Proper Handling and Disposal of SHARPS
Environmental Health
Infectious diseases such as HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted by improperly discarding sharps (needles, syringes, and lancets). To keep our communities safe; it is important to properly dispose of your used sharps.
Problems SHARPS can cause:
- They clog sewers and lift stations.
- They end up at recycling centers.
- They puncture solid waste containers and place workers along collection routes, and at the landfill, at risk of injury and/or disease.
- They threaten public safety.
- They may be contaminated with hepatitis, HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and other serious or fatal diseases.
Directions for SHARP disposal:
- All SHARPS should be disposed of in rigid puncture-resistant containers such as liquid detergent bottles, bleach bottles, or sharps containers.
- Perform your routine blood tests and injections and place the used sharps in your containers. Do NOT snap off the needle. Do NOT recap the needle.
- Containers should be three-quarters full.
- All containers should have a lid which must be tightly sealed before it goes into residential garbage. Masking tape can be used to help secure the lid.
- Place container in residential garbage or dispose of it at the county's landfill.
Preventing needle sticks:
- Never throw SHARPS directly into the garbage.
- Never flush, bury, or burn SHARPS.
- Never use a container that is not rigid and puncture-resistant.
- Never use clear plastic or glass containers.
- Never mix sharps with recyclable items.
- Never leave sharps accessible to others.
For a list of local participating SHARPS disposal pharmacies and more information please click here.
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