Place used needles immediately into an FDA-cleared sharps container
If no sharps container is available, use a heavy-duty plastic container with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid
Do not recap, bend, break, or remove needles by hand
Keep the container out of reach of children and pets
Seal the container when it is about three-quarters full
Label the container as “sharps” if required by local rules
Follow local, state, and pharmacy or clinic disposal rules
Return sealed sharps containers to a pharmacy, hospital, clinic, or designated drop-off site if available
Use community sharps disposal programs or mail-back programs if offered in your area
Never throw loose needles into household trash or recycling
Never flush needles down the toilet
Wear gloves if handling a container with exposed or loose needles
If a needle-stick injury occurs, wash the area with soap and water and seek medical care promptly