0 Do You Know How to Properly Dispose of a Used Syringe?

Syringes are used at home for a number of medical reasons, but many people may not know the proper way to dispose of them. What should you do with a used syringe?

• Immediately place used sharps in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container to reduce the risk of needle-sticks, cuts or punctures from loose sharps.
• If an FDA-cleared container is not available, it is recommended using a heavy-duty plastic household container as an alternative. The container should be leak-resistant, remain upright during use and have a tight fitting, puncture-resistant lid, such as a plastic laundry detergent or bleach container.
• Keep sharps and sharps disposal containers out of reach of children & pets.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends that the sealed containers be clearly labeled with the word “Sharps” and then can be placed in the regular trash.

It is very important to follow these directions and make sure to never:

• Throw loose sharps into the trash.
• Flush sharps down the toilet. 
• Put sharps in a recycling bin; they are not recyclable.
• Try to remove, bend, break or recap sharps used by another person.
• Attempt to remove a needle without a needle clipper device.

Proper disposal not only makes it safer for the people you live with, but also the ones who remove your household waste.

Written by Sharon Majeres, a Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner who has worked in the Urgent Care Clinic at Denver Health for 35 years. Content compiled from the FDA & Colorado Department of Health & Environment websites (Feb, 2012).