Requirements & Expectations for Proper Sharps Disposal

Facilities Safety SOP

In September 2024, Michigan state law extended the timeline for disposal of sharps containers to 18 months. With the passage of the first new 18-month disposal deadline at the end of March, we ask that all members of the U-M research community review the following institutional expectations and requirements for proper sharps disposal:

Container Use

Pictured example of properly labeled and maintained sharps container. Picture of unapproved sharps container and picture of overfilled sharps container.
  • All sharp objects, including but NOT limited to the following examples, must be disposed of in an approved** sharps container (see example at top right) to prevent needlestick injuries and/or an accidental biological exposure:
    • Scalpel blades
    • Hypodermic needles
    • Intravenous tubing with needle attached
    • Capillary tubes
  • Used needles should be disposed of immediately without capping after use
  • Syringes and needles should be kept intact and placed together in the appropriate sharps container:
    • Do not bend or break the needle
    • Do not remove a hypodermic needle from the syringe by hand
  • Bins should never be overfilled (see example at bottom right) because needles protruding from the container present a serious occupational hazard.

**Supplies can be ordered through the U-M Department of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) online Supplies Request Form. For a complete list of available supplies, review the Safety Supply Catalog on the EHS website.

Container Labeling

  • Sharps containers can be used either until they are ¾ full or 18 months from the date sharps were first added to the container (Accumulation Start Date).
  • All containers must be labeled with an Accumulation Start Date using MM/DD/YYYY format. The Accumulation Start Date should be recorded on the day that sharps are first placed in the container.

Container Disposal

  • Sharps must never be placed in autoclave bags or waste bins used for normal trash.
  • Before moving a sharps container to the appropriate collection point:
    • Check that the lid is securely attached to the base and that the flap is securely closed
    • Store the container in a safe and secure location while waiting for collection
  • Container collection can be requested through the EHS Hazardous Materials Management Program at (734) 763-4568 or by completing the online Waste Pickup Form.
  • In some buildings, laboratories may also place sealed sharps containers in the Biohazard Waste Bins located in designated areas for vendor pickup.

Review the Sharps Disposal Procedures document yellow lock icon denoting level-1 U-M login required for access on the Animal Care A-Z website for more information about proper sharps disposal procedures in animal care areas.

General disposal instructions for laboratories can be found in the EHS Preparing Biohazardous Sharps Waste for Collection SOP (PDF download).

Questions?

Questions or concerns about proper sharps disposal should be directed to EHS at [email protected]or (734) 763-4568.

Thank you for taking all necessary precautions to protect yourself and others when handling and disposing of sharps.

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