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 administering health care in your home.
You should place . . . * Needles * Syringes * Lancets * Other sharp objects
in a hard plastic or metal container with a screw on or tightly secured lid.
Many containers found in the household will do, or you may purchase containers specifically designed for the disposal of medical waste sharps. Before discarding a container, be sure to reinforce the lid with heavy-duty tape. Do not put sharp objects in any container you plan to recycle or return to a store, and do not use glass or clear plastic containers (see additional information below). Finally, make sure that you keep all containers with sharp objects out of the reach of children and pets.
We also recommend that: *Soiled bandages *Disposable sheets * Medical gloves
be placed in securely fastened plastic bags before you put then in the garbage can with your other trash.
EPA promotes all recycling activities, and therefore encourages you to discard medical waste sharps in sturdy, non-recyclable containers, when possible. If a recyclable container is used to dispose of medical waste sharps, make sure that you don't mix the container with other materials to be recycled. Since the sharps impair a container's recyclabiltiy, a container holding your medical waste sharps properly belongs with the regular household trash. You may even want to label the container , 'NOT FOR RECYCLING", In addition, make sure your sharps container is made of non-breakable material and has a lid that can be securely closed. These steps go a long way toward protecting workers and others from possible injury.
If you need further information please contact Health Department 781-596-8864
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