How to Dispose of Medical Waste

The Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 requires than any implement that has been in contact with a potential pathogen be defined as medical waste and be treated accordingly. This includes used needles, bandages, surgical instruments and glassware. Although most medical waste originates in medical facilities, homes can be a source of medical waste if one of the inhabitants is a diabetic and self-administers insulin. Institutions that generate medical waste have strict and specific policies in place to deal with medical waste, but it's important for individuals to know how to handle medical waste generated in the home.

Things You'll Need

• Strong plastic or metal container with a tight lid

Instructions

Disposal of Medical Waste

1. Place the waste in the container immediately after it is generated and secure the lid tightly.

2. Dispose of the container once it is full. This may be done in several ways.

3. Take the waste to an appropriate collection site, such as your doctor's office, a hospital or a fire station.

4. If those sites are not available, mail the waste to a collection site. This requires a special container and in most cases is a paid service.

5. If the previous options are unavailable, you can purchase a home needle-destruction device that will make needles safe for disposal.

Tips & Warnings

• Medical waste disposal is primarily regulated at the state level, so make sure you know and follow the appropriate procedures.

• Never discard unprotected needles or other sharp implements as they can harm the person in charge of handling and processing them.

References

• The EPA's Medical Waste web page
• Coalition for Safe Community Needle Disposal