This section provides education about how to safely dispose of needles and other contaminated medical waste, such as soiled disposable sheets (chux) and bandages.

You can help prevent injury, illness and pollution by following some simple steps when you dispose of the sharp objects and contaminated materials you use in providing health care in your home.

You should place needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp objects in a hard plastic or metal container with a screw-on or tightly secured lid. A coffee can will do, but you should be sure to reinforce the plastic lid with heavy-duty tape. Do not put sharp objects in any container that will be recycled or returned to a store. Do not use glass or clear plastic containers. Finally, make sure that you keep containers with sharp objects out of the reach of young children.

We also recommend that soiled bandages, disposable sheets (chux), and  medical gloves be placed in securely fastened plastic bags before you put them in the garbage can with your other trash. You may want to contact your local Hospital to discuss their responsibility in disposing of medical waste for the community.