[lewsterr]

I just started using Byetta, and was wondering how important it is to get a Sharps Container for the needles (pen type). As for the lancets, I've been disposing of those in the regular trash.

Does everyone out there use Sharps Containers for their lancets and/or needles? I wouldn't mind using one if I had to, but having to purchase it is out of the question. I was under the impression that the pharmacies have a program where they give them out and collect them, but they tell me otherwise. Is there a free exchange program somewhere (even on the web)?

[blacklightmike]

No answers for you, Lewster, but I do commiserate with you. I just started taking insulin, and you really are on your own as to what to do with the needles and Byetta tips. I've resorted to making my own sharps bottle for work, but am still investigating what to do with it once it's full.

[Stuboy]

it's about hygene and disposing of your needles properly. They should be incinerated(sp).

I use one and if you get a big one it will last you at least a year! I've been diabetic for or 8months now? on MDI and i've only filled up two 1ltr bins...

[Gangrel]

In my city, it's the law to dispose of sharps in a sharps container. If they ever found a needle in my garbage, I can be fined........

My pharmacy gives me free ones, as long as you have prescriptions there. I fill it, and then take it back.

Like Stuboy says, it takes forever to fill out the big ones......

[kel4han]

Its a pain, but you can take sharps to your local fire dept for drop off.

[KritterMom]

I use an old bleach bottle for mine. I suppose I could get in trouble for throwing them away in my trash bin, but thats how I do it. Anything with a needle goes in the bleach bottle.

[jen_slc]

Originally Posted by KritterMom

I use an old bleach bottle for mine. I suppose I could get in trouble for throwing them away in my trash bin, but thats how I do it. Anything with a needle goes in the bleach bottle.

It depends.

Regulations for sharps in the trash vary by country, region, state, county and sometimes even city, so I encourage EVERYONE to contact your local public health agency's environmental/sanitation division for what applies to you. In some places they have to be in sharps containers, sealed with duct tape and dropped off at certain areas or incinerated; in other areas it's perfectly fine to collect them in soda or bleach bottles, screw the cap on and chuck it in the regular trash.

Checking your local regulations is best because there is NOT a blanket answer to a blanket question about sharps disposal in this world. But even if your local area allows the soda/bleach bottle disposal method, please try to remember the sanitarians who collect your garbage... it's not particularly nice to come across a plastic soda/bleach bottle full of used needles that is starting to split open.

[ProudNanaof5]

I tried to find out where to dispose of my needles. I called the hospital and they told me to call the code office, they told me to call the trash company, they told me to call the hospital...duh........... So I put them in a bleach bottle and throw the suckers in the trash. I TRIED to find out and it was a vicious circle. I take atleast 8 shots a day..but I just use 3 different needles. I change needles once a day. So I do fill one bleach bottle quite often.

[clee]

Like Kittermom, I, too, use an empty Colrox bottle. they are wonderful and take for ever to fill up. For disposal, I simply put it into the garbage bag on trash day, tie it up and it is hauled off.

clee

[JungleJim]

I use the bottles that liquid laundry detergent comes in, it seems they are a little thicker than bleach bottles. I was told to mark the bottle as "sharps" with a magic marker when I put them in the trash.

[JasonJayhawk]

Originally Posted by lewsterr

Does everyone out there use Sharps Containers for their lancets and/or needles? I wouldn't mind using one if I had to, but having to purchase it is out of the question.

Check here in the "Freebies for You and Me" thread, but you'll have to say you use a certain medication to get it from the drug company.
"Diabetes Freebies for You and Me!" Thread

Personally, I use an old plastic orange juice jug or some other thick sort of plastic beverage container.

[parrotletzoo]

The county I live in has a sharps exchange, you bring in a filled sharps container, they dispose of it and give you a free replacement. Call your county health department and see if they know of any similar type programs. The sharps container in the freebies thread is large and will last a long long time with just byetta needles. Plus. if you buy one at the pharmacy they're only like three dollars. not much money to ensure no one gets stabbed with a stray needle, cause really who wants to get poked by something thats been in the trash? nasty.

[HollyB]

I asked at the local pharmacy and they said that here, anyway, sharps need to go to the hazardous waste site. You can store them in labeled, taped-closed plastic containers but I prefer clear ones like big juice jugs because it's obvious then what they are. When we have a bunch stored up, we drive them in.

[lewsterr]

I checked on my county website, and found where it addresses this. This is directly from the site:

There are two paths to pursue -- using your own containers, and using special "sharps" containers.

One disposal method is to place the used syringes into a rigid container, such as a plastic bottle or a milk carton. Then, tape the container securely shut, and tuck it into the middle of your household trash.

Some of you mentioned the bleach bottle, and I think that's an excellent idea. I can now scratch this off my sheet of things to worry about.

THANKS!!!

[HelenM]

I'm glad that you've got your answer. I didn't reply before since regulations are different in each country.
They've changed here recently and I now have to take sealed sharps containers to the dechetterie( municipal rubbish dump?) and not to the pharmacy as before. I was given a leaflet that says that not only needles and lancets but also testing strips are biohazards and have to go into the container to be incinerated. Its unclear but the leaflet seems to imply that this is a new EU regulation not just French.