Used sharps should be disposed of in which container?

• A. In a designated puncture-resistant sharps container; never recap needles.
• B. In a regular trash can.
• C. Recap needles before disposal.
• D. Flush down the toilet.

Answer: (A)

Disposing used sharps in a designated puncture-resistant sharps container is about preventing injuries and contamination. After use, needles and other sharps should go straight into a container that is rigid, puncture-resistant, leak-proof, closable, and clearly labeled. Do not recap needles, because the act of recapping greatly raises the risk of a needle-stick injury during handling or disposal. Never dispose of sharps in a regular trash can or flush them down the toilet, as this endangers others and violates safety rules. When the container nears full, seal it and replace it according to facility policy, ensuring that used sharps are contained safely until proper disposal.