Medical Waste Recycling Begins at Home

Cutting waste is key to protecting the environment. 

In the case of medical waste, recycling is all the more important–for the health of waste collectors and for the planet. 

One concern for users of injectable medications is the proper disposal of syringes. The best option for disposing of needles is in a Sharps Container. The bright red plastic container is unique in that it is meant for home use, and postage to a medical waste facility is pre-paid. You need only to unscrew the needles from the syringes and place them in the container. Once the Sharps Container is full, you can seal it in the box and drop it off in any mail receptacle. 

While there are other approved ways to dispose of syringes, Sharps Containers are designed to facilitate recycling. Used syringes are usually heated, killing the germs and melting the plastic, which is then disposed of. The remaining metal is also melted, yielding aluminum and trace amounts of silver to be reused over and over again.

Sharps Containers are available at most drug stores as well as online.  When purchasing a Sharps Container, buyers should inquire about to return them.  Pharmacies, doctors’ offices and hospitals are typical drop-off sites–but call ahead, some sites charge a small recycling fee.   

Check with your local disposal to site to see if their medical processor recycles. For more information—or to inquire about other types of medical waste—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency runs a helpful web site which includes resources for the state where you live.