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Disposal of Sharp Wastes at Home

Sharps are considered hazardous waste and cannot be thrown away with your regular trash.  You can help prevent injury and illness to yourself and others by following the guidelines outlined in this handout for disposal of sharp objects used in your home for your health care.

 

 

 

 

Sharp Wastes include:          

  • Needles
  • Lancets
  • Syringes
  • Any other sharp objects

 

 

 

 

What to do with Sharp Wastes:

  • Obtain a "Sharps Box " from your clinic, pharmacy, or regional services at UW Hospital and Clinics.  There is a small charge for each Sharps box.
  • You may also use a hard plastic liquid laundry detergent or bleach bottle with a screw on lid.  If you choose to use this method, you will need to attach a sticker label to the bottle so others know there are sharp wastes inside.  The stickers are available from your University of Wisconsin Hospital Clinic, pharmacy, or regional services.
  • Throw all of your sharp wastes in these containers at home.
  • When the container is 3/4 full, tightly close the sharps container or liquid laundry detergent bottle.
  • Return the secured container to your local pharmacy, doctor's office, or to the UW Hospital and Clinics outpatient laboratory.
  • There are also other sharps disposal sites in local communities.  For Wisconsin, you can check on the internet at: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/aw/wm/publications  (Look under "Medical Infectious" for a site near you in Wisconsin.)
  • You may also check with your local city or township garbage pick-up to see how to dispose of your sharps box.


The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 05/08/2009

Copyright © 04/22/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4587

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