Final answer:
Items used to clean minor cuts must be discarded in a waste container with a biohazard sign or a biohazard container and then sterilized, typically via autoclaving.
Step-by-step explanation:
Any item used to clean a minor cut should be discarded by placing the item in a designated waste container marked with a biohazard sign or in a biohazard container. This is essential because such materials might be contaminated with biological agents that could cause infection or disease. Contaminated waste such as this must then be sterilized, typically through methods like autoclaving, before it is safely included in the waste stream. In any setting, especially in a laboratory or medical environment, it's crucial to follow proper biosafety practices and procedures to prevent the spread of infectious agents. Instruments that come into contact with biohazards must be cleaned and then soaked in a strong basic solution as part of decontamination processes.