Have a needle clipper? When the needle clipper is full, it can be disposed of according to your state or local regulations. More information can be found here.
Use the ZIP Code search at the top of this page to locate
container disposal options near you.
Never throw used sharps — loose or in a plastic container — into the trash or toilet, and never recycle.
Sharps that retract after use, or are very small, should be disposed of like all other sharps.
Most counties in California have disposal programs. Click here for information on pharmaceutical company takeback programs.
Please note that SafeNeedleDisposal.org is not affiliated with these facilities or programs. Contact the individual facility to confirm hours of operation and requirements.
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State Guidelines for California
Beginning on September 1, 2008, State law (Section 118286 of the California Health and Safety Code) makes it illegal to dispose of home-generated sharps waste in the trash or recycling containers, and requires that all sharps waste be transported to a collection center in an approved sharps container. Section 117671 of the California Health and Safety Code defines "home-generated sharps waste" as hypodermic needles, pen needles, intravenous needles, lancets, and other devices that are used to penetrate the skin for the delivery of medications derived from a household, including a multifamily residence or household.
The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) is working to help develop a safe, convenient, and cost-effective infrastructure for collecting and properly disposing of home-generated sharps waste. Decreasing the number of sharps disposed in landfills will help prevent potential health risks to landfill and material recovery facility workers.
