How to Properly Dispose of Syringes Used at Home
5/7/2020
Syringes and needles that were used in homes or other lodging places such as hotels or motels are not categorized as medical waste.
Nevertheless, proper disposal of these should be practiced. If you use a syringe or needle in your home, you can take these in an accredited facility that treats medical waste. You can search in your area for a facility like this.
If you find one, make sure to give them a call first. It is highly recommended that you follow the precautionary measures in disposing of used sharps. Therefore, you have to exercise extreme caution when you handle syringes and needles. Keep in mind also that these can’t be used again, so never put them in a recycling container.
Dos:
• Use a metal container or hard plastic with a tight and secured lid to put the used sharps. Label the box as well.
• Make sure that children or pets cannot easily access the container.
• Put a heavy-duty tape around the lid for reinforcement once the disposal bin is full.
• If a metal container or hard plastic is out of your budget, you can use a bleach or detergent bottle as a substitute sharps container. The makeshift box should not be transparent.
Don’ts:
• Never use containers made of thin or clear plastic such as soda bottles because needles can easily pierce through them.
• Don’t use containers made of glass since they are prone to breakage.
• No matter how small or thin the needle is, never throw it in the household waste bin.
Nevertheless, proper disposal of these should be practiced. If you use a syringe or needle in your home, you can take these in an accredited facility that treats medical waste. You can search in your area for a facility like this.
If you find one, make sure to give them a call first. It is highly recommended that you follow the precautionary measures in disposing of used sharps. Therefore, you have to exercise extreme caution when you handle syringes and needles. Keep in mind also that these can’t be used again, so never put them in a recycling container.
Dos:
• Use a metal container or hard plastic with a tight and secured lid to put the used sharps. Label the box as well.
• Make sure that children or pets cannot easily access the container.
• Put a heavy-duty tape around the lid for reinforcement once the disposal bin is full.
• If a metal container or hard plastic is out of your budget, you can use a bleach or detergent bottle as a substitute sharps container. The makeshift box should not be transparent.
Don’ts:
• Never use containers made of thin or clear plastic such as soda bottles because needles can easily pierce through them.
• Don’t use containers made of glass since they are prone to breakage.
• No matter how small or thin the needle is, never throw it in the household waste bin.