California
California law directs consumers to take sealed containers of used household sharps to a drop off site or arrange a mail back service.
- If there is no program near you, contact your local health department or solid waste department for direction.
Step 1
Place them in a strong, plastic container, like a laundry detergent or bleach bottle.
Step 2
When the container is 75% full, seal it tightly with duct tape and label it “DO NOT RECYCLE.”
Step 3
Use the ZIP Code locator below to find a drop off site for your sealed container.
Important
- Never flush household sharps down the toilet.
- Do not throw used household sharps in recycling.
- Do not throw loose needles and household sharps in the household trash before they are placed in a strong, plastic container.
Call the program to confirm if there are any container requirements, disposal fees or residency restrictions.
California State Guidelines
In California it is illegal to dispose of home-generated sharps waste in the trash or recycling containers, and all sharps waste must be transported to a collection center “in a sharps container or other containers approved by the enforcement agency.” The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery has more information here.