FreeStyle Libre Recycling

FreeStyle Libre Recycling - Sharps

DISCLAIMER:  The information contained in here is my own.  This information is not for everyone and is has not been reviewed or discussed with any representative of Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.  This process isn't for everyone.  You are solely responsible for the outcome of this process.  Be sure to properly dispose of the extracted needle using proper sharps management techniques.

If you have no experience with the Abbott FreeStyle Libre sensor application, consult the documentation that is included with the packaging provided by Abbott.  The information there is accurate, effective and achieve a properly applied sensor.

After doing all that is described, the Abbott procedure and documentation leave the disposal of the application hardware to you.  This documentation is simply what I've done to manage the issue.

Review Of Components

This discussion assumes you are familiar with the application of the sensor.  For review and reference the following images are provided to help clarify details.

Sensor and needle to install sensor

Applicator with electronics and adhesive

This is the electronics with the adhesive layer

Sensor plus needle attached to electronics ready to apply

Removing The Needle

Once the sensor has been applied to the skin, the application device looks like the picture below.  The position of the grey plastic carrier is extended out. 

Applicator after sensor applied

Each of the light grey oval points in the device shown above need to be pried loose to needle and application spring underneath.  To accomplish this task  I use a medium flat blade screwdriver.  The picture below shows approximately where to insert the screwdriver tip and pry apart the plastic bond.

Screwdriver to break plastic bond

While breaking the final  tab, be sure to hold the white plastic in place or you will have to retrieve the piece from wherever the spring sends it across the room.

Once the three bonds are separated, you will be able to remove the white piece:

White retaining plate

Left inside the applicator is the spring and needle used to place the sensor in the skin.

Applicator Spring

Remove the spring above to reveal the small insertion needle used to place the sensor in the skin.

Sharp needle in bottom of applicator

I reach inside the applicator and retrieve the sharp needle using a pair of hemostats.  I lock the hemostats on the needle and gently pull up.  The needle is easy to remove.

There really is nothing more to it than this.

Sensor needle removed from applicator

Next I fold the needle in half, shown below, and place in our sharps container.

After going through this process, you can see the pile of plastic and parts that don't have to be stored in the sharps container taking up space.  I  believe this plastic can be recycled as any plastic would be.

I save the springs for no particular reason other than I might find a use for them.