Sharps containers are specialized receptacles designed for the safe disposal of medical sharps, which include devices with sharp points or edges like hypodermic needles, syringes, lancets, and auto-injectors. These materials pose a significant public health risk because they can cause accidental needlestick injuries, potentially transmitting bloodborne pathogens such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV. Using an approved container immediately after a sharp is used is the fundamental step in preventing these injuries for users, family members, and sanitation workers.
Identifying Approved Sharps Containers
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that all used sharps be placed into an FDA-cleared disposal container. These containers must meet strict safety standards to minimize the risk of injury and infection. Design standards require the container to be made of heavy-duty, rigid plastic that is puncture-resistant on all sides and the bottom.
The container must feature a tight-fitting, secure, and puncture-resistant lid that prevents sharps from spilling out once closed. A wide and stable base is specified to ensure the container remains upright during use, preventing accidental tip-overs. All approved containers come clearly marked with a visible fill-line, typically indicating the container is three-quarters full, which is the point it must be sealed and disposed of.
If an FDA-cleared container is temporarily unavailable, some local guidelines permit the use of an acceptable household alternative. This must be a heavy-duty plastic container, such as a laundry detergent or bleach bottle, that is leak-resistant and has a screw-on or tightly secured cap. If a household container is used, it should be clearly labeled with a warning like “SHARPS WASTE” to alert others to the hazardous contents.
Acquisition Through Retail and Pharmacy Channels
Acquiring a sharps container through commercial channels is often the most immediate and accessible option. National retail pharmacy chains are a primary source for these products, typically stocking them in the medical supplies or diabetes care sections. Major pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens carry various sizes of FDA-cleared containers for purchase.
General merchandise stores with pharmacy sections, such as Walmart, also make sharps containers available to the public. Consumers can check the availability of these medical supplies online before visiting a physical location. Many of these retail locations also offer their own branded needle collection and disposal systems, sometimes including mail-back options.
Online medical supply retailers and general e-commerce platforms offer a vast selection of containers, which is convenient for bulk purchases or specialized needs. These online sources carry a wide range of container sizes, from small, portable travel containers to larger containers suitable for high-volume home use. Purchasing online allows users to select from various manufacturers and sizes, including one-quart or five-quart options.
Acquisition Through Community and Specialized Programs
Beyond retail purchases, several community and specialized programs provide sharps containers, sometimes at no cost or a subsidized rate. Local or county health departments are a resource, often operating programs that distribute free or low-cost containers to residents. Checking the local municipal or county website is the best way to determine the availability and eligibility requirements for these initiatives.
Mail-back programs offer a specialized acquisition and disposal method, where a container is obtained and then shipped back to a destruction facility once full. These programs are available through private waste management companies, but some pharmaceutical companies provide them free of charge to patients using injectable medications. The kit typically includes the container, instructions, and a pre-paid, authorized return box with postage.
Healthcare providers also play a role in distribution. Doctors’ offices, clinics, and hospitals sometimes provide patients with a small, temporary sharps container upon starting a new injectable medication. Hospitals and nursing homes in some states are mandated to accept home-generated sharps as a free community service through designated collection programs. Patients should inquire with their prescribing physician or local facility about any distribution or take-back services offered.
Safe Storage and Handling of Sharps Containers
Once a container is acquired, proper storage and handling are necessary to maintain a safe environment. The container should be placed in an easily accessible location, but it must be kept out of the reach of children and pets. Positioning the container close to the area where sharps are used, such as a bedside table or medication preparation area, minimizes the risk of carrying a sharp across a room.
Used sharps must be dropped into the container immediately after use, with the sharp end pointed down. The container should be securely closed after each use if it has a temporary closing mechanism. Never attempt to recap, bend, or break a used needle before disposal, as these actions increase the risk of an accidental needlestick injury. Forcing an object into a full container must also be avoided.
A container must never be overfilled past the designated fill-line, which is typically marked at three-quarters capacity. Overfilling prevents the lid from being securely closed and increases the risk of sharps protruding from the opening. When the fill-line is reached, the container’s final locking mechanism must be engaged to secure the contents before following local disposal guidelines.