Used Needles: What happens to them – Here’s what happens after we pick up sharps during the medical waste disposal.
One thing we constantly talk about here at the MedXwaste blog is how crucial medical waste disposal is for protecting public health. One of the most sensitive categories is sharps waste, which includes used needles. Whether from hospitals, clinics, or home health care, these items require specialized disposal to prevent the spread of infections, needle-stick injuries, and contamination of our environment.
At MedXwaste, we take every step necessary to ensure that used needles are handled safely and disposed of properly. Here’s what happens after we pick them up.
Step 1: Collection and Transportation
Once your used needles are placed in secure, puncture-proof containers, MedXwaste collects them directly from your facility. Our specialized trucks are equipped with containers designed to ensure safe transportation. Our highly trained staff follow strict protocols for handling and transporting sharps, focusing on safety and compliance with federal and state regulations.
Step 2: Processing at a Treatment Facility
After collection, the used needles are taken to a certified medical waste treatment facility. Here, the waste undergoes several processes to neutralize and sterilize it. Autoclaving is a standard method, with steam used at high pressure to sterilize the sharps. This ensures that any remaining pathogens are destroyed, making the waste safer for further processing.
Step 3: Final Disposal
Once sterilized, the needles and sharps waste can no longer pose a risk of infection. They are often shredded to prevent re-use and reduce volume. Afterward, the waste is sent to a landfill or an energy recovery facility, which may be incinerated to generate electricity. Both options are closely monitored to ensure minimal environmental impact.
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Service Areas: Houston Medical Waste; Pearland Medical Waste; Austin Medical Waste; and more.