The Waste Management Division of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources has issued the following guidelines for household-generated sharps: Household waste is not included in the definition of medical waste and is not subject to the medical waste management rules. However, home users of sharps are urged to place sharps in hard wall containers before disposal in order to protect garbage collectors from needle sticks
Click Here to OpenA few counties have imposed local restrictions on sharps disposed from private homes. Home healthcare agencies may find it prudent to assist in proper disposal of sharps used to administer care to patients in their homes. This is not specifically required by the rules. Used needles from farms are subject to the rules and are not considered household waste. Such waste is more similar to veterinary waste than household waste.