Disposal of Used Syringes

Improper disposal of used syringes endangers other people, animals and the environment. Sanitation workers, for example, are placed at risk for diseases when loose needles are thrown away. Safely disposing of used needles keeps the entire community safe.

Medical Waste Rules

• Contact your local Department of Public Health or Sanitation Department to learn what syringe disposal methods have been approved for your area. Some places have strict regulations for the disposal of medical waste. Maryland, for example, requires that syringes be wrapped in paper and sealed in a hard plastic bottle before being placed in the trash. Other states, such as Arkansas, have no formal requirements.

Place in Plastic Bottle

• Place used recapped syringes into a #1 plastic bottle that has been clearly labeled "Do Not Recycle." Do not completely fill the container. If your local ordinances allow it, place the securely sealed bottle into your garbage.

Sharps Destruction Device

• Some sharps destruction devices use heat to melt the needle into a small ball, which can be safely disposed of in your household trash. Others clip the needle off and store it in a puncture-proof container for later disposal.

Disposal Centers

• The Coalition for Safe Community Needle Disposal provides more information about locating centers to drop off used syringes. Its website, safeneedledisposal.org, has a search feature that locates your nearest disposal center.

Exchange Programs

• The North American Syringe Exchange Network allows you to exchange used syringes for new ones. Nasen.org provides more information.