Proper Handling and Disposal of SHARPS

Environmental Health

Infectious diseases such as HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted by improperly discarding sharps (needles, syringes, and lancets).  To keep our communities safe; it is important to properly dispose of your used sharps.

Problems SHARPS can cause:

• They clog sewers and lift stations.
• They end up at recycling centers.
• They puncture solid waste containers and place workers along collection routes, and at the landfill, at risk of injury and/or disease.
• They threaten public safety.
• They may be contaminated with hepatitis, HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and other serious or fatal diseases.

Directions for SHARP disposal:

• All SHARPS should be disposed of in rigid puncture-resistant containers such as liquid detergent bottles, bleach bottles, or sharps containers.
• Perform your routine blood tests and injections and place the used sharps in your containers.  Do NOT snap off the needle.  Do NOT recap the needle.
• Containers should be three-quarters full.
• All containers should have a lid which must be tightly sealed before it goes into residential garbage. Masking tape can be used to help secure the lid.
• Place container in residential garbage or dispose of it at the county's landfill.

Preventing needle sticks:

• Never throw SHARPS directly into the garbage.
• Never flush, bury, or burn SHARPS.
• Never use a container that is not rigid and puncture-resistant.
• Never use clear plastic or glass containers.
• Never mix sharps with recyclable items.
• Never leave sharps accessible to others.

For a list of local participating SHARPS disposal pharmacies and more information please click here.