Safe and Legal Disposal of Needles and Sharps

 

The term "sharps" refers to needles, syringes, lancets and similar devices or materials with the potential to cut or puncture an individual. Improper disposal of sharps exposes a person to the risk of a painful stick--and increases the risk of contracting such diseases as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B or C. Individuals at the greatest risk of being stuck by used sharps include sanitation and sewage treatment workers, janitors and housekeepers and children.

 

Baltimore City residents can do their part to help prevent accidental needle-sticks by following this guideline for sharps safety and disposal. [Click here for more information on safe and legal disposal of needles and sharps]

 

There are 2 options for Baltimore City resident to dispose of their sharps.

 

Option 1: Put sharps in an acceptable container and discard in the trash.

• Acceptable containers are rigid, puncture resistant containers with secure lids or caps.
• Visibly label the sharps container "Do Not Recycle: Sharps."
• Dispose of the container with your regular trash on your allotted trash pick-up days.

Option 2: Call the Health Department for information on drop-offs at (410) 396-4008. Drop-offs can be scheduled at the following locations:

• Druid Family Health Center, 1515 West North Avenue
• Eastern Family Center, 620 North Caroline Street

Syringes can also be dropped off at 1 of 17 needle exchange sites throughout the city. Please call the Health Department's Needle Exchange Program at (410) 947-5700 for more information.