How to Dispose of Needles

Proper Sharps Disposal Resources & Guidelines: How to Dispose of Sharps

Estimates place home-administered injections in the United States at over 3 billion per year, indicating that millions of individuals managing health conditions at home need to know safe sharps disposal methods. Whether you’re using sharps to treat blood clotting disorders, diabetes, allergies, osteoarthritis, or something else, review this guide to learn how to dispose of needles safely.

Legal Considerations

While Federal agencies, including the FDA, provide guidelines for proper sharps disposal in the home, many states also have requirements that ensure the safety of individuals and their communities. The FDA also has specific recommendations for the types of containers you should use when considering how to dispose of sharps.

How to Dispose of Needles in CA & OR

In California and Oregon, sharps must be placed in containers and cannot be mixed with other recycled products. In California, sharps must be dropped off at state-mandated sites, whereas in Oregon, sharps may be dropped off at state-authorized sites. (Source: LAPPA, 2019)

How to Dispose of Sharps in WA, MN, IL, & MA

For Washington, Minnesota, Illinois, and Massachusetts, sharps containers cannot be disposed of with other trash or recycling in your home. Washington has state-authorized collection sites, Minnesota and Illinois offer educational programs about safe disposal, and Massachusetts requires drop-off at mandated sites only. (Source: LAPPA, 2019)

Sharps Disposal Guidelines for LA

In Louisiana, sharps must be placed in containers, but there are no mandated disposal sites and no government mail-in programs for disposal. (Source: LAPPA, 2019)

How to Dispose of Needles in NY & NJ

In both of these states, your sharps must be destroyed at state-mandated collection sites. You cannot throw sharps in the trash or recycling bin. They must be held in separate containers and dropped off at approved sites. (Source: LAPPA, 2019)

Most US States that do not mandate specific Sharps Disposal requirements offer a variety of educational programs, as well as state-authorized drop-off locations. Michigan and Florida, specifically, offer local collection programs.

Dangers of Unsafe Disposal

Disposing of sharps in approved containers ensures your safety, as well as the safety of others. With proper sharps disposal, you minimize the risk of sticking injuries to yourself and others, reduce the spread of disease, and protect the environment. Sharps disposal is especially important if there’s a risk of infection to others. Bloodborne diseases can be transferred through accidental needlestick injuries or exposure through other environmental factors, including water and food.

Sharps Container Recommendations

Since the FDA offers guidelines on how to dispose of needles in your home, you should follow all their recommendations to ensure your safety, along with the safety of anyone who lives with you. FDA medical sharps container guidelines include:

Containers should be made of thick, heavy-duty plastic
Containers should have a tight-fitting, puncture-proof lid
Containers should be stable and upright during use
Containers should be leak-resistant and puncture-resistant
Containers should be properly labeled as sharps disposal

What Goes In A Sharps Container

Sharps disposal guidelines state that any needle, syringe, lancet, scalpel, infusion sets, and other objects that can puncture the skin must go into sharps containers. These containers are only for used or contaminated products. If you have any questions about what goes in sharps containers, we recommend you discuss your concerns with your doctor, veterinarian, or local hospital.

Simplest Disposal Methods

The easiest way to ensure safe sharps disposal is by placing any used product in a sharps container. When the container is full, drop it off at a sharps disposal site or follow your community’s sharps disposal guidelines.

Dos & Don’ts

If you want simple rules for how to dispose of needles, follow these quick sharps disposal guidelines:

DO

Use FDA-cleared sharps containers
Buy a needle clipper for safe removal
Talk to your doctor about where to buy FDA-cleared disposal containers
Immediately dispose of sharps in a container after use
Keep a portable disposal container with you for travel needs
Call your local public health department for how to dispose of needles locally. Search here for a disposal site nearest you.
Place disposal containers away from pets and children
Dispose of your sharps container once it is ¾ full

DON’T

Throw sharps away in the trash or recycling
Flush sharps or needles down the toilet
Break, remove, bend, or recap used needles
Remove a needle without using a clipper

There are many different types and sizes of sharps containers to fit your use case, environment or volume needs. If you have any questions about the best container for you or how to dispose of needles using Post Medical products, please reach out for personalized guidance and support.

Types of Sharps Disposal Programs

There are several ways to dispose of sharps containers once your sharps bin is full, including mail-back services, drop boxes, supervised collection sites, biohazard waste pick-up service, or some hazardous waste collection sites. To learn how to dispose of needles in your area, call the Coalition for Safe Community Needle Disposal.

Protect Yourself & Others

Now that you have some basic guidance on what goes into sharps containers and how to dispose of sharps, you can protect yourself, the environment, and your community from accidental sticks.

At Post Medical, we provide sharps disposal essentials to a variety of industries, as well as private individuals. If you’re searching for a decorative needle disposal box to keep medical accessories subtle in your home environment, our team can help supply you with premium products.

Call (866) 330-4845 or email us at sales@postmedical.com to learn how to dispose of sharps in a safe, compliant manner.