Which action demonstrates correct disposal of waste and no contamination?

• A. Place in designated waste containers; contaminate the environment; then wash hands.
• B. Place in designated waste containers; contaminate the environment; skip hand hygiene.
• C. Place in designated waste containers; do not contaminate the environment; perform hand hygiene afterward.
• D. Leave waste in the room for later disposal.

Answer: (C)

Disposal of waste must be done safely to prevent spreading germs. The correct approach is to immediately place waste into the designated waste container for that type of waste, making sure the container is appropriate and properly closed so nothing spills or escapes into the environment. After the waste is secured, you perform hand hygiene. This sequence protects everyone by keeping the environment clean and reducing the chance of transferring organisms to surfaces, other residents, or equipment. Skipping hand hygiene or leaving waste in the room breaks infection-control rules and increases contamination risk, which is why those options are not correct.