Safe Sharps Disposal

What are Sharps?

Sharps are medical tools used to puncture the skin. They are often used to give medicine or take small blood samples. Because they can break the skin, they can spread germs if not handled safely.

Examples of sharps include:

• Needles: Thin metal tubes used to give medicine into the body.
• Syringes with needles: Used to give medicine or take fluids from the body.
• Lancets (fingerstick devices): Small tools used to prick the skin to get a drop of blood.

After you use a sharp, put it in a sharps container right away. Sharps containers are made of strong plastic and have tight lids to keep people safe. 

You can get a sharps container from some pharmacies, medical supply stores, your healthcare provider, or online.

If You Do Not Have a Sharps Container

You can use a strong plastic container from home, like a laundry detergent bottle.

Make sure the container:

• Has a tight lid
• Does not leak
• Is labeled “Sharps – Do Not Recycle”

Do NOT use:

• Glass containers
• Milk jugs
• Aluminum cans
• Thin plastic bottles

Never put sharps containers in recycling.

How to Get Rid of Sharps Safely

Rules for throwing away sharps can be different depending on where you live. Always follow your local rules.

Here are common ways to dispose of sharps:

1. Drop-Off Sites (Best Option)
   • Many communities have free or low-cost places to drop off sharps
   • Contact your local waste office or visit: safeneedledisposal.org
2. Mail-Back Programs
   • You can buy special containers to mail your sharps to a safe disposal site
   • Ask your pharmacy or healthcare provider for help
3. Household Trash (Last Option)
   • Only use this if the other options are not available.
   • Make sure the container is:
     • Sealed
     • Taped shut
     • Clearly labeled

Do NOT put sharps in recycling.

General

• Find disposal locations
• FDA Sharps Safety

State Resources

• Minnesota: Safe Disposal of Needles and Syringes
• Wisconsin: Household Sharps Disposal