Sharps Waste Definition

By Dawson Argo | August 25, 2021 | 3 minute read

What exactly is the definition of ‘sharps waste’? It’s not as complicated as it sounds! This blog is here to explain it in simple terms: what it includes, why it’s important, and how to handle it. Join us as we uncover the basics of sharps waste and why it matters for a healthier world.

What is Sharps Waste?

Sharps are items that can prick, slice, or penetrate the skin or can puncture waste bags and cardboard boxes, including:

Needles
Pasteur pipettes
Syringes
Scalpels and other blades
Lancets
Autoinjectors
Infusion sets
Capillary tubes
Connection sets
Broken glass and plastic from laboratory settings including slides, slide covers, and more

After use, these sharps become biohazardous waste, in turn becoming sharps waste. You must handle biohazardous waste carefully and dispose of it properly as this waste has the potential to spread infectious agents such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Sharps Containers

Medical Waste Pros helps you safely dispose of your sharps waste

There are specific containers for sharps disposal. These containers are reinforced and necessary for the proper disposal of medical waste. Sharps containers are made from plastic and have an indicator of when the box is full— typically marked with a line.

There are two main types of sharps containers: single-use and reusable sharps containers. Dispose of single-use sharps containers along with the waste. You can use these containers for mail-back programs and ongoing services, depending on how often you need disposal services. Reusable sharps containers are emptied, sterilized, and then returned for reuse.

It is important to verify that you are using an FDA-approved sharps container for proper disposal of sharps waste. These containers are clear for use by healthcare professionals as well as the public.

Proper sharps disposal containers safely store used sharps—pharmacies, medical supply companies, health care providers, and online sources, have proper sharps disposal containers available.

Sharps Disposal

OSHA regulates the sharps disposal process, as well as state and local government. To dispose of contaminated sharps it is necessary to use a trusted service provider.

There are many ways to stay compliant with regulations explained by the FDA including mail-back services, collection sites, and pick-up services. Most commonly the service provider utilizes a process known as autoclaving to sterilize the sharps and decontaminate them.