I had to go through a MASS disposal of my cat's syringes after she left (3.5yrs worth of 3-6shots/day). Talk about depressing. I went through the state site as to how to dispose and had to uncap THOUSANDS of needles, putting them in milk and/or soda bottle containers because it said you had to have a screw lid ( I had them in coffee cans). Even MORE depressing after a loss :cry: . I was told to put them in the garbage can after that. Unfortunately I live in a major city, where this would not be a good idea (in my eyes). I contacted hospitals and pharmacies. I had a few sharp containers, which they would accept at a fee. They would not accept the home packaged ones. Again, major city...big hospitals, well known veterinary hospital, massive amount of pharmacies to choose from....no luck. I almost tried calling a drug program which sterilizes used syringes for people. UG! Couldnt bring myself to do it.
So....I called the city. Turns out all our garbage is burned. Everything. It never mattered that I put them in containers with screw on lids, or containers at all unless I was placing them in the dumpster. They suggested I hand them to the garbage man personally, which I did. They got put in the dump truck, and smooshed with all the other trash as it went on its way to get incinerated. Not one human touched them.
Getting rid of those needles was very emotional...and the process of it. Im sure my garbage man thinks Im a major junky. Their eyes popped out of their heads when I presented myself with two LARGE garbage bags worth of needles, explained my situation about the cat, never knowing how to dispose of them, and that she was now gone.
So000...Note to others: Get rid of your used syringe/needles on a regular basis, and call your town or city to figure out the easiest way to dispose of them.
