Sharps (Syringe Needles & Lancets)

Throwing out syringes is a little more complicated than pitching them in the nearest trash bin. Needles can accidentally cut who ever takes out the trash or collects your family's garbage. To protect others, it's important to dispose of syringes carefully.

An easy way to get rid of used syringes is to put them in a heavy-duty plastic or metal container with a tight-fitting lid. An empty laundry detergent bottle with a tight-fitting lid should do the trick. You can also ask your child's doctor or diabetes educator what containers they recommend. If you go this route, just put the used syringes in the container. Lancets should also be put in this container. When the container is full, put the lid on securely and throw the whole thing in the trash.

You can also buy a "safe-clip," which clips the needle off the syringe and stores the needles safely. You can find safe-clips at any pharmacy. Once the needle is off, you can safely toss the rest of the syringe into the trash, but don't try to clip needles off with scissors because they can send the needle flying across the room.

When your child is away from home, she should keep used syringes and lancets until they can be disposed of properly. You or your child can carry a metal or hard plastic pencil box to keep the syringes in until she gets home.

Some areas of the country have laws about disposing of medical waste. Call your local health department and find out about the laws where you live.