NEEDLE DISPOSAL QUESTIONS

+ Can I put my needles in the garbage or toilet?

Any waste collector can get poked if the needles are loose or in a container. Containers get crushed and the needles come through. Most Waste Management Bylaws state you cannot put needles in the garbage or blue bags.

Waste Management workers sort all the recycled items we put in the blue bags by hand. A worker could get poked by a needle.

If the needles do not plug the toilet, it can enter the sewer system and then into a river. Someone could get poked and it is environmentally unclean.

+ I am a Doctor, do I need to have a Generator number?

Single practitioners are exempt from requiring a generator number for all wastes.

For any multiple doctor facility a Generator number is required.

To register for a generator log on to hwin.ca and click on new registration. ECS Cares offers a service to get you registered, manage all of your hwin needs and keep you in compliance for $125.00 per year.

+ I have lots of needles that I stored in water bottles and bleach containers, what do I do?

We provide several scenarios. The easiest options is to choose one of our large opening sharps containers. You fill the container(s) which includes the appropriate liner and box and we can remove if for disposal.

Our team can walk you through this process, in most cases, we deliver the approved containers and remove the sharps waste box on the same service call to reduce your charges. Our team will also ask you questions to ensure that all the MOE guidelines and hwin requirements are followed.

We can also provide you with containers moving forward.

+ I need to keep my X-Ray film but I also need the space, can I store my film and files anywhere?

You can store your files offsite but you are still responsible for them. You also will need to have routine access to them and a filing system to ensure that you can pull the correct file upon request.

ECS Cares has set up a premium file system that is secure. We are able to pull the requested files in a timely fashion and re-file them upon return.

+ What is the difference between a red disposal container and a yellow disposal container?

In Canada, there are actually 3 colour coded containers approved by the CCME (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment).

• Yellow – Waste Sharps, Human Blood or Body Fluid Waste and Microbiology Laboratory Waste
• Red – Human Anatomical Waste

+ Why am I noticing needle holders in washrooms?

More and more business and hospitality centers are realizing the need to protect their staff and provide their patrons with a safe disposal for their needles or lancet. With a growing awareness to the millions of diabetics in Canada and an increasing number of workers being pricked while managing garbage or cleaning it is the sensible solution to a growing concern.

+ What are the CT Series containers?

Our new line of containers have multiple sizes and our part of the CT Series line. They have replaced the original 3L and 4.5L CT containers.

The CT4 is a direct replacement of the 4.5L CT container and the CT2 is a direct replacement for the 3L CT container.

+ Are the litres or quarts on my sharps containers correct?

The simple answer is unlikely. It seems labeling sharps containers with litres or quarts is like the gas mileage posted on cars several years ago. They are misleading. Some companies list the volume based on the maximum capacity of the entire container BUT they have a fill line! If the CSA and UN standards require a fill line, which they do, then why not base the capacity on the fill line? We did some testing, it is not difficult to do so if you want to confirm our results just get a measuring cup and some water.

Container Liquid Comparison

+ What happened to the containers I have been getting (pre-summer 2017)?

The beginning of 2017, ECS Cares began investing in a new container supplier with more options and superior quality. The consistency and quality makes these the best on the market. We have been and will continue to phase out the 4.5L Ct and 3L Ct containers.

+ I have brackets and Needle Boxes for the original CT containers, what do I do?

ECS Cares will be keeping a limited amount of original CT containers for these customers. We will also be working on select accounts to switch them to our new brackets and needle boxes.

At the end of the day, we will ensure you are looked after as our intention is to make things better for our customers.

+ Does the number on the CT Series container represent the volume?

We moved away from using Liters or Quarts on the containers or in our general descriptions as it will put us at an initial disadvantage. Many containers on the market have inflated volumes, or volumes based on the entire container and not the required fill line.

Our testing has shown CT4 to hold similar liquid to its replacement at the fill line.

+ What is the difference of a CT and CT+?

Side by side, the base is the same. The lid is what makes the difference. The CT3+ and CT4+ has a taller lid with a larger opening. It actually allows for more storage of waste due to its design. (you gain an extra liter of volume).

+ Why am I told my pails are being replaced with 30L bins?

The summer of 2017 is the start of our new product line. This includes 30L, 45L and 68L waste bins. We have yellow for sharps, red for cyto and white for Rx. These bins are superior in every way. They lock and close more securely, have a hermetically sealed lid and have a PG II rating. They also do not require additional packaging.

The 30L bin is 30% larger than the pail and only in certain circumstances will the costs increase. If you only do 1 or 2 per pick up, the costs should be the same.