The local fire department told us to put used sharps in a milk jug or coffee can and tape it. Where I live the fd will take the sharps and dispose of them.
It really is too bad that there isn't some type of clearing house for unused medical supplies in this country. I'm not talking about opened meds, but sealed meds and other supplies.
After I went through chemo, I had about 10 Zofran left. I couldn't find anybody who could use it so I tossed it. About a month later I came across several people who's ins wouldn't cover the expensive drug so they couldn't get it.
My mom picked up 2 large grocery bags of asthma meds for my brother. He doesn't have asthma so I don't know why these were prescribed. I tried to take them back to the pharmacy, but took them back 1 day after their cut off date (15 days I think).
For my "used" lancets, I put them into a large bowl - that has a sealed lid. The next time I visit my doctor, I bring along my large bowl. The nurse empties my bowl into her needle recylcing bin. Then, returns my empty bowl. Then, I start the cycle over again.
For my used "test strips", I put them into a much smaller container - that has a sealed lid. Its more like a small butter container package. When it becomes too full, I simply wrap with DUC tape and put into my normal garbage.
For "unused" lancets and test strips you now longer need, may I suggest you contact a few medical centers in your region. Ask how you can donate (if that's a proper word) or dispose of your unused "D" supplies. Donate because some "D" folks need these supples but cannot financially afford them. Sometimes, a few clinics "unofficially" redistribute unused supplies. Legally, don't think this can be done but some medical centers help the less fortunate ib other ways as well - if you know what I mean. Or, they may simply advise you to dispose the unused (and unwanted) supplies in the normal garbage bag trash.
I don't think the OP is actually talking about unused meds/insulin but actual supplies - i.e. - new blood glucose monitor.
In this case, definitely see if there's a place you can donate the monitor and other unused supplies to. You might ask your doctor if he/she knows of a place that could use them.
Unfortunately with the monitor - if you don't use the pump, the monitor itself is kind of moot so to give it to a free clinic is kind of useless as I doubt anybody in dire straights would have the pump.
Why is your brother not using the pump? My daughter's best friend is a diabetic and has been on the pump for years and it's an amazing thing. Mimics the pancreas' job so much better than the shots of insulin and allows a lot of freedom to eat what and where she wants instead of the tight rigid schedules she used to have.
BC/BS authorized my brother to have the pump. A month or so later, they decided that they wouldn't cover his pump supplies. No point in using a pump if you have to pay for the supplies.
I do have unused pump supplies, unused pen needles, and the meter. I have found people that are able to use these supplies.
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