If you or your loved one needs to use needles to treat an illness, you know how important needle disposal is. Unsafe needle disposal can lead to infectious diseases. Hazardous medical waste includes needles, syringes, or any other medical instrument that might contain blood, bodily fluids, or other substances you don’t want in your community.
So, where are you supposed to dispose of needles? There are good resources you can use to safely dispose of needles.
We created this needle disposal guide to help you learn how to dispose of needles safely. Keep reading to learn more!
Drop Them off at a Needle Exchange
If you have needles that you need to dispose of, the best option is to take them to a needle exchange. You can find your local needle exchange by searching online or asking your healthcare provider.
Once you have located a needle exchange, call ahead to find out their hours and policies. Most needle exchanges require that you bring your container to transport the needles.
Throw Them Away in a Hard Container
If you find used needles in your community, it is important to dispose of them properly to protect yourself and others from injury. Never try to pick up a used needle with your bare hands.
Use tongs, pliers, or gloves to pick up the needle and place it in a hard container, such as a coffee can or plastic bottle. Once the container is full, seal it and dispose of it in your regular trash.
Bring Them to a Household Hazardous Waste Center
If you use syringes to inject the medication at home, you will need to know how to dispose of them safely. Needles can be a hazard to anyone who comes in contact with them, so it is important to follow proper procedures for disposing of them.
There are two main types of syringes: reusable and disposable. Reusable syringes can be sterilized and used again, while disposable syringes are meant to be used only once and then thrown away.
The best way to dispose of needles is to bring them to a household hazardous waste center. These centers are typically located at hospitals or pharmacies. You can also call your local waste management company to find out where the nearest household hazardous waste center is.
Put Them in the Trash
One of the pieces of needle disposal advice is: if you are going to put them in the trash, make sure to put them in a container that will prevent them from puncturing anything else in the trash.
A good option is a coffee can or a thick plastic bottle with a lid. Once the container is full, seal it up and put it in the trash.
Keep Needle Disposal Safe
If you have any used needles, it is important to follow the safe needle disposal guide to ensure the safety of yourself and others. There are a few options for needle disposal, but the best way to dispose of needles is to drop them off at a needle exchange or a medical facility.
If you cannot find a needle exchange or medical facility, you can place the needles in a hard container with a lid and label it as a biohazard.
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