"So, what do I do with my used needles and lancets?" Sharps disposal is one topic often not discussed in diabetes education. By following some easy steps, you can help prevent injury, disease and pollution in your community when disposing of your diabetic sharps.
Everything a diabetic sticks themselves with is a "sharp." Insulin syringes, needles, lancets, pen needles, etc. are disposable and should be discarded after a single use. Other blood contaminated home medical items like test strips, soiled bandages, cotton balls, tissues, alcohol pads, and medical gloves should also be disposed of safely.
Even if you were taught how to dispose of sharps, you may have been given general information that is not correct for your community.
Your physician or local pharmacy should be able to inform you of the best way to dispose of your sharps, but always contact your state or community waste disposal company and ask for their requirements. Most of the time you will get the following helpful information:
Bio Hazard Sharps Disposal Container - You may purchase a bio hazardous container specifically designed for the disposal of sharps from your local pharmacy. Dispose of these containers as recommended by your waste disposal company.
Hard Metal or Plastic Containers - Your waste disposal company may not need special bio hazard containers. Often a hard plastic or metal container with a tight-fitting screw-on lid will do just as well. The container has to be closable, stable, puncture resistant, upright, and leak proof. An empty laundry detergent bottle does the job. Pull or soak off the label and mark the bottle "Medical Waste - Sharps" on both sides with a thick permanent marker. When the container is full, tape the lid closed with heavy-duty tape and dispose of it as recommended.
Your Doctor or Hospital - Sometimes your local hospital or doctor's office will dispose of your sharps containers for you. Just drop them off at your regular appointments or make a special trip when your container is full.
Your County Health Department - Your county health department may sometimes give you free sharps containers and may dispose of them for you. If your county health department participates in this program, you can give them a full container and they send you home with a new one.
Medical Waste Disposal Companies - Medical Waste Disposal Companies incinerate tons of medical waste each week. They will be happy to dispose of your sharps, but they will charge you. They won't typically pick up sharps at a residence, so you'll probably have to drop off your containers.
Sharp Disposal by Mail - With Sharp Disposal by Mail you fill a container, then package and send it to a disposal company. The cost for this service usually includes the container, packaging, return postage fees, and disposal. http://www.sharpsdisposal.com
The Disintegrator - The newest option in sharps disposal is The Disintegrator, a home device that destroys insulin syringes, needles, and lancets by melting them into ashes. The Disintegrator is able to be purchased at diabetic and medical supply stores.
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