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Infectious diseases such as HIV, AIDS, and
Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted by improperly discarding
sharps (needles, syringes, and lancets). To keep our communities
safe, it is important to properly dispose of your used sharps.
Never leave a SHARPS container
unattended
Problems Sharps can cause:
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Preventing needle sticks:
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- They clog sewers and lift stations
- They end up at recycling centers
- They puncture solid waste containers and place
workers along collection routes, and at the landfill, at
risk of injury and/or disease
- They threaten public safety
- They may be
contaminated with hepatitis, HIV (the virus that can
cause AIDS) and other serious or fatal diseases
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- Never throw sharps directly into the garbage
- Never flush, bury, or burn sharps
- Never use a container that is not rigid and
puncture-resistant
- Never use clear plastic or glass containers
- Never mix sharps with recyclable items
- Never leave sharps
accessible to others
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If someone in your home has an accidental
needle stick,
CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL IMMEDIATELY.
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Questions or Comments, Contact:
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Broward County Health Department
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Florida Health Department
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Division of Environmental Health SHARPS
2421 SW 6th Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315
Phone: (954) 467-4823 |
Division of Environmental Health Bureau of Facility Program/HSEF
4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN A08
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1710
Phone: (850) 245-4277 |
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