Dos and Don’ts of Proper Sharps Disposal
- DO immediately place used needles and other sharps in a sharps disposal container to reduce the risk of needle sticks, cuts or punctures from loose sharps.
- DO use an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, if possible. If an FDA-cleared container is not available, some organizations and community guidelines recommend using a heavy-duty plastic household container as an alternative.
- DO make sure that if a household container is used, it has the basic features of a good disposal container.
- DO carry a portable sharps disposal container for travel.
- DO follow your community guidelines for getting rid of your sharps disposal container.
- DO call your local trash or public health department (listed in the county and city government section of your phone book) to find out about sharps disposal programs in your area.
- DO ask your health care provider, veterinarian, local hospital or pharmacist
- where and how to get an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container,
- if they can dispose of your used needles and other sharps, or
- if they know of sharps disposal programs near you.
- DO keep all sharps and sharps disposal containers out of reach of children and pets.
- DO seal sharps disposal containers when disposing of them, label them properly and check your community guidelines on how to properly dispose of them.
- DO ask your medical or prescription insurer whether they cover sharps disposal containers.
- DO ask the manufacturer of your drug products that are used with a needle or other sharps if they provide a sharps disposal container to patients at no charge.
- DO report a problem associated with sharps and disposal containers.
- DON’T throw loose needles and other sharps into the trash.
- DON’T flush needles and other sharps down the toilet.
- DON’T put needles and other sharps in your recycling bin — they are not recyclable.
- DON’T try to remove, bend, break, or recap needles used by another person. This can lead to accidental needle sticks, which may cause serious infections.
- DON’T attempt to remove the needle without a needle clipper because the needle could fall, fly off, or get lost and injure someone.