Your therapy and supplies help keep you healthy. But, they also need to be disposed of safely. Certain used medication packaging and supplies are called medical waste. Throwing medical waste – like needles – into your household trash can spread germs or injure others. You can protect yourself and others using the Sharps disposal system.* We’ll provide you with a Sharps container if you need one for your therapy. Follow these helpful guidelines to use the Sharps system to safely dispose of your medical waste.
Using the Sharps system
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Remove the Sharps container from the box.
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Save the original box and bag for returns. Store the box in a safe, dry place. Be sure to keep the tracking forms from inside the plastic bag or the side of the box. Coram is required by law to track the container and its contents until incinerated.
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Discard all used IV catheters, needles, cannulas, any items contaminated with chemotherapy or other hazardous drugs—including IV bags and tubing—into the container.
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Order a new Sharps container when it’s three‑quarters full. Never overfill the container.
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Don’t pour any fluid into the container.
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Never stick your hand into the Sharps container.
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Never place your sharps (needles) or Sharps container in the trash.
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Always keep the Sharps container out of reach of children and pets.
Need to order a new Sharps container? Contact your Coram Clinical Support Specialist before returning your full Sharps container.
Returning your Sharps container
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Once the container is three‑quarters full or no longer needed, close the lid and place the container inside the plastic bag you saved.
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Use the twist‑tie to close the plastic bag.
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Place the closed plastic bag with the Sharps container inside the box you saved.
Return instructions will depend on the type of container you received. You may either:
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Give the container to your mail carrier or take it to the nearest post office.
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Expect a pick up from UPS
Always package the system properly before mailing. Postage is prepaid, so you can return the Sharps container at no cost to you.
Questions? Contact your Coram Clinical Support Specialist for help.
Other medical waste disposal
If other supplies—like dressings or tape—contain blood or body fluids, follow these steps:
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Place the supplies in a plastic waste bag and seal it.
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Put the sealed bag in a second plastic bag and seal it.
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Throw the double sealed bag with other household trash. Do not put unsecured infectious waste items with other household trash.
Contact your clinical support specialist if you have questions or concerns about disposing of your needles and other medical waste. We’re here to help.
IV (intravenous). UPS (United Parcel Service).
*Coram uses a combination disposal system that ensures incineration of contaminated sharps and other supplies contaminated with hazardous drugs.
This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about your medical condition and prior to starting any new treatment. Coram assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result.
Your privacy is important to us. Our employees are trained regarding the appropriate way to handle your private health information.