Various State laws requires that sharps (needles, syringes and lancets) used in the home be properly discarded to reduce the risk of infection and disease to family members, sanitation workers, and others who might accidentally be stuck by them.The medical term for devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin is SHARPS. Used to manage the medical conditions of people or their pets, SHARPS are used at home, at work, and while traveling. Medical conditions include but are not limited to diabetes, allergies, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, arthritis, cancer, infertility, migraines, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, blood clotting disorders, and psoriasis.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than 3 billion needles and other sharps are used in homes in the United States each year. Improper disposal of sharps can create a hazard.
 

Sharps are not to be thrown into the trash, flushed down the toilet, or placed in recycling containers. The State of California has banned sharps disposal in household trash with Florida, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, and New York having established community drop-off programs at hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Examples of sharps include:

• Needles – hollow needles used to inject drugs (medication) under the skin
• Syringes – devices used to inject medication into or withdraw fluid from the body
• Lancets, also called “fingerstick” devices – instruments with a short, two-edged blade used to get drops of blood for testing. Lancets are commonly used in the treatment of diabetes.
• Auto Injectors, including epinephrine and insulin pens – syringes pre-filled with fluid medication designed to be self-injected into the body
• Infusion sets – tubing systems with a needle used to deliver drugs to the body.
• Connection needles/sets – needles that connect to a tube used to transfer fluids in and out of the body. This is generally used for patients on home hemodialysis.