How to Dispose of Used Insulin Needles

According to Diabetes Monitor, more than 1 billion needles are used in the U.S. annually for diabetic-related health care. Once these needles are used, they are considered medical waste, and are not legally disposable through means of normal trash collection. While the fine details may vary on a state to state basis, the majority of these options rely on drop-off centers and specialized pick-up services.

Things You'll Need

• Hard, plastic container or coffee can
• Duct tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Place used insulin needles in a sturdy plastic or metal container. Snap the lid of your needle container back on tightly after each use.

  There are specially designed plastic containers for used insulin needles, often referred to as sharps containers. These containers are made of thick plastic and are usually marked with a symbol designating the material in the container as hazardous waste.

  If you are unable to acquire a sharps container, a metal coffee can that has been labeled as an insulin needle container will also suffice. Avoid using plastic containers that are recyclable and/or thin and easily penetrable.

• 2

  Secure the lid of your container down with duct tape when it's full if you're using a makeshift container like a coffee can. This prevents any accidental needle contact for whoever handles your disposed insulin needles.

• 3

  Use the Safe Needle Disposal search engine for disposal centers and programs nearest you. Regulations and disposal opportunities vary from state to state.

  There are a variety of safe insulin needle disposal programs and arrangements throughout the country. You will likely be directed to drop used needles off at your nearest hospital or health clinic.

  Some communities also offer curbside special waste pick-up services, much like curbside recycling pick-up services. For this sort of service, you may be required to place needles in an official sharps container marked with a biohazard symbol.

  For those living in remote, rural areas, mail-back programs may be the best course of action. As with curbside pickup, the needles will need to be placed in an official sharps container marked with a biohazard symbol before being packaged for shipment.