NEVER PLACE SHARPS IN TRASH OR RECYCLING!

NEVER PLACE SHARPS IN TRASH OR RECYCLING!

With the availability of more injectable pharmaceuticals for at-home use, Monroe County is seeing an increase in sharps, syringes, needles, and lancets in waste streams.

Proper disposal of sharps and syringes is critically important for the protection of the environment and the community, and these items present specific and significant hazards to waste and recycling employees.

There are several simple steps to properly dispose of syringes and sharps used at home for both humans and pets:

NEVER PLACE SHARPS IN TRASH OR RECYCLING!

Additionally, do not put these materials in bottles or cans that are returned for deposit OR flush them down the toilet!

PROPER DISPOSAL METHODS FOR SHARPS and SYRINGES

Collect in an approved sharps container

If an approved sharps container is not available, place sharps in a STURDY plastic container, such as a laundry detergent jug

Bring containers from home - no businesses or medical offices - to the ecopark for proper disposal during normal business hours, no fee and no appointment necessary.

Visit https://www.monroecounty.gov/ecopark-pharmaceutical for more information on disposal at the ecopark.

Additionally - per New York State, nursing homes and emergency rooms MUST accept sharps for disposal through the Safe Sharps Collection program.

Visit this link and enter your zip code to find a convenient disposal location near you: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/aids/consumers/prevention/needles_syr...