Count on it
Safe sharps disposal at home and on the go
Syringes, pen needles and lancets are sharps, and a used one in the household trash can injure someone. A few habits keep everyone safe.
The basic habits
- Never recap, bend or break a used needle
- Drop it needle-first into a sharps container right after use
- Keep containers out of reach of children and pets
- Close the container when it is about three-quarters full
- Follow your local rules for household sharps disposal
On the go
Away from home you still need somewhere safe for the used needle. The EasyTouch personal sharps container is pocket-size with a one-way daisy lid and holds up to ten syringes. The Mini DualSafe adds a second compartment for new syringes, so one container carries both the day's supply and its disposal.
Where full containers go
Rules vary by state and city. Common options include pharmacy and hospital drop-off sites, household hazardous waste collection and mail-back programs. Your local health department or pharmacist can tell you what is available near you.
This guide explains products and general practice. It is not medical or veterinary advice.
