ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Sharps waste

Sharps waste is anything that is sharp and can poke or cut someone. This includes things like needles, syringes, lancets, and blades. These things are often used by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers to give people medicine or take samples of their blood.

However, after the sharp has been used, it can be dangerous because it may have blood or other bodily fluids on it that could carry germs or diseases. That's why it's important to dispose of sharps waste properly.

Sharps should never be thrown in the regular trash because this can put people at risk. Instead, they should be put in a special container that is labeled as sharps waste. This container should be made of puncture-resistant material, like plastic, and have a tight-fitting lid that can't be easily opened.

Once the sharps container is full, it should be taken to a special collection site or sharps disposal program. These programs know how to safely get rid of sharps waste so that no one gets hurt.

In summary, sharps waste is anything sharp that can poke or cut someone and is often used in healthcare. It's important to dispose of sharps properly in a locked and labeled container, and to take it to a special disposal program when it's full. This helps keep everyone safe and healthy!