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Waste Bags Colour Guide
Yellow Bags
Typical Use: Infectious clinical waste
Yellow bags are generally used for waste that is considered infectious and requires specialist treatment or disposal.
Examples may include:
Infectious healthcare waste
Contaminated dressings and swabs
Items requiring specialist treatment
Yellow with Black Stripes (Tiger Bags)
Typical Use: Offensive (non-infectious) waste
Tiger stripe bags are used for waste that is non-infectious but may be unpleasant or offensive in nature. These bags support clear segregation from infectious clinical waste.
Examples may include:
Hygiene waste
Sanitary waste
Non-infectious healthcare waste
Orange Bags
Typical Use: Infectious waste suitable for alternative treatment
Orange bags are commonly used for infectious waste that can be treated via approved alternative processes rather than incineration.
Examples may include:
Infectious waste suitable for treatment
Healthcare waste requiring controlled processing
Red Bags
Typical Use: Anatomical waste
Red bags are typically used for anatomical waste requiring specialist handling and disposal.
Examples may include:
Anatomical remains
Tissue waste (where applicable)
Blue Bags
Typical Use: Pharmaceutical waste
Blue bags are generally used for non-cytotoxic, non-cytostatic pharmaceutical waste.
Examples may include:
Expired or unused medicines
Pharmaceutical packaging (subject to local guidance)
Purple Bags
Typical Use: Cytotoxic and cytostatic waste
Purple bags are reserved for waste that is cytotoxic or cytostatic and requires specialist handling and disposal.
Examples may include:
Chemotherapy-related waste
Cytotoxic pharmaceutical products
Black or Clear Bags
Typical Use: General non-clinical waste
Black or clear bags are used for waste that does not pose a clinical or infectious risk.
Examples may include:
General office waste
Non-contaminated packaging
This guide provides an overview of commonly used clinical waste colour coding to support correct waste segregation in healthcare, care, and hygiene environments. Colour coding helps ensure waste is handled, stored, and disposed of appropriately.
Important Note: Waste classification and disposal requirements may vary by country, region, and waste contractor. Customers are responsible for confirming the correct waste stream in accordance with local regulations and guidelines.
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