Sharps & Sharps Containers

Sharps have particular management requirements.

Sharps containers must be:

• rigid
• non-breakable/puncture resistant
• impervious to moisture/ leak proof
• have a self-closing lid
• red in color with universal biohazard label 

Magers Health and Wellness Center (MHWC) will serve as the depository and accumulation point for sharps found on the Springfield campus of MSU. When sharps (needles and syringes) or sharps containers are found by faculty, staff or students, they can be taken to the center (417-836-4000). Extreme care should be taken in handling the items to minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Prior notification should be made to the center when possible.

Custodial Services (417-836-5265) should be contacted for removal of full university sharps disposal containers located in restrooms or offices. Custodial staff will deliver them to the Environmental Management Department for accumulation prior to disposal. Full sharps containers from the Residence Life system will be transported by Residence Life custodial staff to the Environmental Management Department.

Environmental Management will transfer filled accumulation boxes from MHWC and store them in the central waste storage area. Upon accumulation of several boxes of bio-waste, the material will be disposed of through the bio-waste disposal company.