The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than 3 billion needles and other sharps are used in homes across the United States every year. Yet after being used, many sharps end up in home or public trash cans, or flushed down toilets, instead of being disposed of properly. Here’s a list of the dos and don’ts of proper sharps disposal:
Do:
- Immediately place used sharps in a sharps disposal container to reduce the risk of needle-sticks, cuts or punctures from loose sharps.
- If a sharps disposal container is not available an alternative would be to use a heavy-duty plastic household container. The container should be leak-resistant, remain upright during use and have a tight fitting, puncture-resistant lid, such as a plastic laundry detergent container.
- Keep sharps and sharps disposal containers out of reach of children and pets.
- Call your local trash or public health department to find out about sharps disposal programs in your area.
- Follow your community guidelines for getting rid of your sharps disposal container.
Do Not:
- Throw loose sharps into the trash.
- Flush sharps down the toilet.
- Put sharps in a recycling bin (they are not recyclable).
- Try to remove, bend, break or recap sharps used by another person.
- Attempt to remove a needle without a needle clipper device.
By following these dos and don’ts you’ll lower the risk of needle stick injuries or infection with viruses such as Hepatitis B and C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Source: fda.gov
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I have a safe needle policy in my home due to diabetes and I can’t think of anything that may have been missed. This is a must read article for anyone who disposes of needles in their home. I’m going to share it with my group as well.