According to the FDA, sharps disposal containers are made from rigid, puncture-resistant plastic or metal with leak-resistant sides and bottom. They feature a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid with an opening large enough to deposit a sharp but small enough to prevent a hand from entering.

Sharps disposal containers are generally regulated by the FDA as Class II medical devices and are subject to Premarket Notification (510(k)) requirements. These regulations help ensure that only qualified, compliant products enter the market, reducing the risk of injury or improper disposal.

“Sharps” refers to medical objects with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut the skin. Improper disposal of sharps without using designated sharps containers can result in serious injuries and increase the risk of transmitting infectious diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.

Then What goes in a disposal sharps containers?

Sharps include items such as needles, syringes, lancets, auto-injectors, infusion sets, and connection needles. They also include laboratory glass items such as slides and vials that may break during medical procedures, as well as any other medical instruments that are sharp enough to penetrate the skin.