Final answer:
Disposal containers for hazardous drug waste should be labeled 'hazardous drug waste only' to ensure they are handled correctly and to avoid any potential health or environmental risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The disposal containers for hazardous drug waste must be clearly labeled with the warning 'hazardous drug waste only'. This labeling ensures that anyone who encounters the container is aware of the potential risks and that the waste is handled appropriately. Hazardous waste includes materials that can cause serious health risks or environmental damage if not properly managed. Hazardous drug waste, specifically, might exhibit properties like ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity, making safe disposal protocols critical to human and environmental health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlines specific guidelines for the handling, treatment, and disposal of such hazardous wastes to minimize any potential harm.
Containers with hazardous drug waste should not be confused with biohazard waste, which contains biological materials that may cause illness. Biohazard materials require different handling and sterilization procedures. Importantly, individuals should always wash their hands after disposing of hazardous materials and follow their teacher's instructions or their workplace safety guidelines for proper disposal methods.