Diabetes and insulin therapy require the frequent use of medical supplies such as sharp needles, plastic syringes, injection pens and ampoules.
In Germany alone, it is estimated that over 1.2 billion insulin pens, needles and syringes are thrown away every year. In addition to the undeniable impact on the environment, improper disposal of diabetic supplies can lead to injuries and contamination.
Therefore, people with diabetes should be especially careful when disposing of used needles and medical supplies. So let's focus on safe disposal methods to reduce the impact of diabetic supplies on the environment and public health.
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How do you dispose of insulin needles?
Insulin pen needles and insulin syringes are disposable products and intended for single use only. They are referred to as "sharps ". Sharps are medical objects with sharp points or edges, such as needles, syringes, lancets, infusion sets, or catheters, that can pierce or cut the skin and transmit infection or disease.
Therefore, like all sharps, insulin needles should not be thrown in the normal garbage or recycling bin . They can pose a serious health risk to cleaners, waste disposal workers, children, pets and others who may come into contact with them. In addition, improperly disposed of sharps can end up in landfills or other public places, causing environmental pollution .
Therefore, it is important to know where and how to dispose of diabetic needles. In Germany, insulin needles must be disposed of in a sharps container .
Sharps container for insulin needles and syringes
Sharps containers are specifically designed to safely store sharps, such as insulin syringes, until they can be properly disposed of. Many healthcare providers, pharmacies and medical supply stores offer approved sharps containers.
After each insulin pen injection, replace the outer needle cap on the needle to safely unscrew it from the pen. Do not replace the inner needle cap as this may increase the risk of a needlestick injury. Then immediately place the used needle in the sharps container.
When the sharps container is full, close it tightly with its lid and dispose of it according to local regulations. Depending on where you live, local authorities may require that you take the container to a specific facility, such as a local household hazardous waste collection point, a
Pharmacy, healthcare provider, or return program. Check with your local health department, waste management facility, or pharmacy.
If you do not have a container for sharp objects
There are safe and responsible ways to dispose of used insulin needles and syringes. Here are some options:
- Use a sturdy plastic container with a screw-on lid , such as a detergent or bleach bottle. When the container is full, seal it tightly with its lid, clearly mark it as a hazardous waste container, and dispose of it according to local regulations (see above).
- Alternatively, you can use a metal or glass container with a tightly closing lid, such as a coffee can or a glass
- Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacy . They can provide you with a sharps container or offer a take-back program for used insulin needles and syringes.
How do you dispose of insulin pens?
How you dispose of your used or empty insulin pens depends on the type of injection pen you have.
- Disposable insulin pens such as the FlexPen , Lantus SoloStar , KwikPen and others can be thrown away in your household waste when they are broken, empty or past their expiration date. However, remove the needle and dispose of it separately in a sharps container.
- Reusable insulin pens such as the NovoPen or ClickStar pen injector should not be disposed of in household waste. Instead, consult the manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning and disinfection procedures and existing take-back programs.
- Smart insulin pens such as the Medtronic InPen , the NovoPen 6 or the NovoPen Echo are electronic devices that cannot be thrown into household waste. Contact the manufacturer if your pen stops working.
How do you dispose of insulin vials?
Empty, old or expired insulin ampoules must be disposed of immediately to avoid confusion with the good ampoules. Disposal of insulin ampoules, pens and cartridges may vary depending on local legislation.
In most cases , insulin vials can be disposed of in household waste . Unfortunately, these items cannot be recycled and there is generally no take-back program for insulin because it is very fragile and has strict storage requirements.
How should insulin pumps be disposed of?
Insulin pump accessories such as infusion sets, reservoirs and cannulas should also be disposed of properly to avoid injury and contamination.
- Infusion sets should be separated from your body and insulin pump and disposed of in a sharps container like insulin needles and syringes (see above).
- Containers and cannulas can be thrown into household waste after they have been separated from the pump.
- Insulin pumps: When you no longer use your insulin pump, it should be properly disposed of according to the manufacturer's instructions. Check with the manufacturer or your healthcare provider for specific disposal instructions.
Remember that proper disposal of diabetic supplies is important and will help prevent injury and contamination to yourself, your family and friends, co-workers and the environment.
If you are unsure about how to dispose of your insulin needles, pens, vials or syringes, do not hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. You can also leave a comment below; we are happy to help!
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