How to dispose of Sharps Containers

Did you know that improper disposal of discarded needles and other sharps can pose serious health risks to the public and waste workers? Discarded needles may expose waste workers to potential needle stick injuries and potential infection when containers break open inside garbage trucks or needles are mistakenly sent to recycling facilities. Janitors and housekeepers also risk injury if loose sharps poke through plastic garbage bags. Used needles can transmit serious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.

The Coalition for Safe Needle Disposal and the Environmental Protection Agency have identified several types of safe disposal programs for self injectors. Instead of placing sharps in the trash, self injectors and encouraged to use any of these alternative methods.

1. Drop Box of Supervised Collection Sites
Sharps users can take their own sharps continers filled with used needles to appropriate collection sites such as doctor's offices, hospitals, pharmicies, health departments, or fire stations. Services are free or have a nominal fee. Check with your pharmacist or other health care provider in your area.
2. Mail-back Programs
Sharps users place their used sharps in special containers and return the container by mail to a collection site for proper disposal. This service usually requires a fee. Fees vary, depending on the size of the container. We have the Kendall mail back program available and the fees are included in the price for the sharps. Call us toll free at 1 888 744 7347 for more information.
3. Syringe Exchange Programs
Sharps users can safely exchange used needles for new needles. Contact the North American Syringe Exchange Network at 253 272 4857 or online at www.nasen.org.
4. At-home Needle Destruction Devices
Several manufacturers offer products that allow you to destroy used needles at home. These devices sever, burn, or melt the needle, rendering it safe for disposal.

If you want more information I recommend that you call your local solid waste department or public health department in your area. Remember, it's important to protect yourself and protect others.