What type of items must be discarded in a covered waste container?

Used cloth or paper towels must be discarded in a covered waste container because they are considered potentially contaminated items. In a nail salon setting, these towels often come into contact with clients' skin, debris, or product residues, which can harbor bacteria or other pathogens. To maintain a safe and hygienic environment, it is essential to prevent any possible exposure to these contaminants. Discarding them in a covered waste container helps to minimize odor and the risk of cross-contamination, ensuring the overall cleanliness of the salon.

Clean towels, all salon tools, and unused supplies do not need to be discarded as they do not pose the same health risks. Clean towels are safe for reuse, salon tools are reusable after proper disinfection, and unused supplies remain safe to use. Thus, the focus on used cloth or paper towels highlights their importance in infection control protocols within the salon.