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Sharps & Needles

Hazardous material

Never put loose needles or syringes in household trash, recycling, or the toilet. Used needles belong in an FDA-cleared sharps container (or a heavy-duty plastic household container if one isn't available), then dropped off per your community's specific instructions once it's about three-quarters full. Disposing of unused medications is a separate process, see our medications guide.

Curbside recycling?

No

Never place loose sharps in curbside trash or recycling. They must go in a puncture-resistant container first.

Safety note

A loose needle or syringe can cause a puncture injury and potentially transmit disease to sanitation workers and household members. Use an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container (or, if unavailable, a heavy-duty plastic container like a detergent bottle) and never reuse or overfill it.

How to prepare it

  • Put used needles and syringes immediately into an FDA-cleared sharps container, or a heavy-duty plastic household container with a tight-fitting lid if one isn't available
  • Once a sharps container is about three-quarters full, follow your community's specific instructions for getting rid of it, don't keep filling it past that point

Common fees

Not confirmed

Quantity limits

Not confirmed

Residency restrictions

Not confirmed

Appointment required?

Not confirmed

Transporting it safely

Transport a sharps container upright and sealed, never loose in a bag or pocket.

Recycling locations

Showing locations in our covered metros. Choose a metro to see only the locations there.

7 locations in covered metros

Related items

Frequently asked questions

Where can I recycle sharps & needles?
Never put loose needles or syringes in household trash, recycling, or the toilet. Used needles belong in an FDA-cleared sharps container (or a heavy-duty plastic household container if one isn't available), then dropped off per your community's specific instructions once it's about three-quarters full. Disposing of unused medications is a separate process, see our medications guide.
Can sharps & needles go in curbside recycling?
Never place loose sharps in curbside trash or recycling. They must go in a puncture-resistant container first.
Is there a safety concern with sharps & needles?
A loose needle or syringe can cause a puncture injury and potentially transmit disease to sanitation workers and household members. Use an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container (or, if unavailable, a heavy-duty plastic container like a detergent bottle) and never reuse or overfill it.
Last verified 2026-09-15

Sources

Programs, hours, fees, eligibility, and accepted materials can change. Confirm details with the facility before traveling.

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