“Sharps” is the name used to describe any kind of device with a sharp point or edge that could prick or cut your skin. This can include needles, syringes, infusion sets, lancets etc. If you use any of these devices, there is a proper way to get rid of them.
Proper disposal of sharps is necessary to ensure your safety and others’ as well as prevent injuries or infections in your home. Whether you are controlling a chronic condition, administering medication to yourself or family, or performing routine health checks, understanding how to handle and dispose of sharps correctly is important.
Here’s a guide to help you dispose of sharps safely and responsibly at home.
1. Use a Proper Sharps Container
Invest in a proper sharps container. You can buy one from a pharmacy, home health provider or elsewhere where available.
It should be heavy plastic or metal with a puncture-proof, tight-fitting lid to prevent accidental spills or needle sticks. Look for containers that are clearly labeled with a biohazard symbol and follow any specific guidelines provided by your healthcare provider.
If needed, a heavy plastic jug with a screw top, such as a laundry detergent bottle, can be used. Write “Do Not Recycle” and “Sharps” on the container with a permanent marker. Do not use clear or plastic containers, coffee cans, milk jugs, aluminum cans or soda cans.
Place the container near where you use medical sharps, so you don’t need to carry used sharps across your home for disposal.
2. Do Not Reuse or Overfill the Sharps Container
Never reuse sharps containers. Once they are three-quarters full, it’s time to dispose of them. Overfilling can increase the risk of needle sticks and injuries. Ensure that the lid is closed and locked securely before disposal.
Protecting yourself, family, and friends who visit and your home are very important. Never would you want a sharps accident at your home.
3. Find a Disposal Method
When you sharps container is three quarters full, it’s ready to be disposed of. Sharps disposal guidelines and programs vary depending on where you live. Check with your local trash removal services or health department to see which of the following disposal methods are available in your area:
a. Drop-Off Collection Sites
Many communities provide designated drop-off locations for used sharps. These can include:
- Hospitals and Clinics: Some healthcare facilities offer public sharps disposal services.
- Pharmacies: Certain pharmacies accept used sharps containers for safe disposal.
- Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Sites: Contact your local waste management department to find out if they accept medical waste.
b. Mail-Back Programs
Mail-back programs are a convenient option, especially if you don’t have easy access to drop-off locations. These programs provide special pre-paid mail-back containers. Fees vary, depending on the size of the container.
Follow the container manufacturer’s instructions because mail-back programs may have specific requirements on how to label sharps disposal containers. Once your sharps container is full, seal it securely and send it to the designated disposal facility.
c. At-Home Pick-Up Services
Some medical waste disposal companies offer at-home pick-up services for sharps containers. These services may be fee-based and many have special requirements for the types of containers they will collect. Some companies may require customers to call and request pick-ups, while others offer regular pick-up schedules.
At home pick-up services are useful for individuals with limited mobility or those managing conditions that require frequent use of sharps.
4. Prepare Sharps Containers for Disposal
Before disposing of your sharps container, follow these steps to ensure it is ready for safe disposal:
- Seal the Container: Ensure the lid is securely closed and locked.
- Labeling: Follow any specific labeling instructions provided by your disposal program or local regulations.
- Check Local Regulations: Disposal guidelines can vary. Contact your local health department or waste management authority to understand the requirements in your area.
5. Safety Tips for Sharps Disposal at Home
Follow these tips to avoid any needle stick injury, cuts, punctures or other accidents at your home.
- Do Not Throw Sharps in the Trash: Disposing of sharps in household trash poses serious health risks to sanitation workers and the public.
- Do Not Flush Sharps Down the Toilet: This can cause plumbing problems and environmental contamination.
- Keep Out of Reach of Children and Pets: Store sharps containers in a secure, inaccessible location to prevent accidental injuries.
6. Handling Accidental Needle Sticks
If you or someone else in your home experiences an accidental needle stick or cut follow these steps immediately:
- Wash the Area: Clean the puncture site with soap and water.
- Apply Antiseptic: Use an antiseptic to disinfect the area.
- Seek Medical Advice: Contact your healthcare provider for further instructions, especially if the needle was used by someone else.
7. Think About Your Environment
Improper disposal of sharps can negatively impact the environment. Ensure you are using environmentally responsible disposal methods to minimize your impact and prevent contamination. You are responsible to protect your community too.
Conclusion
Proper disposal of sharps at home is important for keeping you and your family safe and preventing injuries or infections. By following the tips offered above and adhering to local regulations, you can ensure that sharps are disposed of safely and in a responsible way, protecting your home and the environment.
Whether you choose drop-off sites, mail-back programs, or at-home pick-up services, always prioritize safety and compliance to protect yourself, your family, and your community. Prevention is better than cure!
How should sharps be disposed of?
Always put needles, lancets, infusion sets, syringes and other sharps in a sharps container. Never throw sharps in the trash or flush down the toilet.
How full should a sharps bin be before it is disposed of?
Sharps disposal containers should always be disposed of when they are three quarters full. By safely emptying the sharps bins before they are full, you will avoid spill overs and lower the risk of getting stuck or cut by needles when handling the sharps waste.
Who should empty a designated sharps container?
A person who has been trained by a professional biohazard removal service or has the credentials to do so. Once a sharps container is ready to be disposed of, it has to be removed from your home and then transported and disposed of by an expert.