Sharps Containers and How to Use Them

Sharps containers are plastic buckets used to contain and dispose of used sharps in a safe manner. Sharps in a medical sense being anything with sharp edges that can pierce the skin and pose a health risk. This includes used needles, scalpel blades and glass ampoules.

There are a variety of different shapes and sizes of sharps containers. The bigger ones can sit directly on the floor, while smaller ones sit conveniently on shelves and trolleys. The right one will depend on your type of facility and the waste it generates. These containers are made of a special plastic that is resistant to puncture and have tightly fitting lids. They’re a standardized red color in the U.S. but are yellow in many other countries. Sharps containers:

• Should be correctly colored
• Must have a tightly fitting lid
• Must be appropriately labelled
• Need to be strongly constructed so as not to open or puncture during transport and storage
• Positioned in such a way that it’s easy to insert the used sharps without risk of injury
• Before removal must be securely closed to prevent spillage and accidents

  

It’s legally mandatory that all medical facilities dispose of their waste in such containers. Facilities such as hospitals, doctors’ practices, assisted living facilities and healthcare clinics are required to use them.

Ask us for a free quotation. Perhaps your healthcare facility could save on the cost of sharps containers and disposal. Our highly trained medical waste disposal team can help you choose the correct sharps containers to ensure maximum safety and efficiency.