Final answer:
A phlebotomist should dispose of a used needle by activating the safety device and then placing it in a sharps container, in compliance with biosafety regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
After drawing blood, the phlebotomist should dispose of the needle by activating the safety device, then depositing it into sharps container. This is a crucial step in maintaining CAREER CONNECTION to Phlebotomy and Medical Lab Technology as per biosafety practices. Needles are considered biohazards because they can harbor blood contaminated with disease-causing organisms. Therefore, they must be disposed of in a manner that prevents needle-stick injuries to anyone handling the medical waste. Depositing the needle into a specialized container for 'sharps' ensures that the used needles are managed according to health and safety regulations.