Needles and Sharps

Hypodermic needles and other medical sharps pose a significant health threat to recycling and sanitation workers and should NEVER be put in your curbside or drop-off recycling container.

 

Some healthcare providers and medical facilities offer takeback programs for needles and sharps; check with your medical professional. Additionally, mail-back programs are available from WMand Republic Services

 

Sharps Containers at Home

Used needles, sharps, and lancets may be placed in the regular trash if precautions are followed. Use an FDA-cleared sharps container to protect your family members, health workers, and sanitation workers before disposing of sharps. These containers are widely available at pharmacies and other retail stores. The precautions are designed to protect sanitation workers and other workers in the waste industry from being stuck by a needle.

• Place used needles and syringes in a Sharps container or a heavy, rigid plastic container with a sealable lid such as a plastic laundry detergent bottle with a screw top.
• Close the lid and seal the lid with heavy-duty tape.
• Write "CAUTION: SHARPS. DO NOT RECYCLE." on the container.
• Place the sharps container in your regular trash. In the state of Ohio, it can be included in your regular trash pick-up. Do not place the container with your recyclables.

Helpful Websites

U.S Food & Drug Administration: Safely Using Sharps (Needles and Syringes) at Home, at Work and on Travel 

Nationwide Children's Hospital: Sharps Containers at Home

Ohio EPA: Guidance for Disposal of Household Generated Sharps

SafeNeedleDisposal.org

Proper Disposal of Medication

Learn how to dispose of Medications. 

 

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