3 Tips For Safely Disposing Of Diabetes Supplies

If you have diabetes, just the job of taking care of your disease on a day-to-day basis can be enough to think about, and you might not want to have to think about properly disposing of your diabetes supplies, too. However, it is important for your own safety and the safety of others to carefully dispose of used needles and supplies that have come in contact with your blood. Luckily, following these tips can quickly become second nature and can make it easy for you to dispose of your diabetes supplies.

1. Use a Sealed Container for Disposables

First of all, you will not want to toss used needles, lancets and other hazardous materials into the trash can, even if you live alone. You or someone else could accidentally be pricked by a needle, for example, and you have to worry about someone else potentially coming in contact with bloody supplies and possibly contracting an infection. Instead, use a sealed container for disposables, and make sure that the container is thick enough that you don't have to worry about a needle going through it. For example, you can purchase a thick plastic container from a medical supply store that is designed for this purpose, or you can use a heavy plastic storage and organization container as a makeshift disposal container.

2. Make Sure Used Supplies are Properly Labeled

Even if you know which container you use for disposing of used supplies, there is a chance that someone else who might enter your home might not. This is why it is important to ensure that you label your disposal container properly. Attaching a small note that says something along the lines of "Hazardous Waste. Do Not Touch." or "Used Diabetes Testing Supplies. Avoid Contact." can be enough to warn someone of the danger of handling these supplies. Also, make sure that you keep your container out of reach of children who might live in or visit your home.

3. Look for Hazardous Waste Disposal Services

You will not want to simply dispose of your diabetes testing supplies in the regular garbage. Instead, look for a hazardous waste management service near you. There might be a drop-off location at your local recycling facility, or you may be able to drop your used supplies off at your doctor's office or pharmacy.

As you can see, there are a few safety tips that you should follow when disposing of your diabetes testing supplies. Follow these tips, and you should be able to get rid of these items safely without putting yourself or others at unnecessary risk.

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