Any item that can cut, pierce, or otherwise harm human flesh is considered “sharps” trash, a type of hazardous waste. These items require cautious and secure handling at all times.
About 16 billion injections are given each year, both in and outside of hospitals. A substantial number of needles and syringes, however, are not disposed of properly and constitute a risk to the public.
Needles, syringes, lancets, auto-injectors, infusion sets, and connector needle/sets are all types of sharps that are included in Safe Needle Disposal. Needles are only one type of Sharps, despite popular belief. Needles, blades, and anything else attached to them are all classified Sharps waste and must be disposed of in a safe manner.
Infectious illnesses and blood-borne pathogens can be transmitted via Sharps materials, making them potentially hazardous. Diseases such as Hepatitis B and C as well as HIV have been linked to the use of Sharps materials, although this list is not exhaustive. Needles and blades pose a risk to anybody who uses them, but individuals in the healthcare field bear a disproportionate share of it. Incorrect needle disposal associated with drug use also poses a threat to the broader population.
