Posts Tagged ‘unwanted’
Disposing of Household Sharps
Last week, I told you the best way to dispose of unwanted or expired medication. This week, I’d like to give you information on the best way to dispose of Household Sharps.
Sharps, Inc. explains, “Sharps is the term used to describe any item that is capable of puncturing the skin such as syringes, needles, lancets, broken glass with blood on it, scalpels, etc. Because these ‘sharps’ potentially have disease-carrying blood or other potentially infectious materials on them, they are capable of ‘injecting’ that blood or fluid into anyone who comes in contact with them.”
Disposing of Old Medications
What is the proper way to dispose of unwanted or expired medications, either prescription or over the counter?
Although common wisdom has been to flush them down the toilet, it is now considered hazardous to our oceans and to ocean wildlife to do so.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is now advising that we dispose of them along with the rest of our household trash, but taking these precautions to prevent avoid accidental or intentional misuse:
• Mix your unwanted medications — liquids and pills – in a sealable bag, box, or plastic tub.
• Add water to further dilute or dissolve them.
• Add an undesirable substance such as ashes, dirt, cat litter, or coffee grounds.