Hey, does anybody know what I can use instead of a medically supplied sharps container? I just found an empty tide container in the laundry room which I was planning on using but didn't know if they plastic was too thin or something. I had been using a gatorade bottle (recently found out it's a bad idea to use that). Also how do I get rid of my sharps (I'm in New York)?

I drop my sharps containers off at a fire department.  They give me a replacement for free.

Here they suggest a glass jar from like salsa or whatever then taking them to a pharmacy.

Quote from: Tad on April 12, 2011, 07:14:51 PM
Here they suggest a glass jar from like salsa or whatever then taking them to a pharmacy.

A salsa glass jar is too short. I put the needles attached to syringes into the bin I got right now.

ya got small salsa jars, pickle jars should be big enough.. there's bound to be some glass jar that would work. And then you have 0 worries about puncturing.

I just put the cap back on and throw mine in the trash, im guessing that is bad?

Depending what state you live in Elijah, it's illegal.

Quote from: Tad on April 12, 2011, 07:39:39 PM
ya got small salsa jars, pickle jars should be big enough.. there's bound to be some glass jar that would work. And then you have 0 worries about puncturing.

A pickle jar is still pretty small.

but, how will they find out?  All of my trash goes to a trash compactor at my apartment complex.

Safe needle disposal.  Look up your state:

http://www.bd.com/us/diabetes/page.aspx?cat=7002&id=10284

Also, google for needle exchanges in your area.  I'm sure NY is bound to have several.

Thanks, Adio. Hmm is a detergent container essentially the same as a bleach bottle?

If you have a doctor, ask him or her about drop-off sites or maybe ask a nurse. Many public health organizations will have drop-offs for "sharps." Pharmacies might take used syringes; call and ask first. I read recently somewhere that they may charge a fee, so be sure to ask about that first.

Please don't recap and throw in the garbage. In many places, that is illegal, but it's also unsafe. Even if you aren't in danger of being caught, you could inadvertently harm garbage handlers or animals who might go through the garbage.

I've been using a clean gallon water jug for my collection. As long as you recap the needle, a plastic jug will be adequate. It's probably not the best idea to store used needles without the caps back on.

There's also going to be a drug disposal event on 30 April this year. I think I read something about them also taking containers of sharps at these events, but I can't find anything at the moment. Go to http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html to find a collection site in your area. You or someone else may want to call and confirm before showing up, though... if I get the time, I shall ask and report back here. (I didn't look to see if you were in the U.S., so if this doesn't pertain to anyone, then I apologize.)

-Kyle

Or ... you could ... you know ... google sharps containers and order one.  there's even one that's only 2 bucks on there.  and a 2 gallon one for 6.  I googled it, and clicked on the shopping for sharps containers link and found a bunch of them.  as to where you have to go to drop them off ... it depends on your area ... I can just take all my sharps right back to my endo ... even if they're just in a bleach or laundry detergent bottle.  But also ... my endo is stationed in a diabetes clinic.  lol

Quote from: Logan on April 12, 2011, 10:21:14 PM
Or ... you could ... you know ... google sharps containers and order one.  there's even one that's only 2 bucks on there.  and a 2 gallon one for 6.  I googled it, and clicked on the shopping for sharps containers link and found a bunch of them.  as to where you have to go to drop them off ... it depends on your area ... I can just take all my sharps right back to my endo ... even if they're just in a bleach or laundry detergent bottle.  But also ... my endo is stationed in a diabetes clinic.  lol

I can't get medical supplies shipped to me. My doctor is 2 hours away so it's not practical to go out there to drop it off...and I'm switching doctors to one 1.5 hours away.

Hmm ... Apparently Walgreens sells sharps containers as well, but you might want to tall your local one to see if they have it.  Or maybe you could get the container shipped to a friend or something.  As for the dr being that far away, mine is about an hour away ... but if you have to go every couple months or whatever ... you can just take them in then.  Or, if your blood work is done through an independent lab, I would just ask them if they accept sharps.  Call your local department of health and they'll tell you.  Apparently, in NY it's legal to put your sharps, in appropriate containers, out with the trash, but it still depends on your local laws too.

I looked at your state in your profile and this is what I found on a site. 


·      Use a puncture-proof plastic container with a tight-fitting screw top. A bleach bottle is good. Don't use glass because it can break. Coffee cans are not recommended because the plastic lids come off too easily.
·      Label the container clearly. Write "Contains Sharps" with a waterproof marker directly on the container or on masking tape on the container.
·      Once you have used a syringe or lancet, immediately put it into your container. Screw on the top. Don't clip, bend or recap the needles because you could injure yourself.
·      Keep the container away from children.
·      When the container is full, screw on the cap tightly. Seal it with heavy-duty tape to be extra safe.
There are different options for getting rid of the container of sharps. Some cities and towns have more options than others.
·         Call your doctor, pharmacy, or clinic and ask if they accept properly-contained sharps for disposal. Effective July 1, 1995, hospitals and nursing homes were required to accept properly-contained home medical waste for disposal.
·         Ask your diabetes educator or local American Diabetes Association chapter about sharps disposal programs.
·         Call your local public works department or solid waste manager. (Check the blue pages of the telephone book for their numbers.) Some communities have special household medical waste collection or drop-off days.
·         Call your local health department and ask for the health educator. Ask about special household medical waste disposal programs.
·         Call the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and ask for a list of licensed medical waste transporters who provide collection service to your area.
New York State law allows disposal of household sharps, along with household trash. Local laws, however, may prohibit this. Call your local department of public works for information about laws that apply in your area.
Do not put sharps containers out with the recyclable plastics.

At the pharmacy where I get my t/syringes and needles, they give me a sharps container for free whenever I ask for one.  I'm surprised that not all pharmacies do this.  You would think they would want to make sure that people are properly disposing of the needles they are giving them.

My son went to his student health center ... they gave him a sharps container ... when its full he just returns it and they give him another one -- another option for some of you who are going to college

You want to put them in something that the needles will not go thru.  And generally A Hazardous Materials drop off will take them.  Check with your waste management company.