Debbie-Alford-Quilting Designs

Safe disposal of sharps

The problem I am trying to solve

Safe disposal of sharps

My solution

Step 1: Choose a secure container

I use money boxes to safely store my old needles, bent pins and used rotary cutting blades

You can, of course, use any container that you have handy

The main features that your container needs:

  • sealeable so that your sharps will not fall out
  • large enough for your sharps (needles, pins, rotary cutting blades etc)
  • Tip: a magnet in the bottom of the container helps to keep my used sharps secure in the container
Use a clearly labelled money box for safe disposal of old needles, bent pins and used Rotary blades
I use a clearly labelled money box for safe disposal of old needles, bent pins and used Rotary blades
If the money slot is too small for your sharps, use the large opening on the bottom of the money box
If the money slot is too small for my sharps (for example, rotary cutter blades), I use the large opening on the bottom of the money box
  • Containers used by my quilting friends include:
  • toothpick container
  • re-useable pill bottles
Step 2: Keep your container handy

I keep a sharps container:

  • at my sewing machine
  • at my cutting table
  • with my handsewing
Step 3: Safely dispose of your used sharps

When the money box is full, I:

  • seal the money box with packing tape
  • take the sealed money box to my local chemsit or pharmacy for safe disposal
  • If your local chemist or pharmacy will not accept the sharps for disposal, contact your local council to find out where you should take your sharps for safe disposal
Safety first – Always

You might also be interested in other magnetic tools that I use: