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How to dispose of sharps used in a business
Sharps generated or collected by a business or commercial enterprise are considered biomedical waste. Safe disposal of sharps is a cost of doing business and is the business owner's responsibility. This is true for businesses large and small, for-profit and non-profit. Biomedical waste generators may include, but are not limited to:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Veterinary hospitals
- Laboratories
- Pharmacies
- Airports
- Educational institutions
Sharps must be disposed through a permitted collection or a sharps mail back service or through an approved biomedical waste treatment method. Businesses may not use the King County or City of Seattle drop boxes for sharps disposal.
For additional information about the transporter permitting process or approved sharp waste treatment methods, please contact our Solid Waste Program at 206-263-9566.
Biomedical waste generators are also required to create a Biomedical Waste Management Plan.
Poked by a needle?
If you are poked by a discarded or used needle, you should wash the area right away and seek medical attention. Use warm soapy water to wash the injury and wash any areas where the water splashes.
If you are at work, alert your supervisor and seek immediate medical attention. You need get guidance from a doctor, even if the injury is very minor.
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