Always store needles and lancets (sharps) in a sealed, hard plastic container – never throw them in the garbage, blue box or flush down a toilet. Used needles and sharps are considered biohazardous waste and improper disposal of these articles may cause serious injury to others and contribute to environmental problems.
Safe Disposal of Sharps and Needles
It is recommended that sharps and needles be:
- placed in a rigid, puncture-proof plastic container (such as a bleach bottle) or metal coffee can with a lid which must be labeled SHARPS. Do not use glass bottles as they are breakable.
- Contents must be soaked in bleach for 24 hours, then drained and sealed tightly for disposal.
Some pharmacies have a disposal system available for sharps or sell special medical biohazard containers. Ask your pharmacy for more information.
To find a pharmacy near you that participates in safe, free disposal of sharps, visit www.healthsteward.ca and enter your postal code.
Locations of participating pharmacies: click here
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