If persons must share a meter or lancet-holding device, they must clean and disinfect these devices between users. State, county, and city ordinances regulate disposal of sharps in residential settings. The telephone numbers of resources such as health department and sanitation offices are listed in the government blue pages section of the phone book. Local or state ordinances take precedence over federal guidelines, such as those promulgated by the EPA, and may specify the type of container that may be used, require destruction of needle or syringe units, or prohibit disposal of sharps in household trash. Used sharps should be treated as medical waste.
Some communities have such programs for collection of medical waste.
If these options are not available and if state or local regulations do not specify otherwise, used sharps should be disposed of in a puncture-resistant container labeled Do Not Recycle that is sealed and then placed in household trash. A screw-top container is preferable. Instructional information regarding sharps disposal for people with diabetes is available.20,21 References American Association of Diabetes Educators. Prevention of transmission of blood-borne infectious agents during blood glucose monitoring. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.