Sharps waste is a form of biomedical waste composed of used sharps, which includes any device or object used to puncture or lacerate the skin. Sharps waste is classified as biohazardous waste and must be carefully handled, and disposed of through the use of sharps containers. Sharps containers are specially made containers used to contain hazardous piercing instruments to reduce the risk of injury and spread of infection.
FDA sharps disposal guidelines state:
- Used sharps can only be disposed of in a sharps container
- Sharps containers may be supplied by companies such as Red Bags
- Sharps containers must be rigid and puncture-proof
Examples of sharps waste includes:
- Medical needles and syringes
- Suture needles, scalpel blades, butterflies
- Diabetic lancets and insulin needles
- Vacutainer tubes (blood collection tube), both plastic and glass
- Phlebotomy needles with vacutainer tube holder attached
- Capillary tubes, both plastic and glass
- IV catheters
- Dental wires and endodontic files
- Expired or used epinephrine auto-injectors
Trust MedXWaste To Keep Your Facility Safe
At MedXwaste, we provide the best service and highest standards when it comes to regulated medical waste. Whether you need our services every day, every week or every month, we can set up a routine schedule that ensures the safety of your employees and the environment.