Disposal of syringes, needles and lancets is regulated. These items are called “sharps”. They can carry hepatitis, HIV and other germs that cause disease. Throwing them in the trash or flushing them down the toilet can pose health risks for others. Regulations governing disposal of sharps protect garbage and other utility workers and the general public from needle sticks and illness. There are different rules and disposal options for different circumstances. Contact your local health department to determine which option applies to your situation.

Found Syringes in Parks and Other Public Locations

Used syringes that are tossed aside in parks, along roadsides, in laundromats, etc., present potential risk for accidental needlesticks. Risks for infection from a found syringe depends on a variety of factors, including the amount of time the syringe was left out, presence of blood and the type of injury (scratch versus puncture.) The risk of HIV infection to a health care worker from a needlestick containing HIV-positive blood is about 1 in 300, according to CDC data. The amount of time an improperly disposed of syringe is in the environment is usually not known, so the risk of infection cannon be quantified. In some communities facilities for safe disposal of used syringes and exchange for new ones are available through health departments or other agencies. The purpose of these programs is to reduce public exposure to contaminated syringes.

Anyone with an accidental needlestick requires an assessment by a medical professional. The medical professional should make certain that the injured person had been vaccinated against Hepatitis B and tetanus; s/he may also recommend testing for HIV, HCV, and HBV.

If a found syringe is handled, but no needle stick occurred, testing for HIV is not necessary. Handling a syringe is not a risk for HIV transmission.

Safe Disposal of Found Syringes

Found used syringes or needles present a risk for HIV, HBV, HCV and other pathogens. Parents and other caregivers should make sure children understand they should never touch a found needle or syringe, but instead should immediately ask a responsible adult for help. For safe disposal of found syringes:

If you find a syringe or needle, do not pick it up with your bare hands. Use a gloves and tongs, shovel or broom and dustpan to pick it up. Hold the needle away from your body.
Do not break the needle off from the syringe. Needles can carry HIV, hepatitis and other germs. Do not flush needles or syringes down the toilet
Place used sharps and syringes in a safe container: one with at least a one-inch opening and a lid that will seal tightly. An empty plastic laundry detergent, shampoo, pickle, oil or similar bottle or jar will work. If a glass jar is used, place it into a larger plastic bucket or container that has a tight-fitting lid. Soda cans are not good containers to use because people often try to recycle discarded cans.
Carefully place the needle or syringe into the bottle or jar and seal the lid tightly. Tape it shut for added safety, and label it with the warning: “Sharps, Do Not Recycle”. The sealed container should be placed out of the reach of children.
Call your local health department to determine what disposal sites are available to you.