration or treatment. Items like used drug vials, gloves, syringes, and absorbent materials that have been exposed to cytotoxic drugs would go into this bin. Other waste streams have different designated containers and handling requirements, so they wouldn’t be placed in a purple-lidded bin.