Where Do The Sharps Go?

 

 

Animals receive shots for various reasons throughout their life, just like people. Sometimes they are used to prevent diseases, in the case of vaccinations; and sometimes they are used to help an animal recover from a bacterial illness, as with antibiotics. Regardless of why the animal received a shot, it is important to dispose of the needle in a safe way. Other sharp items such as scalpel blades used to perform various medical procedures on animals should be disposed of safely as well. Needles, scalpel blades, and other sharp items are sometimes referred to as “sharps.” They can inadvertently injure people and/or expose them to potentially harmful substances (e.g. blood, medicines, etc.) if they are not disposed of carefully.

 

Remember, disposal methods can vary by state, county, and city so please check with your local landfill or waste disposal service to verify approved methods of household disposal.

 

Medical waste defined
 

Sharps used in livestock husbandry practices are considered medical or infectious waste. The Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD) 74:27:07:01(41A) use the definition in the Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR §60.51c to define medical/infectious waste as:

 

“any waste generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals, in research pertaining thereto, or in the production or testing of biologicals...Sharps that have been used in animal or human patient care or treatment or in medical, research, or industrial laboratories, including hypodermic needles, syringes (with or without the attached needle), Pasteur pipettes, scalpel blades, blood vials, needles with attached tubing, and culture dishes (regardless of presence of infectious agents).”

 

Disposal process
 

Now that we know “what” we are dealing with, what do we actually do with it on the farm?

 

THE CONTAINER: All sharps should be placed into a puncture-proof, leak-proof container. This can be either a purchased sharps container or a household container. If you use a household container, it must be puncture-proof, leak-resistant plastic with a tight-fitting lid that is properly labeled to warn of the medical waste inside the container, for example “Used Sharps”.

 

 

 

DISINFECT CONTAINER: The Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD) 74:27:13:17 require that medical/infectious waste be rendered non-infectious prior to disposal in a municipal solid waste landfill. To accomplish this, pour bleach into the container and let it soak for 15-30 minutes. If using a laundry detergent bottle, it may be easier to pour the bleach in the container if the pour spout is cut out. Then carefully pour the bleach down the sink or toilet (or leave it in container). It is recommended to wear gloves and use the cap to ensure sharps do not fall out and injure you.

 

SEAL CONTAINER: Now that the contents are considered “non-infectious” from the bleach, seal the container. Secure the lid on the container with a sufficient amount of duct tape to guarantee the contents will not be spilled during transport and disposal. The goal is to ensure the safety of any person that may come into contact with the sharps container.