Living with diabetes, I constantly rely on a substantial number of syringes and insulin pump quicksets. These crucial medical tools are often discarded as waste due to their contamination. Mary Douglas’s concept of dirt provides an insightful perspective on why these items are categorized as waste. She proposes that dirt is more than just physical impurity; it symbolizes something that deviates from established societal norms. In the case of these medical supplies, they are deemed impure due to their close association with bodily fluids and medical procedures. They come into direct contact with open wounds and are used to penetrate the skin, raising legitimate concerns about infection risks. From a public health perspective, it becomes evident why these items are labeled as “dirty.” They disrupt the pursuit of cleanliness and health within our environment, underscoring the need for their proper disposal to safeguard public health. From an environmental standpoint, these disposable items also contribute to resource wastage and environmental pollution, further justifying their categorization as waste. The entire lifecycle of these items, from production to disposal, involves substantial environmental impacts. This broader perspective emphasizes the environmental consequences of labeling these items as waste, extending beyond their role in disease prevention. In conclusion, Mary Douglas’s concept of dirt provides a comprehensive framework for understanding why these vital medical supplies are considered waste. It underscores how societal norms, public health considerations, and environmental consequences all contribute to the perception of these items as waste in our daily lives