Secure Waste wants to share some expert tips and tricks for safer sharps needle container management. Improper disposal of sharp and sharp needles poses a serious threat not only to patients and healthcare professionals but also to the environment, biomedical waste technicians, and members of the waste disposal community. To help reduce this risk and ensure the safety of your staff and others, here are some tips for properly disposing of sharps containers.
Always use an OSHA DOT-approved sharps disposal container whenever possible. Most biomedical waste companies can provide these containers for your healthcare practice. Suppose you are not currently using a professional medical waste management company and cannot access proper containers. In that case, you can use a heavy-duty plastic household container as an alternative, such as a liquid laundry detergent bottle.
Do not use an alternative container without clearly labeling its contents on the side.
Always ensure that sharp needles are sealed in their proper disposal containers and labeled correctly and that you check state guidelines or consult your biomedical disposal company on proper disposal methods.
Do not place your sharps containers, sharps needle boxes, or other sharps in the recycling bin. They are not recyclable and could accidentally cut or prick someone.
Always ensure compliance with EPA, DOT, and OSHA regulations regarding medical sharps and the guidelines established by state and local agencies.
Do not dispose of needles or other sharp items in the garbage disposal or toilet.
Always be sure to promptly place used needles and other sharp items in an approved disposal container. This important step significantly lowers the chances of needle sticks, punctures, and cuts from loose sharps. Let’s stay safe together!
Do not throw loose needles, uncapped syringes, or other sharps into the street, environment, or even the regular trash.
Always if you use sharps at home, such as needles for diabetes management, it’s important to contact your local public health department and trash collectors to learn about sharps disposal programs available in your city or county. Additionally, consider asking your healthcare provider where you can obtain an approved disposal container. They may also offer assistance in disposing of your needles and other sharps safely at no charge to you.
Do avoid bending, breaking, removing, or recapping needles that have been used by someone else. Doing so can result in needle sticks, which expose you to bloodborne pathogens. Additionally, do not try to remove a needle without using an appropriate needle disposal tool, as the needle could break off and cause injury to someone else.
Always keep all sharp needles and sharps disposal containers out of the reach of children and pets. Report any problems associated with sharps or their containers and always report any needle sticks to the authorities.
Do you need assistance with biomedical waste disposal or the management of medical sharps and needle waste? Secure Waste, a local company, offers comprehensive waste management services, including the removal, transportation, and disposal of regulated biomedical waste and sharps needle waste. Additionally, we provide a variety of sharps containers for sale. Contact our staff today for more information!
