Disposal of Home-Generated Biomedical Waste
- DO NOT DISPOSE OF HYPODERMIC NEEDLES, LANCETS OR OTHER BLOOD CONTAMINATED SHARPS ITEMS IN THE TRASH.
- They can puncture solid waste containers and place workers along collection routes, and at the landfill, at risk of injury and/or disease.
- They clog sewers and septic tanks.
- They threaten public safety
Sharps Disposal
To minimize risks from improper disposal of home-generated biomedical waste, e.g., syringes, diagnostic lancets, etc. Hendry County has implemented a Sharps Disposal Program at our Health Department sites. For a nominal fee (currently $2.00) you may purchase a hard plastic Sharps Disposal Container for your home use. Once it is 3/4 full, return it to the Health Department for Disposal, and purchase a new one.
If this option is not available to you, place your needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharp objects into a hard-plastic or metal container with a screw-on top or other tightly securable lid (e.g., an empty paint can or liquid-detergent container). Before discarding, reinforce the top with heavy-duty tape. Do not put sharp objects in any container you plan to recycle. Do not use clear-plastic or glass containers. Containers should be no more than 3/4 full. Have someone bring this to the Health Department for proper disposal.
