"So, what should I do with my used needles and lancets?" Sharps disposal is one topic often not discussed in diabetes education. By following some simple steps, you can help prevent injury, illness 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 must be discarded after a single use. Other blood contaminated home medical supplies like test strips, soiled bandages, cotton balls, tissues, alcohol pads, and medical gloves must also be disposed of properly.
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 doctor or local pharmacy should be able to inform you of the most correct 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 buy a bio hazardous container especially 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 require special bio hazard containers. Many times a hard plastic or metal container with a tight-fitting screw-on lid will do just fine. The container should be closable, stable, puncture proof, upright, and leak proof. An empty laundry detergent bottle works great. Pull or soak off the label and mark the bottle "Medical Waste - Sharps" on all sides with a bold 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 get rid of your sharps containers for you. Just take them with you to 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 get rid of them for you. If your county health department is involved in this program, you just give them a full container and they send you home with an empty one.
Medical Waste Disposal Companies - Medical Waste Disposal Companies incinerate tons of medical waste every week. They will be happy to dispose of your sharps, but they will bill you. They won't usually 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 mail 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 concept in sharps disposal is The Disintegrator, a home device that destroys insulin syringes, needles, and lancets by melting them into ashes. The Disintegrator is available at diabetic and medical supply stores.
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