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What About Things Like:

Sharps, Needles & Syringes

OPTIONS:

Sharps Disposal

California law prohibits disposal of home-generated sharps waste in the trash or recycling containers, and requires that all sharps waste be disposed of safely.  You can find more information about sharps disposal at the CalRecycle website.
Sharps users have several options available to them to meet the requirements of the law:

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers

Orange County’s four Household Hazardous Waste Collection Centers (HHWCCs) accept sharps for disposal. Residents should place the sharps in a heavy-duty, puncture-resistant container with a tight fitting lid. Examples of appropriate containers are empty plastic bottles such as detergent, liquid fabric softener or bleach bottles.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidance on safe needle disposal here. 

City Programs

Some cities have programs for sharps disposal for their residents. Check with your city’s recycling coordinator for programs specific to your city. 

Mail-Back Programs

The California Department of Public Health has a list of mail-back programs here. 

* Please note that some external links provide information that is not managed nor updated by OC Waste & Recycling.  You may contact those sites directly with any questions, requests or updates. We will routinely monitor external sites linked from our pages.