Do’s and Don’ts of Needle Disposal

Proper disposal of needles starts with knowing the facts

When you’re managing certain conditions, you (or a loved one) may need to use injectable medications. Besides taking medicine correctly to help manage symptoms, there’s so much more to using injectables.

After you finish your dose there’s the matter of the needle. What do you do with it? A Geisinger pharmacist weighs in on the right (and wrong) way to dispose of needles.

What are injectable medicines?

“Injectable medications are put directly into the body with a needle or syringe,” says Joseph Lobrutto, PharmD, pharmacy manager at Geisinger. They’re used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Commonly used injectable medicines include:

Insulin
GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic
EpiPens
Disease Modifying Therapies, like ones used to treat Multiple Sclerosis
Immunosuppressants

These medications come in single-use needles. Or occasionally, they use an auto injector machine to administer medicine.

They’re typically single-use, which means you dispose of the syringe once you’re done.

Getting rid of used needles

You know safe disposal of sharps matters. “Properly disposing of needles helps reduce the risk of accidental needle sticks or cuts,” says Mr. Lobrutto. To be sure you’re getting rid of needles the right way, consider these things.

Fast disposal

“As soon as you use a needle, syringe or lancet, dispose of it right away,” Mr. Lobrutto says. This way, you won’t forget to get rid of it. And no one else will accidentally get their hands on it.

Use a sharps container

Find FDA-approved sharps containers at most local pharmacies or online. Travel-sized options are also available.

To dispose of used needles or syringes, carefully place them inside. Be sure to have the sharp end facing down. Close the lid after.

And when your container gets full, drop it off at a designated sharps collection site in your area. “Other options for proper disposal include having it picked up by a medical waste disposal service,” says Mr. Lobrutto.

Some manufacturers also offer a program that allows you to return used sharps through the mail.

Individual communities may have specific guidelines around sharps disposal. Contact your local garbage company or public health department to learn more. Your healthcare provider can also help with information.

Find an alternative container

Don’t have a sharps container? Heavy-duty, thick-walled plastic containers (like laundry detergent containers) make a safe alternative. Look for sturdy containers with screw on lids that are:

Puncture-resistant
Leak proof

When using these types of containers, store them upright.

What not to do

To be sure you’re getting rid of used needles safely, make sure you don’t do these things:

Recycle them

It may be tempting to recycle your old needles. But if you’re thinking of trying to go green, think again.

Used needles aren’t recyclable. “They should be treated as a biohazard,” says Mr. Lobrutto. “Since needles come into contact with bodily fluids, they need to be handled carefully.”

Reuse old needles

Trying to reuse needles can spell trouble. Needles are single use. Reusing them can cause the needle to break. This has the potential to leave behind fragments in your skin.

Throw loose needles in the trash

Throwing needles away can put yourself (and others) at risk of getting stuck or cut. Before you toss that used needle in the trash, take a step back. Proper needle disposal protects everyone.

Flush needles down the toilet

It may seem self-explanatory, but don’t flush sharps or syringes down the toilet. Not only can they clog your toilet, they can also harm anyone who handles wastewater. Needles can also contaminate local water sources.

Common sense is king

When you need to get rid of needles, use common sense. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. Practicing proper disposal habits will help keep you (and everyone around you) safe.