Question Corner: Sharps Disposal

Dear Question Corner: How do I dispose of lancets and syringes used for my diabetes care?

Dear Patient: 

Many patients ask me what they should do with their used sharps. First, let’s discuss what the term “sharps” means. Needles, lancets, syringes, and insulin pens are considered sharps and must be disposed of properly. Needles, syringes and lancets are intended for one time use. Once used, they still contain blood that can infect another person; this why it is so important to dispose of them properly.

            Sharps disposal containers can be purchased at your local pharmacy. You can also your own sharps container using a thick plastic, puncture proof container with a twist-top (such as:  a detergent or shampoo bottle). Once filled, tape it closed and clearly mark it “CONTAINS SHARPS.”

            Disposal laws are different in every region, so check with your local sanitation laws. New York City Department of Sanitation allows you to throw the sealed and marked container in the garbage. DO NOT RECYCLE.

            You can also bring your container to any hospital or nursing home in New York State for disposal.

            For more information, click on these links:  

• NYC Department of Sanitation - Household medical Waste
• New York State Dept. Of Health - Safe Sharps Disposal
• Diabetes Forecast - Making your own sharps container
• Diabetes Forecast -  How to trash your sharps

This post was written by Cara Blackhall, BSN, RN, CDE, who is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in Medical-Surgical Nursing and is a Certified Diabetes Educator. Ms. Blackhall specializes in educating patients on lifestyle and health management, diabetes medication administration and use, insulin infusion pumps, and continuous glucose monitoring at the Mount Sinai Diabetes Center.