Sharps Disposal

Nobody wants to be stuck with a used needle.  That's why you can't throw your used needles in the trash like you can most anything else. Properly throwing away a used needle protects not just your family members, pets, and the trash man – it also protects your neighborhood squirrel who likes to check out your garbage can!

Here are some tips:

• Check with your garbage collector or your town to find out what their guidelines are for disposing needles.
• Buy a "safe-clip." These little scissors are made specifically to take the needle off a syringe and stores it safely until you're ready to throw it out. Then you can throw the rest of the syringe away in the trash. Don't try to use regular old scissors. The needle will go flying across the room and you may not be able to find it until it's in someone's foot!
• When you're out of the house carry a metal or plastic container, like a pencil box to store the used needles in until you can get home.
• Talk to your D-team members about what they recommend. They may have other ideas!