TeenHelp - Safely Disposing of Self Harm Tools

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Safely Disposing of Self Harm Tools

Hey guys! :D I've decided that I'm going to get rid of the blades that I have used in the past to self harm. My top priority in all of this is safety - I wouldn't want another person or an animal to get hurt because I disposed of something improperly.

I've been doing some research on how to get rid of them safely, and it looks like I might be able to purchase a home sharps container to put them in. Then, I could dispose of them at my local waste collection facility (for free… :dem: ). It wouldn't exactly be ceremonial, but as far as I can tell, it would be the safest way. Do you guys have any other ideas as to how to do this safely? Any idea of what to put them in, in case the sharps container wouldn't work?

Re: Safely Disposing of Self Harm Tools

Hey Laura,

In the past what I would do was, wrap the sharpies in toilet paper and throw them into the garbage. At the time, I couldn't dispose of them properly. Till you do get the container or bio-hazardous container (that's what we call them here), you could wrap them in a cloth or toilet paper and safely put them in a small box in the meantime.

I know it might be strange, but any pharmacy (or doctors office) has them and you can ask if you can dispose of some sharpies, you can drop them in the box safely. Another option is Sexual Health Clinics have drop boxes for needles and such (they have boxes like that in my city) but unsure if you have similar boxes available to you.

If you wanted to do a ceremony for disposing your sharpies and your progress to not harm yourself, you could write a letter or give a small speech. You could do this with family, friends, teachers, a doctor, counselor/therapist, etc., if you feel comfortable doing that. It is good to let others know this big step you are taking.

Take Care,
Chantal