Which procedure should be followed when disposing of used absorbent towels from a chemotherapy spill?

When dealing with a chemotherapy spill, it is crucial to follow proper disposal procedures due to the hazardous nature of the materials involved. Used absorbent towels that come into contact with chemotherapy agents should be placed in a biohazard bag. This is because chemotherapy drugs are classified as hazardous waste, and their remnants can pose serious risks to health and the environment if not handled correctly.

Biohazard bags are specifically designed to contain and safely dispose of materials that are contaminated or potentially infectious. By using a biohazard bag, you ensure that the contaminated materials are easily identifiable and are handled according to safety regulations, preventing exposure to staff and waste handlers.

Using regular trash does not provide the necessary safeguards against contamination, soaking towels in water does not neutralize the hazardous properties of chemotherapy agents, and reusing them after cleaning could lead to residual contamination. Therefore, placing used absorbent towels in a biohazard bag is the correct and safe procedure for disposal in the context of a chemotherapy spill.