The Do’s and Don’ts of Sharps Container Disposal

Did you know that a single mishandled needle can transmit life-threatening viruses? Every year, thousands of preventable injuries occur due to improper handling of medical sharps. In busy hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, needlestick injuries are an occupational hazard. Even with strict sharps handling policies in place, mistakes still happen. However, being aware of safety measures can minimize the risk of these accidents occurring. In this article, we’ll explain what a sharps container is and cover the do’s and don’ts of proper disposal to help keep your facility safe and compliant.

What Is a Sharps Container?

Sharps containers are specialized disposal units made of sturdy, puncture-resistant material with tight lids. Sharps containers are used for safely collecting and storing used needles, scalpels, and other sharp objects until they can be properly disposed of. These containers prevent accidental injuries and are designed to allow sharp objects to be dropped in so that you don’t need to reach inside. They come in various sizes and may be either disposable (thrown away with contents) or reusable (professionally emptied and sterilized).

What Goes in a Sharps Container?

Healthcare facilities are required to safely dispose of used sharps, which are contaminated objects that can puncture the skin and transmit diseases. Any items fitting this description must be placed in a sharps container to await disposal. Some examples of sharps include:

• Needles: Hollow needles are used for injecting drugs or taking blood. They contain bodily fluids after use and represent a serious safety risk.
• Scalpels: Scalpels are surgical blades used in a variety of medical procedures. Their sharp edges can cause deep cuts if they’re not disposed of properly in puncture-resistant containers.
• Broken glass: Broken glassware from medical facilities can contain hazardous substances and must be handled with care.
• Dental wires: Sharp metal dental wires with pointed ends can puncture waste bags and injure handlers. They often come into contact with saliva and blood, which can transmit diseases.

What Doesn’t Go in a Sharps Container?

Contaminated medical items that can’t puncture the skin don’t belong in sharps containers. The following items should not be placed in sharps containers:

• Used or expired medication: Drugs used in chemotherapy and other forms of medical treatment require special handling and separate storage from used sharps.
• Contaminated PPE: Gloves, gowns, and face masks that may be contaminated with bodily fluids or harmful chemical residues need to be disposed of according to a separate set of safety measures.
• Pathological waste: Waste derived from human or animal bodies, such as organs, blood, and urine, should be placed in a pathological waste container.
• Hazardous chemicals: Laboratory chemicals like formalin and alcohol solutions need proper disposal based on their chemical properties.

Disposable vs. Reusable Sharps Containers

Disposable sharps containers are for one-time use and are best for households, small clinics, and facilities that generate minimal sharps waste. After being filled, these containers can be disposed of safely in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Reusable sharps containers, on the other hand, can be emptied, sterilized, and reused. They are a more eco-friendly option and are more cost-effective for hospitals and other large healthcare facilities that generate high volumes of sharps waste.

How to Dispose of a Sharps Container

The FDA recommends a simple two-step process for safe disposal of sharps and sharps containers:

Step 1: Place sharps in a sharps container immediately after use

Place needles and other sharps in a sharps container right after use. This will prevent accidental pricks and cuts that can spread disease. If you have a sharps container in your home, make sure that it’s out of your children’s and pets’ reach.

Step 2: Find a suitable collection option for your sharps container

When your container is three-quarters full, dispose of it according to community guidelines. Contact your local health department to determine which of the following collection options are available in your area:

• Drop Box or Supervised Collection Sites: Many communities have designated drop-off locations at health departments, pharmacies, hospitals, and even fire stations. Drop boxes and supervised collection sites provide a safe way to dispose of sharps containers and may provide free collection or charge a small fee, depending on your location.
• Mail-Back Programs: If you live far from drop-off locations, you may be able to mail your sharps containers to a disposal facility. Mail-back programs provide special packaging and instructions and normally calculate fees according to the size of containers being mailed.
• Pickup Services: Waste disposal companies offer pickup for sharps containers. Their services are paid and scheduled as needed, usually by medium- and large-volume generators.

Tips for Safe Disposal of Sharps and Sharps Containers

There are a number of precautions that you should take to ensure that sharps and sharps containers are disposed of safely and in compliance with the law. To prevent injury and disease transmission:

Use FDA-cleared sharps containers

Always use puncture-resistant containers with tight-fitting lids that are specifically made for medical sharps. If an FDA-cleared container is not available, a laundry detergent bottle can be used as a substitute. Pharmacies and medical supply companies usually carry FDA-cleared sharps containers.

Keep sharps containers upright and stable

Place your sharps containers on a flat, stable surface to prevent tipping. A tipped container can spill its harmful contents, which increases the chances of injury. Periodically check on the containers to make sure they haven’t tipped.

Keep sharps containers out of reach of children and pets

If you produce sharps at home, put your sharps containers in a safe place-like a high shelf or a locked cabinet-to keep them out of reach of children and pets. This will prevent accidental needlestick injuries.

Check local sharps disposal regulations

Regulations surrounding sharps disposal can vary from one state to the next. Call your state health department to find out about disposal guidelines in your community.

Use a needle clipper

Consider using a needle clipper for insulin syringes and other medical sharps. These devices cut and store needle tips safely, making disposal easier and decreasing the risk of injury.

Contact a sharps disposal service

For ongoing sharps disposal needs, professional disposal services offer an easy solution. They collect, transport, and dispose of sharps containers and their contents in accordance with federal and state safety standards.

What Not to Do When Disposing of Sharps and Sharps Containers

To avoid injuries and possible infection, do not:

Throw sharps containers in the trash

Never put loose needles or sharps containers in regular trash bags. This poses a serious safety risk to waste collection workers.

Flush sharps down the toilet

Sharps should never be flushed down toilets or drains. They will cause clogging and may injure the maintenance workers needed to clear the pipes.

Put sharps containers in the recycling

Never put sharps containers in the recycling bin. Most recycling facilities rely on hand sorting, and an unexpected needle could lead to severe injuries and disease transmission.

Use unsafe sharps containers

Thin plastic bottles, glass jars, and cans aren’t designed for sharps disposal. They can be punctured or break easily, increasing the risk of needlestick injuries.

Overfill your sharps containers

You should stop adding sharps to your sharps container when it’s three-quarters full. An overfilled container may not close properly and can result in spills and injuries.

Contact SWI for Safe Sharps Disposal

At Specific Waste Industries (SWI), we provide reliable sharps disposal services for facilities of any size. We offer customizable pickup schedules and OSHA training for our clients, ensuring both convenience and safety. For small-volume sharps generators, we run a mail-back program that includes all the supplies required for safe collection, storage, and shipment of sharps waste.

Our licensed staff comply with all EPA, DOT, and OSHA regulations and follow a streamlined process to ensure efficient service. To optimize your facility’s waste management system, contact us today.