Quick answer: Proper disposal of diabetic sharps, like needles, syringes, and pen tips, is essential for your safety and your community's. If you use insulin or other diabetes injections, you'll need a proper sharps container, and you may even qualify for a free one through manufacturer programs that handle disposal for you.
Living with diabetes often means managing injections, needles and syringes, whether it's insulin, Ozempic, Mounjaro, or others.
After you've used them, it can feel a bit daunting to figure out how to dispose of them safely. You can't just toss them in the trash or recycling; they need to go into a proper sharps container and then be taken to a medical disposal site to keep you, your family, and your community safe.
This is something all diabetics using sharps face, but the good news is, it doesn't have to be stressful.
Pharmaceutical Companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly often offer free sharps containers and mail-back programs that handle every step of the disposal process for you.
In this guide, we'll help you figure out if you're eligible for one of these programs.
And if not, we'll make sure you have all the information you need to dispose of your diabetic sharps simply, safely, and with peace of mind.
Related article: A Step-By-Step Guide to Using Insulin Pens for Injection
What Is a Diabetic Sharps Container?
A sharps container is a sturdy, puncture-resistant, leak-proof plastic box designed to safely hold used needles, syringes, pen needles, and lancets.
Most are brightly colored, clearly labeled, and come with a secure lid that prevents accidental spills or pokes.
The FDA recommends using a sharps container that:
✅ Is hard-sided and puncture-resistant
✅ Has a tight-fitting, secure lid
✅ Is properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container
✅ Can be transported safely if you need to take it to a disposal site
They come in various shapes and sizes. Some sharps containers are small and portable for travel, while others are larger for home use.
Related article: How to Know If Your Insulin Pen is Empty and How to Dispose of it
Where do I get a sharps container for diabetic supplies?
There are several ways to get a diabetic sharps container in the U.S.:
💻 Order online: Many manufacturers and medical supply companies deliver sharps containers right to your home.
🏥 Pharmacies: Many local pharmacies offer sharps containers or take-back programs.
💊 Manufacturer programs: Some pharmaceutical companies offer free sharps containers and mail-back options for eligible patients.
Using these options ensures your diabetic sharps are stored and disposed of safely, making life easier and protecting both your household and your community.
Do I Really Need a Sharps Container for Diabetes Injections and Needles?
Absolutely. Whether you use insulin, Mounjaro, Victoza, Trulicity, Ozempic, or perform regular blood glucose tests, all diabetic sharps need a safe disposal solution.
This includes insulin needles and syringes, pen needles for insulin or other injectable medications, and lancets for finger-prick testing. Without a proper container, sharps can accidentally prick someone in your household, potentially spreading infections or causing injuries.
Even if it feels like a small thing, safe disposal of diabetic sharps is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others while keeping your home tidy.
Proper diabetic sharps disposal keeps your community safe!
Using a sharps container isn't just about safety at home. It also keeps your community and the environment safe!
Proper storage and disposal of used needles, pens, and lancets:
- Prevents community exposure to infectious sharps
- Reduces risk for sanitation workers handling trash
- Keeps sharps out of landfills and waterways
Even a single discarded needle or lancet can be dangerous. Using a sharps container may seem like a small step, but it makes a big difference for everyone around you.
Still, managing sharps disposal on your own can feel like one more thing on your to-do list.
Fortunately, there are programs that can take the stress out of the process and even handle disposal for you.
Related article: What Should You Do with an Empty Ozempic Pen?
Free Diabetic Sharps Containers and Mail-back Programs
Many diabetics don't realize that there are programs that providing sharps containers and mail-back programs free of charge for eligible patients in the USA.
These programs handle the storage and return of your used needles, pens, and lancets, making disposal simple and stress-free.
Keep reading to see some of the most widely used free sharps container and mail-back programs in the U.S., and find out if you qualify.
Novo Nordisk Sharps Disposal Program
Novo Nordisk provides a free sharps container and take-back program for diabetes patients using:
- Fiasp®
- Levemir®
- NovoLog®
- Ozempic®
- Tresiba®
- Victoza®
- Xultophy®
With this program, you receive a free sharps container to store all your needles, syringes, pen needles, and lancets. When it's full, simply follow the included instructions to mail it back safely and free of charge.
You can apply online and your sharps container will be shipped to you the following day!
Sanofi Free Sharps Container Program
Sanofi offers free take-back containers for California residents using:
- Lantus® (insulin glargine)
- Apidra® (insulin glulisine)
- Toujeo® (insulin glargine)
- Soliqua® (insulin glargine and lixisenatide)
- Admelog®
If you're a diabetic living in California and using any of these medications, you can apply online in just a few minutes.
Simply visit their website and fill out your information.
Eli Lilly Sharps Disposal Support
For now, Eli Lilly provides a Free Sharps Mail-Back Kit for Taltz only. Other medications, like Mounjaro®, are not eligible.
How to Dispose of Diabetes Injections, Needles, Syringes, and Lancets
Even if you don't qualify for a free sharps container program, you still need to dispose of your diabetic supplies safely and responsibly.
Safe disposal steps for diabetic sharps
- Place sharps directly into a proper container after each use. Never leave used needles, syringes, pen needles, or lancets loose or on countertops.
- Do not overfill your container. Most containers have a clear fill line. Stop before reaching it to avoid spills or punctures.
- Seal the container securely. Once it's full, close it tightly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Follow local disposal guidelines. Depending on your location, you may be able to drop off your sealed container at:
○ A pharmacy or hospital collection site
○ A community sharps disposal program
○ Or return it by mail through a registered service
💡 Pro Tip: You can also check national directories to find medical waste drop-off locations in your area.
Visit SafeNeedleDisposal.org to locate an approved sharps disposal site near you!
Related article: How to Dispose of Insulin Pens and Needles
Tips for Traveling with a Diabetes Sharps Container
Whether you're taking a weekend trip or flying across the country, it's important to know how to safely store and dispose of your diabetic sharps while traveling.
You can absolutely bring your supplies and sharps containers with you, if they are packed correctly.
According to the TSA, used syringes and needles are allowed in carry-on bags as long as they're stored in a proper sharps container or another hard-sided, puncture-resistant container.
If you don't have space for a full-size container, travel-sized sharps containers are available online or at many pharmacies.
They're compact, discreet, and perfect for managing used needles, pen tips, or lancets while away from home.
You can also use a sturdy, temporary household container, such as a small laundry detergent or shampoo bottle with a secure screw-on lid, until you return home to properly dispose of your sharps. Just make sure you seal and label it appropriately!
Related article: Travel Sharps Containers for Safe Medical Waste Disposal On the Go!
Final Advice for Safe Diabetic Sharps Disposal
Proper diabetic sharps disposal protects your health, your loved ones, and your community.
Whether you qualify for a free sharps container or use a local disposal option, taking a few simple precautions ensures everyone stays safe.
Remember these key takeaways!
💉 Always use a proper sharps container. Never throw needles, syringes, or lancets directly into household trash or recycling.
📦 Check for free programs. Companies like Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, and Eli Lilly offer free sharps containers and mail-back services for eligible patients.
🌍 Follow local disposal rules. Drop off full containers at approved sites or use paid mail-back programs like PureWay for safe disposal.
✈️ Travel safely. Use a small sharps container or sturdy household substitute when on the go, and properly dispose of sharps once you're home.
💬 We'd Love to Hear From You!
Have you tried any of these sharps container programs or found a great way to manage your diabetic supplies safely? Share your experience, tips, or questions in the comments below! Your insight could help other readers handle their sharps disposal with more confidence and ease.
