Need help with info on Needle Disposal Containers & options of sites

[rw27914433]

 Hello,

I need some information on how I can obtain a cheap or free disposal container to put my Flex-pens, needles, dexcom waste into and also how to turn them in to a facility or have someone pick them up at my home.  I don't want to continue putting them in my household trash.  I've went down the rabbit hole of google and even checked the FDA site and I can't find what I'm needing.  Does anyone have info on any discounts or someone that I could reach out to?  I live in WV, I'm 60 y/o and on a Marketplace insurance for now.  I have an extremely limited income and do not drive.  I want to do the right thing, of disposing of these correctly but can't figure out a good way to get it done.  Thanks, in advance for your assistance and have a ~Blessed Day.~

[SereneSeagull]

Hi, Gail gave you a great post of information.  I was coming here to say I believe some CVS and Walgreens stores accept them as well. Check her post though, lots of helpful info in that from what I just read.

[GailL1]

@SereneSeagull 

Yes, I know some CVS locations do accept them for disposal as long as they are packaged to their specification but they don’t pick up 

[SereneSeagull]

Yeah, 

no they won’t pick up.  So someone would need to drive the person or drop sharps off for them since they don’t drive.  

[GailL1]

The FDA does give some suggestions - 

FDA.gov - Best Way to Get Rid of Used Needles and Other Sharps 

It gives suggestions on perhaps some close by places where they can be dropped off or your can mail them to a specific location or your local sanitation service may offer some program for pick up but probably for a fee.

They give this contact info

For more information specific to your state, call Safe Needle Disposal at 1-800-643-1643 or e-mail info@safeneedledisposal.org. Information they can provide for your state includes:

• types of sharps containers that can be used,
• disposal programs in your area,
• how to label your sharps disposal containers,
• how to secure the lid of your sharps disposal container, and
• whether sharps disposal containers can be thrown away in the common trash.

And Waste Management offers more contacts and info

WasteManagement.com - How do I handle medical waste (sharps) disposal 

What resources are available for more information?

For more information on proper sharps disposal, visit SafeNeedleDisposal.org, which offers detailed guidance on this topic. You can also explore the Environmental Protection Agency's website by searching for "safe needle disposal," or visit the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s website and search for "sharps."

You can make your own safe container 

Then there is this locator - recommended by Mayo C;l

SafeNeedleDisposal.org - We are the leading information resource for home-generated medical sharps d... 

Sometimes the specific med may have it’s own mail back program

Safe needle disposal.org- Mail-Back & Container Programs 

If the cost of a specialized container is too much - you can make your own.

Making Your Own Sharpe Disposal Container 

You maybe able to just throw the proper container away in the middle of your household garbage by marking it as - SHARPS - DO NOT RECYCLE.”

The rules differ state to state but they all want them in an approved disposal container - either one that is built for this purpose OR you have created an approved type container.