Healthcare facilities are responsible for sharps container disposal. While there are many ways to dispose of these containers, the most important thing is to ensure that they are properly sanitized before being sent to a landfill or recycling center.
The first step in disposing of a sharp container is to remove all of the contents from the container. This includes any needles, razors, or other sharp objects that may be inside. Once the container is empty, it should be promptly sealed and labeled with the proper disposal instructions.
Once the container is sealed, it can be placed in a designated disposal bin for healthcare facilities. These bins are typically located in the back of the facility or a designated area for sharps disposal. Please get in touch with your local waste management company for assistance if you are unsure where your facility’s disposal bin is located.
When disposing of sharps containers, it is essential to follow all local, state, and federal regulations. Failure to do so could result in hefty fines or other penalties. If you have any questions about sharps container disposal, please get in touch with us anytime. We would be more than happy to assist you in properly disposing of your sharp containers.
Ways To Disposal Sharp Containers
Healthcare facilities are responsible for the safe disposal of sharps containers. There are three main ways to dispose of sharps containers:
- Hire a medical waste company like PureWay Compliance to pick up your sharps container
- Purchase a mail-back system from an authorized sharps mail-back company like PureWay as well
- If you have personal waste collected in a sharps container (not a healthcare facility), you can take your sharps container to community drop-off sites that may be present in your community.
If you choose to dispose of the container as medical waste, you must follow state and local regulations. In most cases, this will involve contacting a medical waste disposal company. The company will pick up the container and dispose of it according to the rules.
Be sure to follow all instructions carefully to ensure the safe disposal of your sharps container.
Alternative Sharps Disposal Containers Must Meet Osha Requirements
Some of the alternative sharps disposal containers that must meet OSHA requirements include:
- Sharps with engineered sharps injury protections
- Self-sheathing needles
- Needles with retractable features
- Syringes with retractable needles
Click below to download free sharps disposal
protocol for your healthcare facility
If an employer provides workers with alternative sharps disposal containers, the containers must be:
- Puncture resistant
- Leak proof on sides and bottom
- Properly labeled
- Color-coded or otherwise marked to facilitate easy recognition
- Consistently accessible to workers
- Easily recognizable as a sharps container
- Large enough to accommodate all types of sharps used
- Upward facing and opening for easy disposal of sharps into the container
- Equipped with a lid that is tamper-proof, self-closing, and capable of being securely fastened
- Located as close as feasible to the immediate area where sharps are used or can be reasonably expected to be found.
Some employers use commercially available and prefabricated alternative sharps disposal containers that meet the required specifications. Others use containers they have designed and constructed themselves, as long as they meet the required specifications.
When designing and constructing alternative sharps disposal containers, employers should consult with workers who will be using the containers to ensure that the containers are ergonomically designed and easy to use. Employers should also consult with a qualified industrial designer, engineer, or expert to ensure that the containers meet the required specifications.
For more information on alternative sharps disposal containers, see OSHA's publication "Worker Protection Against Bloodborne Pathogens in Health Care Settings: Containers for Used Sharps."
How Pureway Helps Healthcare Facilities With Sharp Container Disposal?
As a healthcare provider, you are responsible for ensuring the safety of your patients and staff. This includes proper disposal of sharps containers. PureWay can help you with this critical task.
PureWay is a medical waste disposal company that specializes in quick container disposal. We can pick up your full containers and dispose of them properly. We also offer a container exchange program so you can always have clean, empty containers on hand.
Using PureWay for your sharp container disposal is the safest and most convenient option. In addition, we are licensed and insured, so you can be confident that your waste will be disposed of properly. We also offer competitive rates and flexible scheduling.
If you are looking for a reliable and affordable “Sharps container disposal near me”, contact PureWay today. We would be happy to answer any of your questions.
Conclusion
Proper disposal of sharps containers is essential for the safety of your patients and staff. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully to ensure the safe removal of your sharps container. PureWay can help you with this critical task. We offer container pick-up, exchange, and disposal services. In addition, we are licensed and insured, so you can be confident that your waste will be disposed of properly. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
