Disposing of Lancets?

[DeafDiabetic]

As a relevant "newcomer" to diabetes can anybody here please advise me of best and safest way of disposing of lancets after they've been used?

Thanks

 

[stabatha]

hi , I just stick mine in my sharps bin

 

[noblehead]

DD,

First port of call would be to ask your gp practice, take a look at the following which I hope is helpful:

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2421.aspx

Nigel

 

[totsy]

sharps bin here too

 

[Hobs]

Always the sharps bin together with the used test-strips and morning pen needle.

 

[hanadr]

Put the little "Stub" back on and then the sharps bin.
Hana

 

[cugila]

The Sharp's bin every time !

 

[Dippy3103]

I am very very bad.. I change my lancet about once a week and put the tab bit over the needle then wrap the thing up and put it in the dustbin.

 

[cugila]

I am very very bad.. I change my lancet about once a week and put the tab bit over the needle then wrap the thing up and put it in the dustbin.

Now that is baaad ! Mind you, you are in good company - there are many who do what you do. Trouble is all that usually ends up in landfill and is not incinerated like it should be. Once there it is exposed to all and sundry who find their way about the sites. It also exposes refuse operatives to risks such as 'needle stick' injuries ! That's one of the reasons why the disposal of such things is regulated.

Promise me you will try harder !

Ken

 

[Janemm]

I always use my sharps bin. [When On holiday I take a small jar and transfer the contents to my sharps bin on my return home] When My bin is full I take it to the surgery to have it repleaced.
take care

 

[Dippy3103]

I don't have a sharps bin. I do usually shove said lancet in something when wrapped! Afraid test strips just go in the bin as they are on the basis that they are not sharp!
I have located an old coffee jar which I will put said lancet in... Will take ne ages to fill it and will ponder on what to do with the thing when full.

 

[Hobs]

I have located an old coffee jar which I will put said lancet in... Will take ne ages to fill it and will ponder on what to do with the thing when full.

Have you enquired about your local council's clinical waste policy? I rang mine and they delivered a sharps bin which they will collect and replace when full by me calling the same number

 

[Dippy3103]

Thanks, will give them a ring.
What about used test strips, should they be treated as clinical waste or are they ok in the bin?

 

[Dollyrocker]

Anything with blood on it should be disposed of as clinical waste

 

[jopar]

If you've got a sharps bin then in the bin

If you haven't then you need to ensure that it doesn't become a prick hazard..

A empty test strip cansister are useful, but any closeable container will do, just ensure that it's not going to flip open or break easily when in the bin if it's likely then packing tape comes in very handy..

I'm lucky has I've got the multi-click finger pricker, so all contained in a drum that can be dumped in the bin..

 

[cugila]

To the OP - this link gives an insight into the safe disposal of items used by Diabetic's. It is from just one local health Authority and is one of hundreds advising people to dispose of the items safely. You could also check out what DUK has to say on the subject - their advice is the same as ours.

Now all we can do is give out to members what is the correct and advised method of disposal. 'dumping' them in a household bin isn't an option, as the article states - technically it is illegal. As a responsible Diabetic we should always strive to do the best practice. I suppose it all depends on how motivated you are to protect the environment and above all our fellow citizens. I think this is an area where personal choice shouldn't really come into it. Do what you know is the right thing.

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/s ... ent=ms-rim

Whatever you do - it is your choice and your responsibility.

 

[Dollyrocker]

When I was diagnosed 16 years ago I was told to put needles in their plastic covers on a plastic bottle and when full to tape it up securely and put in the normal bin :shock: I only got a sharps bin about 5 years ago and I had to ask for it. It took me about a month to get the full one collected a d replaced too as they'd given me the wrong one and I had to decant that one into the correct one :roll:

Speak to your local council/health authority but don't expect them yo be helpful!

 

[Dippy3103]

I suppose I could do better. I thought in putting the cap back on I was doing my best but I could do more. Point taken.

 

[Snodger]

don't feel bad Dippy, I bet there are lots out there who just aren't posting coz they know they chuck their sharps in the dustbin and don't want to get told off on the forum.

(like me. ahem).

 

[jaykay]

Good topic OP! I didn't know what to do with mine, so I put them in a clear bottle with a screw top ( old water bottle or something like) and...... erm....bin them