Disposing of sharps and broken glass

Why it matters

Needles, blades and broken glass in household trash can injure family members and waste workers. A proper container keeps them contained until disposal.

Using a sharps container

• Keep it close to where you work
• Drop items in right away; never recap or bend needles
• Stop at the marked fill line, usually about three-quarters full
• Lock the lid once it is full

Getting rid of a full container

Disposal rules depend on where you live. Many pharmacies, hospitals and local waste programs accept sealed sharps containers, and some offer free mail-back options. Search your city or county website for "sharps disposal".

Broken glass

Sweep glass up with a brush and dustpan, never your hands, and put small pieces in the sharps container. Larger pieces can go in a sturdy box taped shut and labeled "broken glass".