What to Do with Used Sharps in Rhode Island
Put used sharps in a strong, plastic container that is puncture proof
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.
Put the plastic container in the household trash - don't recycle!
If a trash collector is reluctant to collect a red sharps container, refer them to your state waste agency.
Sharps should never be thrown loosely into the trash or toilet.
Sharps that retract after use, or are very small, should be disposed of like all other sharps.
If you would like to bring your sealed container to a community sharps disposal program, the RI Resource Recovery Corporation accepts properly prepared home-generated sharps through the Eco-Depot program from Rhode Island residents. You must make an appointment online or by calling RIRRC at 401-942-1430 x241.
Disposal locations in Rhode Island (10)
| Location Name | Address | City | Phone | Service Area | Residency Restriction | Provides Containers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eco-Depot Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event-Easton's Beach (October 17th Only) | 175 Memorial Blvd | Newport, 02840 | 401-942-1430 x3241 | Rhode Island | Yes | No |
| Eco-Depot Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event-Jenks Middle School (November 21st Only) | 350 Division St | Pawtucket, 02860 | 401-942-1430 x3241 | Rhode Island | Yes | No |
| ACOS Prevention Center | 557 Broad St | Providence, 02907 | 401-273-1888 | Providence | No | No |
| Providence Community Health Center-Atwood St | 31 Atwood St | Providence, 02909 | 401-444-0590 | Providence | No | No |
| CODAC | 349 Huntington Ave | Providence, 02909 | 401-942-1450 | Providence | No | No |
| Eco-Depot Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event-Richmond Department of Public Works (September 12th Only) | 51 Buttonwoods Dr | Richmond, 02898 | 401-942-1430 x3241 | Rhode Island | Yes | No |
| Eco-Depot Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event-Warwick Recycling Facility (November 7th Only) | 111 Range Rd | Warwick, 02889 | 401-942-1430 x3241 | Rhode Island | Yes | No |
| Thundermist Health Center | 186 Providence St | West Warwick, 02893 | 401-615-2800 | West Warwick | No | No |
| Eco-Depot Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event-Woonsocket Recycling Facility (October 31st Only) | 1117 River St | Woonsocket, 02895 | 401-942-1430 x3241 | Rhode Island | Yes | No |
| Community Center Alliance | 55 John Cummings Way | Woonsocket, 02895 | 401-235-7000 | Woonsocket | No | No |
Please note that SafeNeedleDisposal.org is not affiliated with these facilities or programs. Contact the individual facility to confirm hours of operation and requirements.