- DO immediately place used needles and other sharps in a sharps disposal container to reduce the risk of needle sticks, cuts, or punctures from loose sharps.
- DO use an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, if possible. If an FDA-cleared container is not available, some organizations and community guidelines recommend using a heavy-duty plastic household container as an alternative.
- DO make sure that if a household container is used, it has the basic features of a good disposal container.
- DO carry a portable sharps disposal container for travel.
- DO follow your community guidelines for getting rid of your sharps disposal container.
- DO call the Salem County Health Department (856-935-7510) to find out about sharps disposal programs in your area.
- DO ask your health care provider, veterinarian, local hospital, or pharmacist
where and how to get an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container,
if they can dispose of your used needles and other sharps, or
if they know of sharps disposal programs near you. - DO keep all sharps and sharps disposal containers out of reach of children and pets.
- DO seal sharps disposal containers when disposing of them, label them properly and check your community guidelines on how to properly dispose of them.
- DO ask your medical or prescription insurer whether they cover sharps disposal containers.
- DO ask the manufacturer of your drug products that are used with a needle or other sharps if they provide a sharps disposal container to patients at no charge.
- DO report a problem associated with sharps and disposal containers.
- DON’T throw loose needles and other sharps into the trash.
- DON’T flush needles and other sharps down the toilet.
- DON’T put needles and other sharps in your recycling bin — they are not recyclable.
- DON’T try to remove, bend, break, or recap needles used by another person. This can lead to accidental needle sticks, which may cause serious infections.
- DON’T attempt to remove the needle without a needle clipper because the needle could fall, fly off, or get lost and injure someone.
Download the Be SMART with SHARPS pamphlet as seen above.
Additional resources:
www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safely-using-sharps-needles-and-syringes-home-work-and-travel/sharps-disposal-containers
www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safely-using-sharps-needles-and-syringes-home-work-and-travel/best-way-get-rid-used-needles-and-other-sharps
www.safeneedledisposal.org