Which one of the following options is the correct category of waste disposal for a used local anaesthetic cartridge?

The correct category for a used local anaesthetic cartridge is classified as infectious hazardous waste - sharps. This classification is due to the nature of the item, which qualifies it as a sharp object given that it is a sealed cartridge containing a needle or is capable of puncturing the skin.

When disposing of such items, it is crucial to adhere to safety protocols designed to prevent injuries from needle sticks and to minimize the risk of transmitting infections. Therefore, properly categorizing these cartridges as sharps ensures that they are handled, transported, and disposed of in a way that protects health care workers and the community from potential bloodborne pathogens.

While other waste categories exist, they do not adequately reflect the risks associated with used local anaesthetic cartridges. For instance, categorizing it as non-hazardous would not account for the potential biological risk, and labeling it as soft waste would not be appropriate, given its sharp components. This recognition is essential to maintain safety and compliance with regulations concerning medical waste management.