No syringes or sharps, even if clipped, can be disposed of in the garbage. Used syringes should be placed in a puncture resistant container with a tight fitting lid, labeled “SHARPS, DO NOT RECYCLE” and taken to the Recycling and Disposal Stations and put in the special collection bin for disposal – free (limit one gallon per trip).
More options
- Check with your pharmacy. Many stores that sell sharps containers accept the full containers for disposal.
- Ask your health care provider if you can return used sharps to them.
- Public Health Center patients can dispose of sharps 24 hours a day in syringe drop boxes located outside public clinics. See Seattle/ King County Public Health Sharps Disposal Options for locations.
- Businesses that need to dispose of sharps should call Public Health Seattle & King County at 206-205-4394.