Disposing of Your Medical Waste
This summer, medical waste was found on beaches up and down the New Jersey shore. The proper disposal of medical waste at home is great way to make sure it never ends up on beach or anywhere else it might hurt someone. Take a look at the following tips to make sure you’re doing all you can:
Why are used needles dangerous?
Used needles are dangerous because they can:
- Injure people
- Spread germs
- Spread diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tetanus, and syphillis
All needles should be treated as if they carry a disease. That means that if someone gets stuck with a needle, they have to get expensive medical tests and worry about whether they have caught a harmful or deadly disease. Be sure you get rid of your used needles the safe way to avoid exposing other people to harm.
DON’T
- Throw loose needles in the garbage
- Flush used needles down the toilet
- Put needles in recycling containers
DO
1. Prior to disposal, disinfect your sharps with a solution of 1 teaspoon of bleach in 1/2 gallon of water.
2. Place all sharps in a puncture-resistant, hard plastic or metal container. An empty detergent bottle with a screw-on cap or an empty coffee can will do.
3. Close the container with its original lid and secure with heavy duty tape.
4. Place the tightly sealed container in a paper bag and discard it with your household trash.
5. Place non-sharp home health care wastes in a doubled, securely fastened, opaque plastic trash bag before putting them in your garbage can with other wastes.
Take a look at this brochure from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for more do and don’ts.
Other Resources
For more information on syringe disposal, take a look at the following brochure from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.