Sharps Container: HSA Eligibility

What is a sharps container?

A sharps container, also known as a needle container, is a special receptacle approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that is designed to safely hold, transport and dispose of needles and other non-sterile sharp implements after they have been used. Because of the risk of injury and infection from coming into contact with these sharps, these containers are available for both at-home and portable use.

While non FDA-approved sharps containers are available for purchase, it's vital that consumer-directed account holders purchase needle containers that adhere to the FDA's strict guidelines regarding these devices. These devices should be constructed of heavy-duty plastic, contain a puncture-resistant lid to avoid sharps piercing the user when closing the box, leak-resistant and properly marked to ensure that anyone who handles the container will know that it contains hazardous material.