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Household "Sharps" (Needle) Disposal
Improperly disposing of sharps used at home can pose a public health risk. If not properly secured, discarded needles may expose your trash collection crew and other waste workers to potential needle stick injuries and potential infection.
There are three main routes for handling needles and syringes: return/exchange, disposal in a FDA-approved container, or, disposal in a sturdy, alternative container:
Needle Drop Off Locations
Specialized containers may be purchased that allow you to mail or drop off needles at designated private collection centers. For a list of companies that provide this service, please call 1-800-643-1643 or visit the Safe Needle Disposal website. Patients using sharps may also find assistance with exchange or disposal through their primary care physician and may want to ask their doctor’s office whether this service is offered.
FDA-Cleared Sharps Containers
The FDA recommends that used needles and other sharps be immediately placed in FDA-cleared sharps disposal containers. FDA-cleared sharps disposal containers are generally available through pharmacies, medical supply companies, health care providers, and online.Alternative Disposal Containers

Download our sharps flyer here or visit the Health Department's helpful page for additional info on sharps and medicine disposal programs.
Note: *It is important to note that this disposal information pertains only to household medical items. By law, businesses have different medical waste disposal criteria.