Quick answer: Knowing how to dispose of insulin pens, needles, and other supplies is essential. Used insulin pens (without the needle) can often go in the household trash. But needles and syringes must be placed in a sharps container, never in regular bins, to avoid injury and contamination.
Diabetes and insulin therapy require frequent use of medical supplies such as sharp needles, plastic syringes, injector pens, and glass vials.
In the United States alone, it is estimated that over 7 billion insulin pens, needles, and syringes are discarded every year. Besides the clear environmental impact, improper disposal of diabetic supplies can lead to injuries, contamination, and even the spread of disease.
That's why it's so important for people with diabetes to be extra cautious when disposing of used needles and other medical waste. This guide will explain how to dispose of insulin pens and related diabetic supplies safely and responsibly.
Related article: Does Insulin Need to Be Refrigerated? How to Store it Correctly?
How to dispose of insulin pens
Proper insulin pen disposal depends on the type of injection pen you are using. Here's the breakdown:
How to dispose of expired insulin pens
âś… Disposable insulin pens, such as the FlexPen, Lantus SoloStar, and Humalog KwikPen, can be thrown away in the regular trash once they're completely empty, expired, or broken. However, always remove and safely dispose of the needle separately in a sharps container (more on that below).
âś… Reusable insulin pens like the NovoPen or ClickStar should not be thrown in the household trash. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper cleaning and take-back programs.
âś…Â Smart insulin pens, such as the Medtronic InPen, NovoPen 6, or NovoPen Echo, are electronic medical devices and should not be disposed of in regular household trash. If your pen stops working, contact the manufacturer for proper disposal instructions or support.
Related article: Can You Recycle Insulin Pens in the USA? Here’s What You Need to Know
How to dispose of unused insulin pens
If you have unused insulin pens that are still within their expiration date and have been stored properly, consider donating them. Some programs accept unopened insulin to help people without access.
If they're expired or were not stored according to guidelines, they should be disposed of properly. Remove the needle (if attached), and dispose of the pen in the household trash. Check with your local waste authority to ensure compliance with regional guidelines.
However, insulin pen needles should never be thrown in the household trash. To ensure safety, they must be disposed of following proper sharps disposal protocols.
Related article: Is Your Insulin Still Safe? What Happens When It's Left Out for 1 Hour or Overnight
Sharps disposal: How to dispose of insulin needles and syringes
What are sharps?
"Sharps" refer to medical objects with sharp points or edges, such as needles, syringes, lancets, and infusion sets, that can cut or puncture the skin and transmit disease if not handled properly.
⚠️ Sharps should never be thrown in the regular trash or recycling bin, as improper disposal can pose serious risks to sanitation workers, pets, children, and the environment.
Sharps container for insulin needles
The safest and most recommended way to dispose of used insulin needles and syringes is to place them in an FDA-approved sharps container. These containers are puncture-proof and leak-resistant.
You can find them at many pharmacies, medical supply stores, or through your healthcare provider.
How to use a sharps container:
- After each injection, put the outer needle cap back on carefully (not the inner cap).
- Unscrew the needle from the pen.
- Drop the used needle directly into your sharps container.
- Do not try to clip, bend, or recap needles with your hands.
- Once the sharps container is full, seal it securely with the lid.
- When disposing, be sure to follow your local disposal rules.
Related article: All You Need to Know About Travel Sharps Containers for Handling Medical Waste and Needles On the Go!
Where to dispose of insulin syringes and needles?
As we mentioned previously, sharps should never be thrown in the regular trash or recycling bin, but according to local laws, you can take them to designated disposal sites.
These may include:
- Taking it to a household hazardous waste facility (HHW)
- Dropping it off at a pharmacy
- Using a mail-back program or a community collection site
Check with your local health department or waste management facility for specific guidelines.
What if you don't have a sharps container
If you don't have a sharps container, you can use a strong, rigid plastic container with a screw-on lid, such as an empty bleach or laundry detergent bottle, as a temporary sharps container.
Make sure to:
- Label the container clearly as "hazardous medical waste"
- Seal it tightly when full
- Dispose of it following local disposal regulations
You can also use a metal coffee can or glass jar with a secure lid, though plastic is generally safer and more impact-resistant.
How to dispose of old, empty, or expired insulin vials
If you're wondering how to dispose of insulin vials, here's what you need to know:
- Once empty or expired, most insulin vials can be thrown in the household trash as long as they don't contain sharps.
- They cannot be recycled due to contamination risks and strict storage instructions.
- Always remove the label or cross out any personal information before disposal.
Be sure to dispose of expired vials promptly to avoid confusion with good ones.
How to Dispose of Insulin Pump Supplies
Infusion sets
Infusion sets used with insulin pumps are considered sharps because they contain tiny needles or cannulas. After being removed, they must be placed in a sharps container.
Reservoirs and tubing
After disconnecting them from your pump, your reservoirs and tubing can usually be thrown in the household trash. However, double-check with your local guidelines to be sure.
Insulin pumps
If your insulin pump is no longer in use or working, don't throw it in the trash. Many pumps are electronic medical devices and must be disposed of according to the manufacturer's recommendations.Contact the manufacturer or your healthcare provider for specific disposal instructions.
Related article: Should You Inject Cold Insulin Straight from the Fridge?
How to dispose of insulin (unused or expired liquid)
Wondering how to dispose of insulin itself if it's unused, expired, or contaminated?
- Never flush insulin down the toilet or drain.
- If possible, return unused insulin to a pharmacy or hazardous waste collection facility.
- If you must dispose of it at home, place it (in its original container) in a sealed plastic bag, and throw it in the regular trash-only if local laws allow.
Call your local waste or recycling center to check insulin disposal rules in your area.
Final tips for insulin pen disposal and diabetic waste management
Proper disposal of diabetic supplies is more than just a personal responsibility. It's a critical step in protecting your health, the safety of those around you, and the well-being of the environment. Whether it's a used needle, an empty insulin pen, or an expired vial, handling medical waste correctly helps prevent accidental injuries, disease transmission, and environmental contamination.
If you're ever uncertain about the right way to dispose of insulin pens, syringes, vials, or pump supplies, don't guess. Reach out to your pharmacist, doctor, or local health department. They can provide up-to-date, location-specific guidance to help you stay safe and compliant with regulations.
Disposing of diabetes supplies properly may seem small, but it has a significant impact.
Key Take Aways:Â
Next time you're disposing of insulin pens, needles, or other diabetic supplies, keep these essential tips in mind:
🗑️ Remove and Separate: Always remove insulin pen needles and dispose of them in an FDA-cleared sharps container-never throw them directly in the trash.
📦 Check Pen Type: Disposable pens can usually be tossed in the regular trash (needle removed), but reusable and smart pens need special handling or recycling programs.
🏷️ Label DIY Containers: No sharps container? Use a hard plastic bottle with a screw lid, label it clearly, and follow your local disposal rules.
đź“Ť Follow Local Guidelines: Disposal laws vary. Always check with your local pharmacy, health department, or waste authority for specific rules in your area.
We'd Love to Hear From You!
💬 Do you have a tip or trick for disposing of your diabetic supplies? Share your experiences, ask questions, or offer advice in the comments below! Your insight could help someone else stay safe and informed.
📆 Article Update History:
âś…Â Updated: April 30, 2025
Originally Published: April 12, 2023
