Final answer:
Items smaller than a golf ball in a medical office reception area are referred to as biohazardous waste or medical waste and are disposed of in specialized containers and treated according to strict regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Items smaller than a golf ball in a medical office reception area are referred to as biohazardous waste or medical waste. This includes items such as used needles, syringes, cotton swabs, and other materials that may be contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids. These items are disposed of in specialized containers and treated according to strict regulations to prevent the spread of infection.