As health self-care options become readily available, more and more individuals are beginning to administer syringe based injections using what folks in the industry call “sharps” - needles of various gauges and sizes to draw medications and administer them.

According to at least one count, there are 9 million syringe users in the United States. Another estimate concludes that these 9 million syringe users administer at least 3 billion injections in one year. 1 Many self-injectors are unaware of safe disposal methods that are available, or the dangers to pets, waste workers, and children posed by improper disposal.

First, here are a few “Needle Nevers” to consider.

• NEVER place lose needles or other sharps in the
  household or public trash cans or recycling bins.
• NEVER flush them down the toilet.
• NEVER remove a needle from the syringe by hand.

Here’s how to safely dispose of sharps.
Package them properly by:

• Using a side mouth heavy plastic container with a tight lid
  (such as a detergent or fabric softener container).
• Close the container and seal with masking or heavy
  adhesive tape.

If properly contained, sharps can be placed in the regular trash. Better yet, you can dispose of them securely through the county’s drop-off program. Questions? Call Miami County Solid Waste Engineering at 937-440- 5653.