Sharps: How do I get rid of my needles at home?

Keywords: Needles, at home medication administration, Syringe disposal

When I self-administer ANY injection at home, how am I supposed to get rid of of the used needle? Do I re-cap the needle so no one else gets poked? Should I wipe the needle off with alcohol to clean it and use it again?

This article is going to help you better understand the safest practice for get rid of your used syringes after they are used

Also, to set the record straight - NEVER re-use your needle and NEVER attempt to wipe the needle itself for any reason! Instead, if you feel the needle is dirty, dispose of it appropriately and seek a CLEAN syringe to administer your dose according to your provider's instructions

#1 -Do NOT re-cap your needle

First things first: NEVER re-cap your needle!

Sometimes called "live" needle or "hot" needle - this is an uncapped needle that could potential stick someone whether on purpose or by accident. Once the needle is "live" or "hot" you want to minimize how much you are fooling with it from a sterile as well as safety standpoint.

Attempting to re-cap the needle of a syringe can risk the chances of an unwanted needle stick that can increase chances of infection. Accidentally scraping or stabbing your own hand (even if the person being injected was yourself), opens up a new area of the skin to infection by breaking that barrier.

Note: Some syringes and needles are fashioned with safety mechanisms to slide over the needle after injection. It is safe to use those mechanisms IF they are in place prior to injection.

#2 - Time to make a "Sharps" container! 

Yes, you can buy a sharps container from a local pharmacy without a prescription. But if you want to save a trip to the store plus $5-10... Do these simple steps to make your own sharps container at home:

Get a thicker, hard plastic container.

Not something flimsy like cardboard or a disposable water bottle. Something like a milk jug, bleach bottle, laundry pod container…

When selecting your container, make sure it has a tight fitting lid!

#3 - Label the container

Once you’ve gotten your empty container. Label it! At our house it says “Sharps! Used needles” but anything to define in it so another person can know they shouldn’t stick their hand inside. To label it you can tape a piece of paper to the outside or write with a permanent marker on a piece of duct tape. Whatever you have at home already will work! 

#4 - Storing the container

Make sure it is placed up away from small children with the lid secure and the label visible to others. After your injection, throw the entire syringe and needle into your sharps container. DO NOT try to clip the needle off. Then place the lid back on it until your next injection.

#5 - The container is full, what now?

After your sharps container is about 2/3 filled, place the lid securely on top of the container ensuring it does not become loose. Then throw it away in the regular trash container. 

Safe disposal of of syringes at home protects you and your community!

***This above steps are the appropriate disposal technique allowed within the state of Louisiana*** 

If you reside in another state, you should look up your specific state laws regarding disposal of needles/sharps