| Frequently Asked
Questions and Answers  Home
Medical Waste
Hazards
- May infect other people who come in contact with trash.
- Unwanted or expired medicines or pharmaceuticals could be harmful to
children or adults. Unused pharmaceuticals found in the trash may be stolen for
unregulated use.
- Antibiotics poured down the drain can kill beneficial microbes and
bacteria in septic systems.
Handling
- Keep sharp objects such as needles, syringes, and lancelets in secure
containers out of the reach of children. Do not use glass.
Management Options
- By law, once a prescription has been issued, the pharmacy cannot take
it back.
- In sewered areas, unused pharmaceuticals and medicines, except cancer
treatment drugs and radioactives, may be destabilized by dissolving in a small amount of
water, then flushed in the toilet or placed in a sealed container in the trash. Check with
your local sewerage authority.
- In areas serviced by septic systems, contact a local pharmacist or
hospital.
- Place cancer treatment drugs or radioactive medicines, tightly
wrapped, in the trash.
- Take part in a Safe Syringe Disposal Program offered by your area
hospital.
- Place disposable sheets, medical gloves and soiled bandages in
plastic bags and securely fasten before you put them in the trash.
- Check with your Visiting Nurse Association to see if there is a
prescription drug collection or re-use program in your area.
|
 |
Safe Syringe Disposal Programs in Morris County
- St. Clare's Hospital
(Dover and Denville Campuses)
973-625-6779
- Morristown Memorial Hospital
973-971-4177
- Chilton Memorial Hospital
(Pompton Plains)
973-831-5475
In addition, Waste
Management, a waste hauling company has a “Sharps Disposal by
Mail” program. Participants are provided with an
approved disposal container and mail full containers for disposal
using US Postal Service. Interested parties can call Waste
Management for prices & details at 877-WASTE-MD.
Additional information about the Safe
Syringe Disposal Program maybe obtained by contacting:
- NJ
Hospital
Association
760 Alexander Road
Princeton
,
NJ
08543
609-273-4058
|
