Safe Sharps Disposal in Michigan: Legal Requirements & Guidelines

Sharps, including lancets, needles and syringes, are used for home health care to test blood and administer medications. If not properly contained and disposed of, sharps can injure waste haulers, transmit infectious diseases and contaminate the environment. Under Michigan law, MCL 324.8905, it is illegal to improperly dispose of sharps.

Instructions

• 1

  Place used sharps in a sealed, shatter-resistant container or a designated sharps container to await disposal. Keep used sharps out of reach of children and pets.

• 2

  Find a U.S. Postal Service-approved sharps disposal mail-back service. These services provide a sealable container in which to mail your used sharps. The service will then destroy them. Contact your county health department or visit safeneedledisposal.org/ to find a service.

• 3

  Take your sharps to a pharmacy, dentist, doctor, veterinarian, clinic or hospital to have your sharps destroyed with their supply. Contact the office before bringing your sharps, as not all practices will accept used sharps.

• 4

  Contact your local health department to find out about medical waste return programs in your area.

• 5

  Return your sharps through a medical waste or household hazardous waste service.

• 6

  Destroy sharps at home, using a product that burns, melts or removes the needle, making it safe to dispose of the remaining device in the trash. Check safeneedledisposal.org for a list of these products.