How Do I Dispose of Laboratory Sharps?

Health-care workers frequently deal with laboratory sharps. Proper disposal of these items is very important. Due to the hazardous nature of laboratory sharps, any used needles, lancets or other hazardous waste materials that are sharp must be disposed of in a safe and systematic way. Hospitals and health-care facilities typically have a protocol set up for proper disposal of sharps. State laws vary, so it's important to be aware of specific state requirements for the collection and disposal of sharps.

Things You'll Need

• Hard-plastic container with lid or commercial sharps container
• Tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Follow sharps disposal requirements for your state. Protocol for the proper disposal of laboratory sharps varies from state to state.

• 2

  Store sharps containers in areas close to where they are used. Needles and other sharps should be disposed of as soon as they are used. This reduces the risk of accidental needle sticks.

• 3

  Place sharps containers in a hard-plastic container that has been clearly marked as biohazardous waste. Many states require that the container be labeled "not for recycling." Containers must be puncture resistant. Label the container "infectious waste."

• 4

  Replace the containers when they are 3/4 full. Do not overfill sharps containers. Full containers increase the risk of spillage.

• 5

  Tape the container securely shut before disposing of a sharps container. Taping the container shut ensures that the container does not accidentally open up, spilling hazardous sharps. Place the sealed container in the trash.