Where can I throw away my used insulin needles?

Question

I have about 300 used insulin needles that I don't know what to do with and I don't know where to throw them away at. I know I can't just throw them in a trash can, so I've bagged them up. But, now what? Where can I take them?

Answer 1

Pharmacies sell the red 'sharps' containers for the whole unit.

Alternately, there are smaller boxes with a built-in clipper that snaps off the needle, leaving the syringe and plunger intact.

Either way, use an official sharps container, well sealed, for these products. They are considered hazardous waste, and everyone appreciates the effort you are making to be responsible.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

the best thing to do is use an empty bleach, or liquid laundry soap container. This type of plastic is poke-proof. You can buy a sharps container but I use a 100 oz red liquid tide bottle. When its full we tape it good label it and throw it away in the garbage. The garbage man comes when I leave for work so I never put it out I just hand it over taped and they put it right in where the garbage goes. You need to check with your garbage regulations in your area some do differ.
The hospital's diabetes dept. also has programs check with them.

Answer 4

You can go online and order a "sharps container" or "sharps box" I beleive you can order them from staples.com and various other sites. they are relitively easy to find. You can put your used needles in them, fill em up, lock them shut (once shut they cannot be reopened) and throw them out! easy as that! (you may want to research that this is legal in your city, i've heard there are special directions in certain cities) BD also makes a little thing that you stick the needle in, you click it down, and it chops the needle off (it safely stores it in itself) and you can throw the syringe part away. These are small and can easily fit in a pocket or where ever you carry your syringes.

Answer 5

You need to get a needle box, NOT bag them up.

Call your local hospitals diabetic clinic... they will know one, where to get a box and two, how to dispose of them correctly, legally and safely.

Glad to hear you didnt throw them in the trash! Just give them a call and they'll know what to do.

Answer 6

It depends on which state you live, as to how you can dispose of your used needles. Suggest you call your local hospital and ask them what the law is, some hospitals will take and dispose of your sharps for you.

Answer 7

I suggest the pharmacy or the hospital. They should both be able to dispose of them safely. It's a good thing you care so much as to not just throw them out. They are considered biohazard.

Answer 8

you can either take an empty 2 liter bottle or a empty milk jug like a gallon and use that and once they get full put the cap back on the bottle or jug put them in a trash bag tie it real tight then throw them all away.

Answer 9

you should try and get a sharps container, like the ones seen in doctors offices. there is actually a service for disposing of them by mail, listed here. http://www.bddiabetes.com/us/main.aspx?cat=2&id=415

you can order a sharps container from the same site. you should definitely not store them in a plastic bag. sharps are supposed to be stored in a watertight plastic container. at least get a tupperware container with a lid to store them in, mark it, and dispose of it that way.

Answer 10

Take them to a local hospital for disposal.