Sharps Disposal Containers in Healthcare Facilities

Provided by: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Sharps disposal containers are made from rigid puncture-resistant plastic or metal with leak-resistant sides and bottom, and a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid with an opening to accommodate depositing a sharp but not large enough for a hand to enter. “Sharps” refers to objects with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin, such as needles, syringes, lancets, auto injectors, infusion sets, and connection needles.  Generally, sharps disposal containers are regulated by the FDA as class II devices subject to premarket notification (510(k)) requirements (21 CFR 880.5570; product code MKK and FMI).

Sharps Disposal During COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Campaign

The FDA recommends healthcare facilities use FDA-cleared sharps disposal containers for the disposal of used needles and other sharps. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information on Safe and Proper Sharps Disposal During the COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Campaign.

Vaccine administration sites should adopt measures to protect empty COVID-19 vaccine vials and packaging from potential counterfeiting, including treating empty vials and packaging similarly to medical waste by placing them in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container or defacing all, or safely crushing, materials so they cannot be reintroduced or reproduced.

If FDA-cleared sharps disposal containers are scarce or not available during the COVID-19 mass vaccination campaign, refer to CDC’s Strategies for Sharps Disposal Container Use During Supply Shortages for conservation strategies and alternative sharps disposal containers.


Syringe being placed into red sharps disposal container with a biohazard label.


Yellow sharps disposal container with red label, tight-fitting puncture-proof lid, heavy-duty leak-proof plastic, clear labels, and stable upright design.

Disposal of Sharps Disposal Containers

Sharps disposal containers are marked with a line to indicate when the container is about three-fourths (3/4) full. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, close and seal sharps disposal containers when about three-fourths (3/4) full. Follow the health care facility’s policy and procedures, medical waste disposal vendor instructions, and local medical waste disposal guidelines. Do not open, empty, or manually clean full sharps disposal containers to prevent injury to health care personnel.

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Additional Resources