Makin’ sure we’re gettin’ rid of household needles and sharps the right way is important for
everyone’s health and for keepin’ our community clean. Whether you’re dealin’ with diabetes,
givin’ yourself medicine at home, or takin’ care of other medical needs, learnin’ how to handle
these things safely can keep your family, sanitation workers, and neighbors safe.
Sharp County doesn’t have its own spot for droppin’ off sharps or medical waste. But—during
Drug Take Back events, the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office will take sharps if you’ve got ‘em
sealed up in a good, puncture-proof container. The sheriff’s office says this is a great way to get
rid of sharps safely. Sometimes, your own healthcare provider can help taken them off your
hands.
If you’re lookin’ to dispose of sharps the right way, here’s what you need to do, followin’
Arkansas’ rules for medical waste:
1. Collectin’ Your Sharps
Start by usin’ somethin’ tough, like an empty liquid laundry detergent bottle. It needs to be thick,
puncture-proof, and have a good tight lid. Once it’s about two-thirds full, you’re ready to move
on to the next step.
2. Disinfectin’ Your Sharps
Make a cleanin’ solution by mixin’ one part hypochlorite bleach with ten parts water. Pour it into
the container so the sharps are completely covered. Let ‘em soak for at least 10 minutes. When
that’s done, carefully pour the extra liquid down the sink or toilet—just make sure it’s all drained
out proper.
3. Tossin’ Out the Sharps
Once they’re disinfected, seal that container up tight and double-bag it with regular plastic
garbage bags. Then you can toss it out with your regular household trash. Just steer clear of
usin’ those red biohazard bags—those aren’t meant for regular garbage pick-up.
A Few Safety Reminders:
Always keep your sharps containers up and outta reach of kids and pets.
Don’t go reusin’ your sharps containers for anything else.
And don’t try to recycle ‘em, even if they’re made of plastic.
If you’ve got more questions, you can give Andrew Haner, the Arkansas Department of Health’s
Medical Waste Coordinator, a call at (501) 661-2621 or online at https://healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Household_Sharps_Disposal.pdf.
By takin’ the time to handle and toss out needles and sharps the right way, you’re helpin’ keep
Sharp County safe and clean. Let’s all pitch in to protect our families and neighbors!
