Some medicines are given by injection using a needle. For example, insulin, a medicine used to treat diabetes, is given as an injection. People with diabetes also need to check their blood sugar (glucose) and may use some type of sharp lancet (small needle) to stick their finger to test their blood sugar. These needles or “sharps” can be used at home, at work, and while traveling. But many people do not know how to get rid of their used needles and sharps.
Some people throw these sharps into their household trash. Needles and other sharps should never be thrown into the trash or flushed down the toilet, even if the needle retracts and is covered after use or is very small. And needles and other sharps should never be recycled! This is hazardous. If these sharps are not disposed of safely, someone could accidentally get stuck. When that happens, there is a risk of spreading serious infections, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Each state has different guidelines for disposing needles and sharps. SafeNeedleDisposal.org offers state-by-state, easy-to-understand information. The website has information on different types of sharps, sharps containers, and mail-back and community collection programs. It also has a variety of helpful pictures, a frequently asked question section, fact sheets, and other resource materials.
Here’s what you can do: If you or a family member take medicine or have a medical condition that requires the use of needles or other sharps, follow the recommendations listed below.
Figure 1. These are some examples of FDA-cleared sharps containers that are available for use.
Place used sharps immediately into a sharps disposal container.
Use a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared (approved) sharps container (Figure 1) or a heavy-duty plastic household container, such as a laundry detergent container (Figure 2). Make sure the sharps container is:
made of a heavy-duty plastic;
is puncture resistant;
is leak-proof;
has a tight-fitting, puncture-proof lid;
can stand upright and is stable during use; and
is clearly marked as containing sharps.
Bring a small portable sharps container with you while traveling.
Seal the container when it is about three-quarters full.
Dispose of the sharps container according to your community waste guidelines. Your local trash collection department or health department can provide you with information about the sharps disposal program in your area, or visit SafeNeedleDisposal.org for more information. Many communities have drop boxes, hazardous waste sites, or local pickup programs.
Keep all needles and other sharps and sharps containers out of sight and reach of children and pets.
If you accidentally get stuck with a used needle or sharp, wash the area with soap and water or with a skin disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol) right away. Then seek immediate medical attention.
Figure 2. This is an example of a laundry detergent container being used as a sharps container.
Here’s what NOT to do:
Do not recycle or reuse syringes, needles, and other sharps.
Never place loose needles and other sharps in household or public trash cans or recycling bins.
Never flush needles and other sharps down the toilet.
Never try to remove, bend, break, or recap needles, especially if used by another person.
You can also visit the FDA website to learn more about the safe disposal of sharps.
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