You have to dispose of many needles if you need to inject frequently.Since they are considered sharp, you can't throw them in the trash.There are easy ways to dispose of used needles.You don't want to harm other people with the needles if you put them in a strong plastic container.Many places can properly dispose of them once the container is nearly full.
Step 1: If you want to store needles safely, get a sharps container from a doctor or pharmacy.
There is no risk of Sharps containers poking through the sides because they have a solid plastic body.Do you know if your doctor's office has sharps containers?Some doctors will give a sharps container for free while others will have them for sale.The price for sharps containers is around $10–15USD.
Step 2: You can make a sharps container by putting needles in an empty laundry detergent bottle.
If you want the needles to not poke out from the sides, choose a detergent bottle with thick plastic.An empty milk jug can also be used.Place a piece of tape on the outside of the bottle and label it "Sharps" in large letters so other people don't confuse it with actual detergent.Make sure the detergent bottle has a lid to keep the needles out.Children and drug users may try to open the bottle if they see needles, so don't use a clear container for disposing sharps.A metal or plastic coffee container can be used for your needles.
Step 3: When you use the needles, put them in the container.
Use needles should not be left around since they could hurt other people.Drop the needle inside the sharps container when you open the lid after your injection.Don't let the needles spill out of the container.When you are done, put the container on a high shelf.You don't need to clip the needles before putting them in the container.
Step 4: Once it is 34 full, tape the container closed.
If you put another needle inside of your container, you should be able to see how full it is.The lid should be secured with duct tape when the needles are 34 to the top of the container.Place the container in a safe place, such as a high shelf, until you are able to throw it away properly.If you purchase a container from a pharmacy, it will stay closed as soon as it's full.If you don't know how full your container is, draw a line on the outside of the container with a marker so you know where the maximum fill line is.You can see how many needles there are by holding the container up to a light.
Step 5: If sharps containers can go in the trash, check with waste management.
Ask your waste management service if sharps are allowed in your normal trash disposal.If they are, place the sharps container in plastic bags and tie them tightly so the container doesn't spill out.Waste management can dispose of the container if it is put in your trash can or dumpster.You can't mix sharps containers with regular trash at some locations.
Step 6: If you can't put sharps containers in the trash, contact your local hospital or pharmacy.
Hospitals and pharmacies are required by law to accept sharps containers.Call the hospital or pharmacy to find out what requirements they have for throwing away the sharps.Before you drop off your container, follow any of the guidelines they have.Make sure that your sharps containers are clearly labeled before you drop them off.
Step 7: Use a sharps disposal site to get rid of needles.
You can find a website for disposal of sharps by typing in your ZIP code in the search bar.You can use the map on the website to find locations where you can dispose of your sharps container.You can find additional requirements for throwing away sharps by clicking on the locations.There is a map of sharps disposal locations here.Pick-up services may be offered by some locations so you don't have to leave your home.