Sharps are a restricted waste according to state and local regulators and must not be disposed of in the regular waste stream. The term “sharps” is a regulatory waste classification associated with those instruments used to puncture, cut, or scrape body parts and that, as waste, can cause punctures or cuts to solid waste handlers or the public. This is interpreted to mean that any instrument that looks like it is meant to be used in this manner must be disposed of as sharps waste.
Never put sharps in recycling or waste bins. Additional information and procedures for safe disposal of sharps are available on the Environmental Health & Safety Sharps and Laboratory Glass page. Also see the Laboratory Services Biohazardous/Regulated Waste Vendor Collection Setup page.