Ways You Could Effectively Dispose of Medical Waste at Home
12/15/2022
The methods of disposing of medical waste at home will depend on the type of waste. We will discuss methods you can dispose of sharp wastes, unused medicines, and other contaminated objects including clothes.
Disposing of Sharps and Needles
Before disposing of needles, it can be helpful to clip off their tips. You will then have to put the needles and other sharp wastes in a separate hard container and label them. The container should also have a well-fitting lid. Then, take the waste to a biohazard disposal site.
You may also use mail-back programs to help you in disposing of sharp waste. Regardless of the option you choose, always make sure to label these sharp wastes.
Disposing of Unused Medications
For expired drugs, you can wrap them and take them to a disposal site or flush them. If you are taking the waste to a collection area, remember to get rid of any writings showings prescriptions or personal information.
If you are considering disposing of medications via the toilet, remember that not all medications can be flushed. Check the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website for a list of drugs that you can safely flush.
Disposing of Clothe Items
This type of medical waste includes the following
• Dressings
• Clothes contaminated with blood
• Gloves
• Bandages
These wastes do not need as much care as the sharps. With this type of waste, you only need to disinfect them using bleach and put them in a plastic bag. These can then be disposed of together with other household wastes.
In all these waste disposal methods, it is your responsibility to ensure safety for yourself and those around you.
Disposing of Sharps and Needles
Before disposing of needles, it can be helpful to clip off their tips. You will then have to put the needles and other sharp wastes in a separate hard container and label them. The container should also have a well-fitting lid. Then, take the waste to a biohazard disposal site.
You may also use mail-back programs to help you in disposing of sharp waste. Regardless of the option you choose, always make sure to label these sharp wastes.
Disposing of Unused Medications
For expired drugs, you can wrap them and take them to a disposal site or flush them. If you are taking the waste to a collection area, remember to get rid of any writings showings prescriptions or personal information.
If you are considering disposing of medications via the toilet, remember that not all medications can be flushed. Check the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website for a list of drugs that you can safely flush.
Disposing of Clothe Items
This type of medical waste includes the following
• Dressings
• Clothes contaminated with blood
• Gloves
• Bandages
These wastes do not need as much care as the sharps. With this type of waste, you only need to disinfect them using bleach and put them in a plastic bag. These can then be disposed of together with other household wastes.
In all these waste disposal methods, it is your responsibility to ensure safety for yourself and those around you.