Safe Sharps Disposal: How to Throw Away Used Needles

What Counts as a "Sharp"?

Anything that can pierce skin and has come into contact with medication or your body is considered a sharp. For CoreAge Rx members, this typically includes:

• Used syringes with attached needles
• Loose needles (drawing or injection needles)
• Lancets (if you check blood sugar)

Sharps should never be placed loose in household trash or recycling. Loose needles can injure sanitation workers and spread disease.

The Safest Option: An FDA-Cleared Sharps Container

The recommended way to dispose of needles is in an FDA-cleared sharps container. These are available for a few dollars at most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) and online retailers like Amazon.

Look for a container that is:

• Puncture-resistant (rigid plastic — not glass or thin plastic)
• Leak-proof with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid
• Clearly labeled as a sharps or biohazard container
• The right size for your usage (a 1-quart container is plenty for monthly injections)

How to Use It

1. Drop the Needle in Immediately After Injection

• Place the entire syringe with the needle still attached into the container
• Do not recap, bend, or break the needle — most accidental needle sticks happen when people try to recap

2. Keep the Container Out of Reach

• Store it upright in a place children and pets cannot access
• Keep it on a stable surface so it cannot tip over

3. Stop Filling at the "Full" Line

• Most containers have a fill line about 3/4 of the way up
• Do not overfill — sharps sticking out of the container can injure you or anyone handling it

What If I Don't Have a Sharps Container?

If you cannot get an FDA-cleared container right away, you can use a temporary alternative:

• A heavy-duty plastic container with a screw-on lid (laundry detergent bottles work well)
• The container must be opaque, puncture-resistant, and have a tight-fitting lid
• Label it clearly with permanent marker: "DO NOT RECYCLE — USED SHARPS"

Switch to a proper sharps container as soon as possible.

How to Dispose of a Full Container

Disposal rules vary by state. Choose one of these options:

1. Drop-off collection sites — Many hospitals, pharmacies, fire stations, and police stations accept sharps containers. Search by ZIP code at https://safeneedledisposal.org
2. Mail-back programs — Some pharmacies sell sharps containers that come with a prepaid mailer for return when full
3. Household hazardous waste — Some cities accept sharps at hazardous waste collection events
4. Residential drop-off — A small number of states allow sealed sharps containers in regular trash. Check your local rules at https://safeneedledisposal.org before doing this

Never Do This

• Never throw loose needles in the trash or recycling
• Never flush needles down the toilet
• Never put needles in a glass or thin-plastic container
• Never try to recap a needle by hand

Questions?

If you're not sure how to dispose of your sharps, contact support at support@coreagerx.com or (307) 405-1638.