Home-generated sharps waste is hypodermic needles, pen needles, intravenous needles, lancets, and other devices that are used to penetrate the skin for the delivery of medications derived from a household including a multifamily residence or household.

Can I throw my sharps in the trash?
No, it is illegal. State law prohibits disposal of your sharps in the trash.

Where do I place my sharps once they have been used?
You must place your sharps in a proper container. You can pick one up for free at County designated distribution sites. Another alternative is to place your sharps waste in a container that does not leak, break, or puncture. It must be taped, sealed and labeled "SHARPS".

Once filled, how can I dispose of my sharps container?
When your sharps container is full, take it to any of County designated collection sites such as designated Department of Public Health clinics or to free HHW collection events, Antelope Valley Environmental Collection Center,or Los Angeles City SAFE Centers. Here is a map locator tool and directory to find a drop-off site for Sharps and unwanted medicines.

What happens when sharps are not properly disposed?
Sanitation and landfill workers or anyone that handles your trash can be injured. Also, leakage may occur from leftover liquid in the sharps and contaminate groundwater, rivers, and the ocean.

Download a Sharps Waste Management Brochure (English or Spanish)
Periodically, distribution sites and collection sites are updated on the Sharps website that are not included in the brochure, so check our website frequently.

Note: commercial-generated Sharps are not accepted at the collection sites.