How do I prepare my sharps for disposal?

To properly prepare sharps for disposal:

-Use a container that is leak proof, shatterproof, and puncture resistant with a screw top. Good choices are durable plastic bottles such as empty detergent bottles. Bad choices are glass, aluminum, cardboard, or metal coffee cans with flimsy lids.

-Place sharps in the container immediately after using.

-Do not recap, bend, or break needles or lancets.

-Secure the screw top on the container and label it "SHARPS, Dispose of Properly" with a waterproof marker on the container or on masking tape over the container.

-An authorized medical waste company will dispose of your sharps in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

-Instead of making a sharps container, you may purchase one from your local pharmacy. You should also check with your health insurance provider to see if they will pay for or provide a sharps disposal container.


For more information please call 765-472-7224.

Show All Answers

1. What are sharps?
2. How do I dispose of my sharps?
3. When should I dispose of my sharps?
4. Are sharps recyclable?
5. How do I prepare my sharps for disposal?
6. Where can I get a sharps container?
7. Where can I take my sharps to dispose of them?
8. Who may use this program to dispose of sharps?
9. How much will it cost me to dispose of my sharps?