Household Needle & Syringe Disposal

When disposing of your used needles and syringes, you should follow these steps:

• Place sharps in puncture-resistant, hard plastic or metal containers that you can't see through. Use empty bleach or detergent bottles with screw-on caps or tightly sealed lids. Or an empty coffee can will do.
• Seal the container with its original lid and wrap with duct tape.
• Place with tightly sealed container in a paper bag and discard with your household trash - NOT in your recycling bin.
• Prior to disposal, it is recommended that you disinfect your sharps in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach in a 1/2 gallon of water.

Some "Sharp" ideas:

DO place used needles and syringes in a covered, opaque container.
DO seal the container before placing in the trash
DO reinforce lids with heavy duty tape.
DO label container DO NOT RECYCLE.
DO store container in areas that are child and animal proof.

DON'T toss sharps loose in the trash.
DON'T clip needles with scissors.
DON'T dispose of needles in the toilet.
DON'T place sharps in aluminum cans, glass or clear plastic containers.
DON'T indicate the contents of the container by labeling it.
DON'T place sealed containers in the recycling bin.

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