Most of us have been to a doctor’s office, a hospital, an emergency room, or an urgent care center. In that case, you’ve come across a sharps container. It’s hard to miss these unmistakable red bins adorned with hazard symbols. You might also have one in your own home, particularly if you’re responsible for managing a health condition like diabetes for yourself or for someone close to you.
While it may seem obvious that only sharp objects can go in a sharps container, there’s a bit more to it than that. Before we get into that, though, let’s briefly review what these containers are.
What Are Sharps Containers?
Sharps containers are specialized containers designed to safely store and safely dispose of medical items with sharp edges. Think of them as sturdy, protective homes for medical tools that could otherwise cause harm if not handled properly. These containers, often plastic, are made of strong, solid materials specifically engineered to prevent accidental pokes or cuts.
Sharps containers provide a secure and responsible way to manage used medical items that could pose a risk of accidental needle sticks and the transmission of infectious diseases if mishandled. They’re essential to healthcare waste management, ensuring the safety of medical professionals, sanitation workers, and our environment.
How Do I Get a Sharps Container?
Doctors and pharmacies don’t always prescribe or give patients sharps containers. Luckily, these can easily be purchased online or from medical supply stores.
You can also use an empty, solid plastic container with a screw-top lid, such as a laundry detergent bottle. The material must be strong enough to prevent any needles poking out. In that regard, never use milk cartons, soda bottles, aluminum cans, or plastic and paper bags.
What Items Can Go in Sharps Containers?
Sharps containers are meant for items used in medical procedures that have sharp points or edges. These include:
- Needles: After injections, blood draws, or other procedures.
- Syringes: Once they’ve been used to deliver medications or fluids.
- Lancets: Tiny tools used for fingerstick blood tests, especially in diabetes care.
- Auto-injectors: Devices that automatically deliver medication, like those for allergies and certain weight loss drugs.
- Infusion Sets: Tubes and needles used for IV therapy or fluid delivery.
- Scalpel Blades: Used scalpel blades from surgical procedures.
- Glass Slides: Broken or used glass slides from microscopic analysis.
- Broken Glass: Fragments from broken vials, ampules, or other glass-based medical tools.
- Other Sharp Medical Instruments: Any other medical instruments that have the potential to pierce the skin, like those used in acupuncture.
It’s important to note that used items like bandages, gloves, and regular medical waste should not be discarded in a Sharps container. It may be tempting to throw away everything all at once, but only sharp objects should be housed in sharps containers.
How to Use a Sharps Container
Using a sharps container is pretty straightforward.
- After Use: After using a sharp medical item, hold it by the non-sharp end and carefully place it into the sharps container.
- No Recapping: Don’t try to put the cap back on needles since you risk accidentally poking yourself. It’s safer to leave it as is.
- Filling and Sealing: Fill the container, but avoid overstuffing it. When it’s about three-quarters full, it’s time to seal it up. Suppose you’re using a sharps container from a medical supply store. In that case, it’s easy since the lid is designed to stay closed to prevent accidental opening.
How to Properly and Safely Dispose of Sharps Containers
Whether you’re using one at work, at home, or while traveling and staying at other accommodations, once your container reaches about 75% capacity, it’s time to say goodbye.
There are several ways to throw away your containers. If you’re unsure where to start, visit the Coalition for Safe Community Needle Disposal’s website, Safe Needle Disposal, which allows you to search state guidelines.
Safe disposal methods include:
- Correctly Placing in Regular Trash: Many states allow you to place your container in regular household trash. To be extra safe, duct tape the lid and always label your container “Home Medical Objects—DO NOT RECYCLE” so trash collectors know what they’re handling. Never place it in a recycling bin.
- Supervised Collection Sites and Drop Boxes: You may be able to drop off your containers at doctors’ offices, hospitals, pharmacies, medical waste facilities, health departments, and sometimes police and fire stations.
- Household Hazardous Waste Collection Sites: Check with services and sites that commonly accept hazardous materials, such as household cleaners, paints, and motor oils. They may also take sharps containers.
- Mail-Back Programs: You may also be able to mail certain FDA-cleared sharps disposal containers to a collection site. This service typically requires a fee.
Conclusion
In essence, sharps containers provide a secure and responsible way to manage used medical items that could pose a risk if mishandled. They’re essential to healthcare waste management, ensuring the safety of medical professionals and the environment.
Remember, the key here is safety. Sharps containers keep everyone, from doctors and nurses to individuals and waste handlers, safe from getting poked by medical tools intended for one-time use only.
