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Sharps Disposal How and
Where to Dispose of
What are Sharps?
"Sharps," including used
hypodermic needles, diabetic testing lancets, razor blades and
similar items, are a DANGER to waste collection workers,
sanitation personnel, neighbors, family members, even pets.
Numerous waste collection and disposal workers in Northwest
Arkansas have recently been stuck by used needles. Imagine the
horror of that experience! The worry, the expense, the testing
that is required, lasting for months!
PLEASE, NEVER THROW USED NEEDLES IN THE TRASH! Even so-called "approved disposal containers" can break open under pressure (like from a bulldozer at the landfill), exposing workers and others to the dangerous points! So what should you do?
What is the proper
method of disposal?
Mail-In Disposal: There are a number of reliable "mail-in" services available. For a reasonable cost you can subscribe to a service that provides approved mailing containers, pays shipping, provides for safe and complete disposal of sharps, sends new containers on a regular schedule, and even provides a "Certificate of Destruction." Carroll County Residents: The Carroll County Solid Waste Authority accepts sharps for disposal (in approved containers only) at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center in Berryville. Call for additional information: (870) 423-7156 or (479) 253-2727 Find out more about Used Needle Disposal! Contact The Coalition for Safe Needle Disposal http://www.safeneedledisposal.org 1-800-643-1643 Want a Printable Brochure? Click below:
This 3-panel brochure explains how and where to dispose of needles in Northwest Arkansas! Click the picture to open the document in Acrobat Reader. Print it out to give to a friend or family member! Click the brochure for printing! (Print both sides, and fold twice.) Please call if you would like to help distribute these brochures. We can supply you with as many copies as you need!
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Destruction:
The EPA recommends that used needles be disposed of in the home,
using one of the many needle destruction devices available.
These devices destroy the pointed needle or clip it off at the
base, rendering it harmless. The devices range in cost from $5
to $50, perhaps a little more. They can be ordered online, or
requested from your pharmacy.