Are You Disposing of Sharps Containers Properly?
4 Tips to Help You Know for Sure
‘Sharps’ is the medical term used to describe devices with sharp points or edges that can cut or puncture the skin. They are used just about anywhere – in almost all medical facilities, at home, at work, while traveling – to manage the medical conditions of people or pets. Health issues that necessitate the use of sharps include allergies, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, infertility, migraines, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, blood clotting disorders, and psoriasis, just to name a few. Needless to say, sharps are a very common item used across the board. However, there are regulations to be followed when using and throwing sharps away, including which containers should be used to hold the sharps, and how to dispose of those containers properly.
Get the Right Container
Before we talk about disposing those containers, let’s talk about the containers themselves. First of all, when using sharps, you need to follow federal regulations, along with the regulations for your state. These regulations can be widely varied, depending on how and why you’re using them, i.e. the laws for a medical facility are much more strict than if you need to dispose of sharps for a personal health issue, like diabetes. Just as important, though, is using the proper type of container – using a FDA-cleared container is the easiest way to make sure you’re covered. There are different sizes, each with a line that indicates when the container is full, or when the container needs to be disposed.
If you can’t obtain a FDA-cleared container, it is recommended that you use a heavy duty plastic container, such as a laundry detergent bottle, as an alternative. Here are a few basic features that a sharps container should have:
- Made of a heavy-duty plastic
- Able to close with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, so sharps cannot come out
- Upright and stable during use
- Leak-resistant
- Properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container
Get Rid of that Container
Now that you know the right container for your needs, you need to know what the rules are for disposing that container. Here are 4 tips to get you started:
- Use a Medical Waste box.
Whether you’re using a local medical waste disposal service or shipping your waste somewhere else, don’t ever get rid of a sharps container by itself. It’s always better (and safer!) to place the container into a medical waste box first.
- Do your research.
After you determine what is needed for your business, do your due diligence about the next steps for disposal. Whether it’s making sure you’re following your state or community’s guidelines, contacting your local trash or public health department to find out about sharps disposal programs in your area, or asking a local medical facility if they can dispose of sharps for you, make sure you’re covered.
- Think about the environment.
Sometimes it’s hard to consider all angles when it comes to getting rid of medical waste, but it’s a good business practice to think about whether or not the disposal option you choose is environmentally sustainable.
- Consider the cost.
If you’re dealing with sharps disposal as part of your business, especially if you have a large amount to be disposed, you need to consider what is the most cost effective option for you. In most cases, using a local medical waste disposal company is your best bet.
Disposing of those pesky sharps containers can be a headache, but it needs to be done right. If you choose to use a medical waste management company, make sure you find a reputable business that will thoroughly explain all of your options to determine what’s best for you!
