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HF 4587

Safe Sharps Disposal at Home

Sharps waste cannot be thrown away with your trash or recycling. To prevent injury and illness to yourself and others, use the guidelines below for getting rid of sharps waste in your home.

Examples of Sharp Waste

  • Needles

  • Lancets

  • Syringes

  • Any other sharp objects

What to Do with Sharp Wastes

Obtain or purchase a "Sharps Box” from your pharmacy, hospital, clinic or health department.

4587 Figure 1

You may also use a hard, plastic liquid laundry soap or bleach bottle with a screw on lid. If you choose this option, you will need to get a biohazard sticker.

4587 Figure 2

If that is not an option, write “Sharps” on the bottle. This lets others know there are sharps wastes inside. Always keep sharps containers out of the reach of children and pets.

How to Dispose of Sharp Wastes

  • Close the lid tightly when the container is 3/4 full.

  • Take it to your pharmacy or doctor’s office. 

  • Some UW Health locations can help with disposal. These include:

    • University Hospital Outpatient Laboratory

    • UW Health Pharmacy 

    • Other UW Health locations designated as collection points