How to Properly Dispose of Diabetic Testing Supplies

Diabetics use lancing devices and needles frequently to monitor their blood glucose levels, and inject insulin and other medications. Proper disposal of used sharps not only prevents painful needle sticks, but it also reduces the risk of transmitting infectious diseases through needle-stick injuries. As a diabetic, you are encouraged to discard your used sharps in puncture-proof containers that you can order from diabetic supply companies or your health care provider. Depending on where you live, you have many options for disposing your full sharp containers.

Instructions

• 1

  Drop off your filled sharp container at dedicated collection sites. Some doctors' offices, hospitals, health clinics, police stations, pharmacies and health departments can collect your sharp containers.

• 2

  Take your filled sharps container to municipal household hazardous waste collection site in your community.

• 3

  Place your sharps in a special container, similar to recycling containers, and put outside your home for pickup by trained handlers. Some programs require you to call for pickups and others have scheduled pickup times.

• 4

  Mail your sharp container to special collection sites. You have to follow postal services guidelines for handling medical waste. This works well if you live in a rural communities with no convenient disposal methods.

• 5

  Exchange your used sharps with new needles at participating programs in your community.