MEDICAL &
INFECTIOUS WASTE |
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Safe methods of disposal for medical wastes such as sharps or
needles are necessary for many people who may routinely check their own
blood levels or give themselves medical injections. Be extremely
careful; if these needles are not properly disposed of, they could injure
collection or landfill employees.
The IWMA operates a Home Generated Sharps Disposal Program.
Needles, syringes, lancet and other sharp objects should be placed in
a sturdy container such as a coffee can or liquid detergent bottle.
When the container is full, bring it to one of our household hazardous waste facilities
and dispose of it in our designated container. This service is free
to households. Please No Businesses!
Remember, always handle sharps with
care.
Never dispose of sharps in the garbage.
Store out of reach of children.
This information is useful no matter where you live. Safety is universal.
The following mail-back services
are approved by the California Department of Health Services:
For additional information on requirements for use of these mail-back
services, contact the California Department of Health Services, Medical
Waste Program at (916) 449-5671 or visit them online at:
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ddwem/environmental/Med_Waste/mailbacksharps/SharpsMailBackList.pdf
Don't forget online resources such as Earth-Shield Sharps Disposal System.
Physicians offices, dental offices and hospitals which create
a large volume of medical and infectious waste may not dispose of these
wastes in the trash. The California Department of Health Services
Medical Waste Management Program regulates businesses in San Luis Obispo
County which generate medical and infectious waste.
For more information on proper disposal of these wastes, contact
the California Department of Health Services Waste Management Program
at (916) 327-6904 (fax: 916-323-9869) or San Luis Obispo County Environmental
Health at 781-5544.
