• May infect other people who come in contact with trash.
• Unwanted or expired medicines or pharmaceuticals could be harmful to children or adults.
• Antibiotics poured down the drain can kill beneficial microbes and bacteria in septic systems and may adversely affect fish and other marine organisms.

 
Handling

• Keep sharp objects such as needles, syringes, and lancelets in secure containers out of the reach of children. Do not use glass.

 
Management Options

• By law, once a prescription has been issued, the pharmacy cannot take it back.
• Wrap well and place in the trash.
• Individuals who have received cancer treatment drugs or radioactive medicines should follow specific instructions issued by the hospital on disposal of radioactive waste materials.
• Place disposable sheets, medical gloves, and soiled bandages in plastic bags and securely close before you put them in the trash.
• For disposal of medical sharps such as needles, syringes, and lancets, see Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations and guidelines, and check to see if the health department in your community maintains a collection site.
• If no sharps collection program is available, purchase a postage paid mail back container to have your sharps disposed through a medical waste incinerator. The three companies below that have mail-back programs for sharps. All three provide a variety of container sizes with prepaid mailing cartons. When the container is full, it can be placed in its carton and mailed directly to their designated facility for incineration.

Sharps Disposal Companies