COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS FOR SAFE DISPOSAL OF USED NEEDLES AND SYRINGES

Objectives: To review issues related to discarded syringes in the comm unity and to describe community-based programs for the safe disposal o f used needles and syringes. Methods: We used the medical literature a nd chain referral to identify community-based syringe disposal program s other than syringe exchange programs (SEPs). We held a workshop in J une 1996 involving staff from disposal programs; manufacturers of syri nges, sharps containers, and other disposal devices; solid waste compa nies; public health staff; and researchers. Results: Fifteen programs for the safe disposal of syringes were identified in the United States , Canada, and Australia. Of these, 12 primarily served persons with di abetes who use insulin, and 3 primarily served injection drug users (I DUs). The programs used three major strategies: puncture-resistant con tainers discarded in trash, community drop boxes, and sharps container s turned in for biohazard disposal at community sites, hospitals, or p harmacies. Participants in the workshop described key points in develo ping syringe disposal programs. Programs should involve pharmacists, p hysicians, waste disposal companies, public health departments, hospit als, diabetes educators, persons with diabetes who use insulin, and ID Us. For IDUs, criminal penalties for possession of syringes are a subs tantial deterrent to participation in community efforts to safely disp ose of used syringes. The multiple and sometimes conflicting local, st ate, and federal laws and regulations concerning medical waste hinder development of multistate or national approaches to the safe disposal of syringes. More information is needed on community-based syringe dis posal programs. Conclusion: Communities in the United States, Canada, and Australia have developed different approaches to achieve safe disp osal of used syringes.