Recycling springs from inserters

[SB2015]

When I take the inserted for my sensor/cannula apart to extract the needle,
I am left with bits of plastic and two sizes of springs.
Has anyone come up for a use of these?
I look forward to see the outcomes

 

[rebrascora]

I am still awaiting inspiration, but in the mean time I am amassing a decent hoard of them. Too pretty to throw out!

 

[Radders]

I’ve never done this, are you talking about these things? If so I’d love to know how you get them apart please as I’ve always thought it such a waste!

 

[paultrose]

What do the bits look like please

 

[rebrascora]

I only have Libre applicators to take apart and basically I use a screwdriver to level the white plastic tripod thing out from the centre of the applicator and then use pliers to remove the introducer needle and put it my sharps box and the stainless steel spring sometimes pings out so wear glasses to protect your eyes when dismantling. Then the hard plastics can go to the tip for recycling, but still trying to come up with a use for all the little stainless steel springs and of course the Libre sensors which I pop the centre out of with the filament and dispose of that but have a collection of what are essentially large buttons which I am sure could be made pretty with acrylic pens but what to use them for. I believe the sensors can be put in battery recycling boxes in supermarkets and the like once cleaned of any blood.

 

[helli]

I believe the sensors can be put in battery recycling boxes in supermarkets and the like once cleaned of any blood.

Why do you need to clean the bl**d? It is not usual to clean the bl**d off bandaids and these go into normal waste.
If it was really necessary, I would expect it would need quite a thorough sterilisation rather than a wipe.

 

[Lucyr]

Why do you need to clean the blood? It is not usual to clean the blood off bandaids and these go into normal waste.
If it was really necessary, I would expect it would need quite a thorough sterilisation rather than a wipe.

It’s just polite to clean the blood and adhesive off before using the battery disposal in the supermarkets. Sensors don’t go in normal bagged household waste as they contain a battery. The supermarket ones you dispose of them in you just pop your batteries in loose. So it’s polite to clean it.

 

[Lucyr]

And before you disagree and ask for evidence, here it is

 

[Radders]

Our council wouldn’t accept the hard plastic bits from the inserter for recycling as they’re too small. Might be worth checking with local councils.

 

[SB2015]

I just use brute force to take the applicators apart.
It leaves just a needle to go in the sharps.
My used sensors go in with the batteries.
Plastic cannulas in general waste same as an Elastoplast.

The springs go in general waste … at the moment.
An art piece?

 

[nonethewiser]

Know someone who might make use of those springs

 

[goodybags]

Know someone who might make use of those springs

View attachment 33762

Maybe we can make his head out of @rebrascora ‘s button collection

Im currently making a collection of Libra related packaging
in their own little bin
the used sensors
the applicator and the sensor housing
The clearish cover I’ve been putting in the plastic recycling
when the bin is full or one day
when I’m bored I intend to dismantle them on mass for recycling

Talking of recycling I only discovered recently Some Pens can actually go back for recycling (just NovoNorsk) and to think I’ve only been throwing them away for about ten years now

 

[rebrascora]

Talking of recycling I only discovered recently Some Pens can actually go back for recycling (just NovoNorsk) and to think I’ve only been throwing them away for about ten years now

You really should have reusable pens and cartridges prescribed for them as there is much less plastic involved, so better for the environment even than recycling, as the disposables have to be shipped back to Novo Nordisk, which in itself has an environmental impact as well as the recycling process. The reusable Novopens are really nice quality too and they have the last dose memory feature which is so handy and they new ones are smart pens so can be scanned with LibreLink app to record your doses. Another bonus is that the cartridges take up less space in the fridge. They really are great pens and the NovoPen Echo gives you the half unit option too.

 

[helli]

You really should have reusable pens and cartridges

Although I far prefer the reusable pens for the reasons you mention, it is not always as simple as " you should have reusable pens". There are some reason why people use the single use ones other than "because it is what was prescribed".
I can't remember what insulin @goodybags uses, but they may be using an insulin which is only available in single use pens. Sadly, not everyone is as "reuse conscious" as NovoNordisk.
And some people have dexterity issues. In addition to changing a cartridge (which can be fiddly), some single use pens are easier to use than some of the reusable ones. I think some people have mentioned how they struggle with the Sanofi pens which are definitely not as good as the NovoPens (I have both).

 

[goodybags]

I wasn’t until now aware the type of insulin I am prescribed might be available in anything other than the pens it’s been coming in since I started taking it quite a few years ago, I shall ask about cartridges and a refillable pen thanks for the suggestion @helli & @rebrascora I’m prescribed NOVOMIX30 (FLEX PEN)

 

[SB2015]

I wasn’t until now aware the type of insulin I am prescribed might be available in anything other than the pens it’s been coming in since I started taking it quite a few years ago, I shall ask about cartridges and a refillable pen thanks for the suggestion @helli & @rebrascora I’m prescribed NOVOMIX30 (FLEX PEN)

The Novomix30 Flex Pen is the disposable pen, and this appears to also be available as Novomix30 Penfil for us in the reusable pens. As others have said these pens are sturdy and have info about the last dose which can be useful. Well worth asking.

 

[Lucyr]

Talking of recycling I only discovered recently Some Pens can actually go back for recycling (just NovoNorsk) and to think I’ve only been throwing them away for about ten years now

It’s not just NovoNordisk. I send Lantus back.

You really should have reusable pens and cartridges prescribed for them as there is much less plastic involved, so better for the environment even than recycling

Not everyone can use reusable pens. I can only manage using one for apidra but not for Lantus.

I don’t feel like I should have to explain and defend that every time someone like you says something judgemental like your comment above. It’s fine to point out that reusable pens may be available if someone wants them, but it’s not okay to tell people they should have them.