So you’ve just administered a life-changing shot or you’ve completed a successful surgery, what now? You’re left with a sharp object, or multiple sharp objects, that you have to dispose of. It’s not as simple as throwing the objects in a medical waste box, red bag, or letting your local waste management dispose of it without following the proper steps. Here’s what you need to know about properly disposing of your sharps to keep everyone safe and avoid any injuries.

What is Classified as a “Sharp”?

A “sharp” is a medical term for objects that have sharp points or edges that can cut or puncture the skin. There are many things that can be considered sharp, but some of the most common examples in the workplace are:

• Needles

• Syringes
• Auto-injector
• Scalpels
• Lancet

Although these are classic examples of “sharps”, there are other sharp objects such as shattered glass and broken vials that need to be disposed of properly as well. For a list of waste classifications, check out our resource guide here.

Steps to Disposing Sharp Objects

Although disposing of sharp objects isn’t as simple as throwing them away in a regular trash can, it’s still an easy process. Here are the steps to disposing of your sharp objects:

1. Place your sharp objects in a disposable sharps container with a lid that cannot be punctured by the sharp objects.  These are generally red in color.
2. When the sharps volume inside the container reaches the manufacturer’s marked fill line, properly seal the lid.
3. After you are certain the sharps container is properly sealed, smaller volume sharps can be placed in your regulated medical waste box for disposal.
4. Once your regulated medical waste box is full, follow the required packaging instructions to prepare your box for disposal.
5. Have a biomedical waste service company, such as BWS, pick up the sealed container and handle it from there.

Why Properly Disposing Sharp Objects Matters

Following the steps outlined to discarding your sharp objects in the workplace is critical for the safety and wellbeing of everyone, especially you, your staff and patients, and your medical waste management service provider. Used needles and other sharp objects are dangerous and can cause severe injury and spread diseases when not properly disposed of.

Make sure you’re doing your part in protecting those around you by taking the necessary steps to discard your sharp objects safely. It is important that all your staff and employees are trained in properly handling sharps and packaging instructions.  You’ll avoid any unwanted litigations and ensure a safe environment for your patients or customers, employees, and those handling your sharp objects.

Let’s Work Together to Keep Everyone Safe

Let’s work together to provide a safe work environment for us all. Here at BWS, we’re passionate about helping businesses dispose of their medical waste so that they can focus on doing what they do best. Please help us continue to do that safely by following the outlined disposal process and proper packaging. Learn more about how BWS provides Sharps Management services to companies like yours by visiting our website - https://bwaste.com/services-and-solutions/sharps-management

Contact us today for more information about our sharps disposal management and how we can partner together to ensure everyone’s safety.

Share this article:

Facebook

Twitter

LinkediIn

Email