Iodine and iodophors are effective against lipid-containing viruses, bacteria and fungi but exhibit variable activity against mycobacteria, non-enveloped viruses and bacterial spores. Iodine can stain fabrics and environmental surfaces, is neutralized by organic matter and is generally unsuitable for use as a disinfectant. However, iodophors and tinctures of iodine are good antiseptics. Several advantages of iodophors include:
-a wide spectrum of anti-microbial and antiviral activity
-a built-in indicator; if the solution is brown or yellow, it is still active
use as a preoperative skin antiseptic and surgical scrub
Note: Iodine can be toxic and antiseptics based on iodine are generally unsuitable for use on medical/dental devices. Iodine should not be used on aluminium or copper.
Iodine can be used as a sterile skin scrub (not to sterilise equipment!) but I wouldn't put it anywhere near injection equipment; iodine can seriously irritate veins.
Many hospitals are reprocessing large number of medical devices labeled as single-use. It might not only be for saving costs but to stop a tide of medical waste. You can read one good article at napavalleyregister regarding recycling of medical devices. However, recycling medical devices will only be legal if they follow certain guidelines given by administrative boards. As far as the reuse of needles or syringes is concern, patients should be aware of health threat and might discard them if they are not safe.
Syringes and needles are not being recycled.