Safe sharps disposals
Sharps are devices used to
penetrate the skin. In diabetes
management these include:
- Finger pricking devices or lancets
- Insulin syringes
- Pen needles used with insulin pens
- Introducer needles for insulin
infusion sets for insulin pumps
Disposing of sharps appropriately is very important. They must be disposed of in a sharps container approved under Australian Safety Standards. Sharps containers must be puncture proof and have a secure lid. These containers are usually yellow, come in a range of sizes and are available at Diabetes SA, as well as most pharmacies and some GP clinics or council offices.
Diabetes SA provides a free service for members to dispose of sharps safely as do many pharmacies or councils. Find a sharps disposal location near you.
Download: Safe sharps disposal
Shop: Sharp containers
Recycling Diabetes Supplies
Batteries from blood glucose meters, insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors can be recycled. Some supermarkets (e.g. Aldi), Bunnings, Officeworks, some local council offices and libraries offer battery recycling bins. Contact the individual organisations for more information or head to Recycling Near You for a location near you.
Electronic waste such as used blood glucose meters or insulin pumps can be disposed of at e-waste recycling points. Contact your local council office or visit the Recycling Near You website to find a location near you.
Insulin for Life
Insulin for life is a charity organisation that accepts unused and in date diabetes supplies and donates them to third world countries. If you have unwanted insulin, blood glucose test strips, blood glucose meters or sharps that are unopened, unused and have more than six months left on the expiry, you can donate them to Insulin for Life Australia.
Diabetes SA is a donation point for Insulin for Life or you can visit the Insulin For Life website to find out more about what they will accept and a donation point near you.