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How do I handle medical waste (sharps) disposal?
Summary
Improperly discarded hypodermic needles, lancets, and other “sharps” can cause serious injury and create health and safety hazards for the community. Learn how to handle used sharps with care to prevent harm and ensure proper disposal.
Why is safe disposal important?
Improper disposal of sharps poses serious risks. For instance, drivers and waste collection workers may get stuck with needles during collection, potentially exposing them to health risks.
How should medical needles be disposed of?
WM provides a convenient service called MedWaste Tracker®, which offers efficient and affordable pre-paid mailing systems for managing sharps and medical waste. Here is how to safely dispose of your sharps:
- For residential disposal solutions, visit Think Green from Home.
- For commercial disposal solutions, visit WM MedWaste Tracker.
How can I safely store medical needles before disposal?
WM MedWaste Tracker® offers containers specifically designed for safe storage. Alternatively, use a rigid, leak-proof container with a secure lid, label it appropriately, and store it safely until disposal.
What resources are available for more information?
For more information on proper sharps disposal, visit SafeNeedleDisposal.org, which offers detailed guidance on this topic. You can also explore the Environmental Protection Agency's website by searching for "safe needle disposal," or visit the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s website and search for "sharps."
Information in this article may be inapplicable to customers who receive service pursuant to a WM agreement with a municipality, association or other entity, or where applicable law requires differing terms of service.
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