There are a host of things to consider When selecting a company to take care of needle disposal. Most states have their own laws in regards to how needles are supposed to be disposed of. OSHA is also a consideration as it is a regulatory agency with the power to fine anyone who is not in compliance of their procedures. Whether it's a hospital, Airport, Surgery Center, Physician Office, or individual, every entity is held to the same standards when it comes to the disposal of needles. Because needles are considered biohazard waste, there has to be a way to identify it from the rest of the trash. This is why there are companies that specialized specifically in the retrieval and removal of needles. Three of the top include Sharp's sure, Med Pro, and Sharps compliance. These companies provide a complete line of services to support the needs of their customers.
Because needles are considered medical biohazard Waste it is important that needles are collected in proper containers. Each company supplies containers to their customers. The containers are universal, meaning they are recognized by everyone in the medical community as holders of biohazard medical materials.
Companies like Sharps Assure have the capabilities of being able to collect needles from businesses and homes. The process for pickup is very easy, as customers only need to call the company once their needle disposal box is full. The company would then schedule a time to come out and pick up the box, and drop a new one off in the process.
People who live in areas where needle disposal companies do not make regular pickups have a host of options. Companies like Sharps Assure and Med Pro have mail back programs. With the mail back program, the company provides the customer with a box and a needle disposal container. When the customer’s container is full, he or she will close the container, place it in the plastic bag supplied with the needle box, seal it, place it in the cardboard box, and simply mail it off.
When most people think about a medical bio hazardous waste company, they think on a large scale. There are however companies like Sharps assure, which cater two smaller companies, and individuals who don't generate a lot of waste. This company does not require individuals or companies to sign a contract.
Sharp's mailbox systems are completely safe. Mailbox systems have everything you would need to properly package your waste. Each package has been tested to be certain it adheres to the United States Postal Services regulations.
In the hospital or clinic setting, sharps could be skin punches, scalpels, and even suture needles and disposable suture removal kits. In the home, sharps containers could be used for auto injector pen medications, infusion sets, syringes, needles, and lancets.
As with anything else that has the possibility of being a danger, needle boxes should be kept out of the reach of children. It is important to note that the boxes designed to hold soiled needles are puncture resistant, tamper-resistant, leak resistant, fire resistant, and spill resistant.
It is imperative you select a needle box which will accommodate your needs. For instance, if you are only using your box to dispose of insulin needles, you don't need a box as large as one you might find in a physician's office. You don't want to allow dirty needles to remain in your home for extended periods of time because blood borne pathogens can harbor. Companies like Med Pro can help you select the appropriately sized box to take care of your needs.