Diseases such as Hepatitis A and C, and HIV can be transmitted by needle sticks. Needles, sharps and syringes should be safely managed to prevent injury and disease transmission. Steps for safe disposal by a household:
- Purchase a commercially available sharps container. If you do not have a sharps container, use a plastic bottle that cannot be broken or punctured, such as a bleach bottle or laundry detergent bottle.
- With a permanent marker label container, "USED HOUSEHOLD SHARPS - DO NOT RECYCLE."
- Add sharps point-first into container.
- Keep lid on at all times to prevent spills and decrease needle stick hazards.
- Fill container as much as possible with sharps. You must be able to close container lid.
- When full, cap container with lid and duct tape shut.
- Place in trash.
For more information and to find medication disposal sites, see Medication and Sharps Disposal.
