How to Recycle Aluminum for Syringes

Disposing of syringes responsibly has long been a problem for healthcare facilities and individuals who use them in their own home. In most states, the common protocol is to place syringes in a medical waste container or "Sharps" container, and then place the container in the trash. This has meant that millions of needles end up in landfills, where valuable materials like syringe aluminum have no chance of being recycled. Now though, an initiative by the Sharps company is turning old syringes into building materials. All you have to do is mail in the syringes.

Things You'll Need

• Sharps containers

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Instructions

• 1

  Order a mailable Sharps container from the Sharps website (see Resources). You can order a number of different sizes, depending on your needs or those of your group. Sharps allows individuals and businesses generating a "small amount" of medical waste to participate in the program. You will receive a container, instructions and packing materials with your order.

• 2

  Place your syringes in the Sharps container. When the container is full, place the provided lid on the container.

• 3

  Mail the container to the Sharps company, using the tracking form and box provided. Your syringes will become Pella-DRX building material.