To prevent harm, how should sharps or broken glass be disposed of?

Disposing of sharps or broken glass in a sharps container is essential for preventing harm and ensuring safety in a pharmacy or healthcare setting. Sharps containers are specifically designed for the safe disposal of needles, blades, and other sharp objects. They are puncture-resistant and have secure lids to prevent accidental injuries and needle-stick incidents, which can pose serious health risks.

Using a sharps container minimizes the risk of injury to healthcare workers, waste management personnel, and anyone else who may come into contact with the waste. Proper disposal in these containers also helps to ensure that such items are handled according to regulations and that they do not contaminate other waste streams.

In contrast, disposing of sharps or broken glass in regular trash or recyclable bins is unsafe and can lead to injuries and contamination. Additionally, while biohazard bags are appropriate for certain types of biomedical waste, they are not specifically designed for sharps, which is why a designated sharps container is the correct choice for such items.