Disposal of sharps

After giving yourself insulin injections, follow guidelines like these from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency:

• Insulin syringes and lancets can be managed as regular garbage. They need to be discarded in appropriate containers, not thrown loosely into household garbage.
• You may dispose of household sharps according to these guidelines:
  • Place sharps (needles, syringes, lancets) in puncture resistant containers preferably clear hard plastic such as empty soda or water bottles with a screw top. Commercial sharps containers are available at most pharmacies.
  • Do not overfill. Containers should be disposed of when half full.
  • Label container "Household Medical Waste" or "Home Sharps." Cap tightly and place in a household garbage container. Do not place with recyclables.

For more information, call the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Infectious Waste Management Program at 651-296-6300, visit www.pca.state.mn.us, or check with your local garbage hauler.