You can dispose of sharps containers safely through several options depending on your location:
- Drop-off or Supervised Collection Sites: Many doctors' offices, hospitals, pharmacies, health departments, medical waste facilities, police, or fire stations accept sharps containers for disposal. These services may be free or charge a small fee
- Household Hazardous Waste Collection Sites: Local public hazardous waste collection centers often accept sharps containers along with other hazardous household materials like paints and motor oil
- Mail-Back Programs: Some FDA-cleared sharps containers can be mailed back to designated collection sites for proper disposal, usually for a fee. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for labeling and packaging
- Residential Special Waste Pick-Up Services: Some communities offer special waste pick-up services where trained handlers collect sharps containers from your home. This service often requires scheduling and may have fees
- Local Health Departments or Waste Services: Contact your local health department, trash removal service, or pharmacy to learn about sharps disposal programs available in your area
- Specific Regional Programs: For example, Los Angeles County provides multiple drop-off locations including city halls, sheriff stations, and public health offices, plus a mail-back program for elderly and disabled residents
Important: Never throw loose sharps into the trash or recycling, never flush them down the toilet, and always use an approved sharps container sealed securely when about three-quarters full
. For detailed, location-specific guidance, you can call Safe Needle Disposal at 1-800-643-1643 or visit their website, which provides state-by-state disposal information
. In summary, sharps containers should be taken to designated collection points such as medical facilities, pharmacies, hazardous waste sites, or mailed back via approved programs to ensure safe and legal disposal.
