This document provides instructions for safely disposing of medical sharps such as needles and syringes for individuals who cannot obtain a sharps disposal kit. It recommends using a thick plastic container like a detergent bottle and placing sharps needle-down into the container. Once the container is 3/4 full, it should be sealed with tape and labeled as medical waste before being disposed of separately from other garbage according to community guidelines. The document also notes that improper disposal of sharps can lead to injuries and disease and provides several phone numbers and websites for obtaining a free sharps disposal kit.

1. *Sharps disposal regulation varies state-to-state. For more information on guidelines, drop off
centers or other options, please contact your local waste management service center, healthcare
provider or visit www.safeneedledisposal.org.
If you can’t obtain a Sharps
Disposal kit*
Sharps Disposal Kit access by
medication provider
Step One: In place of a
sharps container, it is
recommended that you use a
THICK plastic container (such
as a detergent bottle or milk
gallon) with a cap.
Step Two:When
disposing your used sharp(s),
place the syringe needle DOWN
into your bottle and
immediately place your cap back
on it. Make sure to keep this
container out of reach from
children.
Step Three:Once
your container is nearly ¾ of
the way filled, seal the cap
with a heavy tape and clearly
label “Do Not Recycle” or any
other indication that it
contains non-recyclable
medical waste.
Each year, nearly 8 million people use more than 3 billion needles, syringes or other
types of sharps to manage their medical conditions, according to the EPA. Up to 850,000
sharps-related injuries are reported each year, many due to improperly disposed sharps, which
leads to the risk of injury and the spread of disease among children, service workers and
animals.
While there are regulations for disposal of medical sharps in the health care industry, there are
currently no regulations for individual disposal. There are a variety of options for obtaining a
medical sharps disposal kit, using household materials, exchange programs and more that exist
for those who can’t afford to purchase their own kits. With your help, we can work towards
reducing the number of injuries and disease, and strive towards creating a better tomorrow.
Call 1-800-4-HUMIRA to receive a
free sharps disposal kit with free
mail back postage when your kit is
full.
For more information on additional options,
resources or local exchange programs, please
speak with your doctor, physician or local
pharmacist. In addition to containers, clipping
devices are available to purchase.
Call 1-800-ACTEMRA (1-800-228-
3672), navigate through the menus
by pressing 1, then by pressing 5 to
speak with a representative.
Step Four:Place marked
containers separate from the rest of your
garbage for disposal. Check with your
community guidelines for proper
disposal procedures.
Call 1-888-4ENBREL (1-888-436-
2735) or visit www.ENBREL.com,
under the “Support and Financial
Help” tab, click “ENBREL Support™
Program.” From there, click on the
sign up button, select your
condition and select the sharps
disposal program.