How to Dispose of IVF Needles

By Kylie Daugharty | August 20, 2024 | 4 minute read

Infertility rates are on the rise, leading to an increase in fertility treatments. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common medical treatment that helps women achieve pregnancy. In 2021, over 86,000 infants were conceived in the United States using IVF or a similar assisted reproductive technology.

The IVF process involves daily injectable medications for weeks or months at a time. Women participating in IVF will likely have a large inventory of syringes and IVF needles on hand. It is common to have a collection of used needles, as well as an excess supply of unused medication. Safe disposal of used and unused sharps is critical in preserving the safety of your home and community.

Sharps pose a risk of injury and infection for anyone who may come in contact with them. Safe handling, collection, and disposal will prevent needlestick injuries. Below, we will discuss several options for responsible IVF needle disposal.

IVF Needle Disposal

Safely dispose of your IVF needles with Medical Waste PRos

Doctors prescribe IVF medications in various ways depending on the age and diagnosis of the patient. Typically, you will need to inject the medications daily for a period ranging from 8 days to several weeks. Some patients may require two or more daily injections.

Shots can be self-injected or administered by a friend or family member. Regardless of who is administering the medication, all needles should be immediately placed in a sharps disposal container after use. Immediate collection of the needles greatly reduces the risk of accidental needlesticks, cuts, and punctures.

A sharps disposal container is made of durable, leak-proof plastic with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid. The container should have a label to warn of hazardous waste inside. Once the container is three-quarters of the way full, it is ready for disposal. In addition, you should store your sharps containers upright and away from children and animals. Do not trash or flush used needles.

Drop off Locations

After safely collecting your needles, you will need a find a convenient and secure disposal option. Sharps drop-off locations make IVF needle disposal quick and accessible. Use our directory to find a location near you. Drop off your sharps containers at your convenience, anytime during operating hours.

Some locations are free and others may charge a small fee. All of our locations comply with federal waste laws and OSHA regulations. Our services protect community health initiatives and promote environmental stewardship.

Sharps Mailback Services

Mailback programs allow you to package and mail your IVF needles for disposal. You will be provided with the appropriate packing materials including disposal containers, bag liners, and USPS-approved return boxes. Follow the directions to properly seal and package your sharps containers. Then, drop the boxes at any postal service location or schedule pick up from your home.

When the mail-back kit reaches one of our medical waste treatment facilities, they will treat the needles properly using sterilization, autoclaving, or another safe method to destroy and mitigate any potential health or environmental risks.

Mail-back programs adhere to all regulatory standards and are an excellent cost-effective solution for residential IVF needle disposal.

Unused IVF Needles

Safely dispose of any unused IVF sharps with Medical Waste Pros

You can dispose of unused IVF needles with used needles, but you may also have other options. Some pharmacies accept unused supplies as returns. Contact the pharmacy where the needles were purchased for details. Some pharmacies charge a restocking fee and may require specific shipping procedures.

Another option for unused needles is a local donation program. Needle exchange and syringe services programs exist in some areas to limit the transmission of hepatitis and HIV/AIDS by providing clean needles. Other programs provide medical supplies to developing countries or those in need. All of these programs provide a much-needed service while reducing unnecessary medical waste.

Safely Dispose of IVF Needles with Medical Waste Pros

IVF treatments can take a toll physically and mentally. Take IVF needle disposal off your list of worries with Medical Waste Pros. Our medical waste experts provide safe and responsible sharps disposal services across the country. Give us a call at (888) 755-6370 or fill out the form to find services near you. We will instantly match you with providers in your area and send you free, personalized price quotes based on your needs.