Five Tips for Throwing Out Sharp Objects Safely
Sharp objects can wreck havoc on your rubbish strategy. Blades and tips can cut through bin liners, causing rubbish to spill all over the floor, or employees and cleaners may get hurt handling bags with sharp objects in them. If you run a business where you have to dispose of sharp objects, you need to take steps to dispose of them safely.
1. Take Sharp Items Directly to the Skip
Let's say you have to throw out an old knife or a similar type of sharp object. So that it doesn't cause issues in the bins inside your business, you may just want to take that item directly to your skip. If you opt to do that, make sure that you never climb into the skip to compact rubbish. If you do that, you risk getting hurt.
2. Wrap Up the Sharp Object
If it's not convenient to take the sharp item to the skip, you should wrap it up before putting it in your rubbish bin. Depending on the object, you may tape a bit of cardboard around it or even wrap it in old bubble wrap. That will stop it from ripping through the bin liner or hurting anyone.
3. Consider Wheelie Bins
Alternatively, you may want to revisit the strategy you use for taking out rubbish. For instance, many companies use bin liners, and when those bags are full, the employees remove the bags from the bins and take them to the skip outside.
Instead, you may want to invest in large plastic wheelie bins. Then, you may want to haul those directly to the skip. At the skip, you can lift the wheelie bin and dump in all the rubbish without touching a thing.
4. Post Warnings on the Rubbish Bin
In lieu of that, you may want to place warnings on the interior rubbish bins such as "Caution May Contain Sharp Objects". Then, you may want to train employees to carry bin bags away from their bodies. That can help reduce the risks of injuries.
5. Sign Up for Sharps Collection
For foolproof safety, you shouldn't dispose of sharp items on your own. Rather, you may want to sign up for sharps collection. In some industries, such as when you are dealing with used needles, this may even be legally mandated. Essentially, the collection service provides you with a metal box that the sharp objects can't penetrate. Then, the service picks up the box and disposes of the sharp objects for you.