Sharps Container

To properly dispose of your medical waste such as used medical needles, scalpels, and IV catheters, use a Sharps Container to ensure that they are properly segregated.

It has been a standard practice to dispose immediately the needles after a single use to prevent sharing needles which is the common cause of AIDS (HIV) and other infections caused by blood contaminations like Hepatitis B and C.

The containers are usually red or yellow, made from thick plastic, making it safe to handle and can resist needle sticks. It includes labeling indicating that the container holds sharps and the contents are bio-hazardous. The container has two types, one that is for single use only and should be disposed along with its contents. The second is the reusable type, which are robotically sterilized and emptied at medical waste processing facility before returning for re-use.

Medical clinics and hospitals usually have a sharps container in their patient treatment areas. For diabetics who need to take insulin shots regularly should also have one at home. It is very important to dispose the needles properly because it is very dangerous to pass on pathogens when used needles penetrate your skin.

It is easy to dispose your sharps in the container. Simply drop them through the slot in the lid of the container, without touching the outside part. Never push or force the needles into the container to prevent damage and needle stick injuries. Remember to change the container before they are too full. Proper use of the container includes delivery and pick-up to an approved “red bag” or disposal to the medical waste treatment site.

Sharps Containers are available in various sizes, from very small containers to large barrels. Small containers can fit on examination room counters and large ones can be use in high volume areas like operating rooms.