How must all needles be discarded?

Needles must be discarded intact, meaning they should not be detached from the syringes or capped before disposal. This practice is crucial for safety reasons. When needles are discarded intact, it helps prevent needle-stick injuries, which can pose significant health risks to healthcare workers and others who might come into contact with disposed needles.

By maintaining the integrity of the needle during disposal, it also ensures that they are handled safely and properly, following established protocols for hazardous waste. The other options such as detaching or capping needles or attempting to recycle them are not safe practices and can lead to unnecessary risks and complications.