Related tags

free counters

56. How do I dispose of needles and syringes?

Put used needles and syringes in a “sharps” container or a puncture-resistant plastic bottle. Bleach or laundry detergent bottles are good choices.

Close the screw-on top tightly. You may want to tape it as well. Label the bottle: “Contains Sharps.”

Do not put sharps in soda cans, milk cartons, glass bottles, or any container that is not puncture resistant. Coffee cans are not recommended because the lids come off too easily.

To dispose of your sharps container:

• In New York State, all hospitals and nursing homes must have a place and time that they accept household sharps (including needles, syringes, and lancets) for disposal. You can also call (518) 473-7542 to get a directory of sharps disposal sites.

• In several regions in New York State, sharps may be disposed of in collection kiosks located in pharmacies and health care clinics. Call (518) 473-7542 to find out where these sites are located.

• Ask your pharmacist about the best methods and locations for safely disposing of used sharps. He or she may be able to accept used sharps for safe disposal or tell you about other convenient sites for safe disposal. You may also be able to purchase personal sharps disposal containers at your pharmacy.

• In many areas, including New York City, it is legal to put your sealed sharps container in the trash. Call your local sanitation department to find out if this is allowed in your community. Do not put sharps containers in with recycled household items.

New HIV/AIDS drug treatments have lowered the number of AIDS-related deaths in the United States.

If you are HIV positive and pregnant, there are medicines you can take that can greatly decrease the chances of your baby having HIV.