City reminds residents of how to safely dispose of household sharps

Everyday thousands of San Antonians use needles, syringes and lancets, known as household sharps, at home to help sustain their health. However, residents need to remember that the tools that are helping to save one life can be a hazard to another if not properly disposed of. For that reason, the City's Solid Waste Management Department is asking residents to follow these safety tips when disposing of household sharps.

Tip #1: Place used sharps in a sharp container (containers can be bought at local drug stores) or if you do not have a sharp container, use a plastic bottle that cannot be broken or punctured such as a laundry detergent bottle. Do not use soda cans, milk cartons, glass bottles or coffee containers. All of these items can be easily broken or punctured and in the case of the coffee can the lid may come off easily and items stored within may leak.

Tip #2: Once you place the sharps in the plastic bottle, make sure that you screw the cap on tight and place tape over the cap to secure the items inside. Be sure to write "contain sharps" on the bottle in large lettering.

Tip #3: Do not put loose used sharps or your used sharp container in your recycling cart.

Safe disposal of used sharps will protect children, pets and sanitation workers who handle trash and recyclables from illness and injury.