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SHARPS DISPOSAL FOR DIABETICS
"So, what should I do with my used needles and lancets?" Sharps disposal is one topic often not covered in diabetes education. By following some straightforward steps, you can help prevent injury, disease and pollution in your community when disposing of your diabetic sharps.
Everything a diabetic sticks themselves with can be called a "sharp." Insulin syringes, needles, lancets, pen needles, etc. are disposable and must be thrown out after a single use. Other blood contaminated home medical items like test strips, soiled bandages, cotton balls, tissues, alcohol pads, and medical gloves must also be disposed of properly.
Even if you were given lessons on how to dispose of sharps, you may have been given general information that is not correct for your community.
Your doctor or local pharmacy should be able to inform you of the best way to dispose of your sharps, but always contact your state or community waste disposal company and ask for their requirements. Most of the time you will get the following helpful information:
Bio Hazard Sharps Disposal Container - You may buy a bio hazardous container especially designed for the disposal of sharps from your local pharmacy. Dispose of these items as recommended by your waste disposal company.
Hard Metal or Plastic Containers - Your waste disposal company may not specify special bio hazard containers. Many times a hard plastic or metal container with a tight-fitting screw-on lid will do just fine. The container should be closable, stable, puncture resistant, upright, and leak proof. An empty laundry detergent bottle does the job. Pull or soak off the label and mark the bottle "Medical Waste - Sharps" on both sides with a bold permanent marker. When the container is full, tape the lid shut with heavy-duty tape and dispose of it as recommended.
Your Doctor or Hospital - Sometimes your local hospital or doctor's office will get rid of your sharps containers for you. Just drop them off at your regular appointments or make a special trip when your container is full.
Your County Health Department - Your county health department will sometimes give you free sharps containers and may get rid of them for you. If your county health department is involved in this program, you just give them a full container and they send you home with a new one.
Medical Waste Disposal Companies - Medical Waste Disposal Companies incinerate tons of medical waste each week. They will be glad to dispose of your sharps, but they will charge you. They won't typically pick up sharps at a residence, so you'll probably have to drop off your containers.
Sharp Disposal by Mail - With Sharp Disposal by Mail you fill a container, then package and send it to a disposal company. The cost for this service usually includes the container, packaging, return postage fees, and disposal. http://www.sharpsdisposal.com
The Disintegrator - The newest option in sharps disposal is The Disintegrator, a home device that destroys insulin syringes, needles, and lancets by dissolving them into ashes. The Disintegrator is able to be purchased at diabetic and medical supply stores.
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