How to Dispose of a Syringe

NECESSARY EQUIPMENT

• Disposable latex, vinyl, or nitrile gloves
• Needle-nose pliers
• Sharps container
◦ Sharps containers are available inexpensively at medical supply stores or most pharmacies
◦ You can also use a rigid, plastic container with a tight- tting cap, such as an empty liquid detergent bottle

STEPS

1. Put on disposable gloves. Gloves will not prevent an injury but will be a clean barrier between hands and the syringe.

2. Bring your sharps container to the discarded syringe; do not walk with the syringe to the container.

3. Place the container on the ground or at surface beside the syringe. Do not hold or ask another person to hold the sharps container.

4. Using the needle-nose pliers, pick up the syringe by the middle of the barrel. Do not attempt to recap the needle—this is how most accidental needle stick injuries happen. (The cap is usually bright orange and can be disposed of separately.) Do not break, bend, or otherwise try to render the syringe useless. Do not crack the barrel or ick the syringe. Do not use a dustpan and broom to “sweep up” the syringe.

5. Place the syringe in the sharps container, sharp end rst. Keep the sharp end of the needle facing away from you at all times.

6. Whether using a commercial sharps container or a rigid, plastic container, securely close the lid and wrap the container with duct tape so it is not easily reopened, and place the container in your regular waste bin.

7. Remove gloves carefully so any contaminated surface does not come into contact with your skin. Dispose of gloves in your waste bin.

8. Wash your hands properly with soap and warm, running water for at least 20 seconds.