Needles, syringes, and other sharps are a blessing for those with special medical needs. Improper disposal of these items, however, can be a menace to others. Family members, trash collectors, neighbors, housekeepers or even pets could innocently be jabbed by an improperly trashed needle. The result could be the infection of an innocent person with hepatitis, HIV, or some other disease requiring a prolonged medical battle. All this can be avoided. Hospitals, nursing homes, and health clinics offer free drop off services.

The second option is the trash. Whether you take them to one of these health facilities or put them in the trash there are several hard and fast rules about the safe disposal of needles and other sharps. First, place them in a heavy plastic container such as a laundry detergent bottle or biohazard sharps containers, then label them as containing sharps, tape the tops of the bottle and only then should you place them in your trash bag or trash can. Never place containers of sharps in the blue bin! By observing these simple rules, you are looking out for the safety of others.