Each year, an estimated 8 million people across the country use over 3 billion needles, syringes, lancets, and auto-injectors (collectively known as “sharps”) for at-home medical care. Due to the health and safety risks involved, proper disposal of these items is crucial to prevent:

• Needle stick injuries to waste workers and the public
• Potential transmission of serious diseases like HIV and hepatitis, and
• Contamination of the recycling stream and environmental risk.

California law requires that residents properly dispose of sharps in FDA-approved, sealed, containers and then either take them to approved drop-off sites or arrange a mail-back service. Fortunately, a multitude of safe, convenient disposal options are available to residents in Alameda County.