Proper disposal of needles that have been used to inject drugs involves several steps that include the appropriate collecting, carrying, storing, transferring and disposing of biomedical waste. The proper disposal of used needles prevents re-using and sharing of needles, prevents needle stick injuries and limits the number of discarded needles found in the community. Not having a convenient place to dispose of needles can result in their being improperly discarded in public places.
Needles are used by a variety of people, for a variety of purposes, including for medical reasons and for non-medical injection drug use. It is recommended that multiple needle disposal options are available. Recommendations also include: