Needle Disposal

Used needles can contain very small amounts of blood, which in turn, may carry viruses that cause serious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Since we do not always know whose blood contains these viruses, the safest approach is to treat all blood as though it contains viruses. Children should be warned NEVER to touch needles.

Safe needle disposal:

• Only adults should handle and dispose of needles.
• Take a container made of strong plastic or metal to the needle site (e.g., empty Javex bottles or used coffee tins).
• Place container on a flat surface.
• If possible, use tweezers, pliers or wear gloves to pick up the needle.
• Pick up needle, pointing the tip away from your body.
• Do not hold the container in your hand when putting a needle into it.
• Drop the needle in the container and tighten the lid securely.
• Throw out the container with general garbage pick-up.