Other Issues

DISPOSAL TIPS FOR HOME HEALTH CARE

Every year, Americans use over one billion sharp objects in their homes to administer health care. These "sharps" include lancets, needles, and syringes. If they are not disposed of in puncture-resistant containers, they can injure trash handlers; can increase the risk of infection if they come in contact with contaminated materials such as bandages, dressings, and surgical gloves; and can pollute the environment.

Residents play an important role in safe practices associated with health care at home. Residents are urged to safely dispose of sharps and other contaminated waste, such as bandages and soiled disposable sheets. Injury, illness, and pollution can be prevented by adhering to the following steps when discarding sharp objects and contaminated materials used in administering health care in the home.

Needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp objects should be placed 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. Glass or clear plastic containers are not recommended. One common household item that is recommended for this purpose is the plastic liquid laundry detergent bottle.

The cap or lid to the container should be reinforced with heavy-duty tape or duct tape and the container labeled "NOT FOR RECYCLING". Keep these containers out of the reach of children and pets before discarding with the regular household trash. Soiled bandages, disposable sheets, and medical gloves should be placed in securely fastened plastic bags before they are placed in the garbage can with your other trash.

These steps go a long way toward protecting workers and others from possible injury. Residents may also wish to explore other sharps collection programs that may be available in the area, such as pharmacies, medical clinics, and hospitals.