How to Dispose of Syringes in San Mateo, California

The city and county health departments in San Mateo have a fairly uncommon syringe disposal and exchange program, which is geared toward and primarily used by intravenous drug users, but can also be used by people who have legal and legitimate reasons for needing syringes, like diabetics. The simplest way to participate in the program is to place used needles and syringes in a special container known as a sharps collector, then turn the container over to a local disposal agency.

Instructions

• 1

  Obtain a sharps collector, which is a single-usage container that hold needles and syringes. These are available at pharmacies and at online healthcare websites, that sell medical supplies. Visit a pharmacy in person, where you're able to see the various sizes and shapes of sharps collectors in order to choose one that suits the type of syringes you'll be disposing of.

• 2

  Deposit the used syringes into the sharps collector. If you have the right size container, the syringes should have adequate space to fit inside. The number of syringes you're disposing of should dictate the size of the container; sizes vary from quart-sized, which can cost anywhere from $4 to $9, to three-gallon sized, which can cost over $80.

• 3

  Find a local syringe exchange or pick-up program. Because the county health department has a policy of offering needle exchange options for intravenous drug users, syringe exchange programs are available throughout San Mateo. Call the San Mateo County NIGHT Program at 650-573-2141 to find out about where in your area you can drop off old syringes or have them picked up.

• 4

  Make arrangements to drop off the syringes or have them picked up. The county's NIGHT Program is the go-to agency for needle exchanges for diabetics, but there are two other agencies, the AIDS/Hepatitis Prevention Action Network at 650-369-0330, and the Free At Last drug rehab program, at 650-462-6999, that also conduct exchanges for people who have AIDS or hepatitis, and people who are intravenous drug users, respectively. Call the agency most suited for you to make arrangements to dispose of your syringes.