Disposal of Sharps

"Sharps" is a medical term for items with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin. Examples include needles, syringes, and lancets. Every year University Park sanitation workers are injured by sharps that are improperly discarded. Approximately 9 million Americans use sharps to manage medical conditions. This results in the disposal of more than 3 billion used needles and other sharp items annually.

How to Dispose of Sharps Safely

Sharps Container

  • Use a red Sharps container, securing lid with heavy-duty tape
  • Place the secured bottle in the trash for collection

If You Do Not Use a Red Sharps Container

  • Place needles, syringes and lancets in a hard plastic or metal container with a screw-on cap or tightly secured lid - Bleach bottle or liquid detergent bottle
  • Reinforce the lid of the container with heavy-duty tape
  • Label the container "Not for Recycling"
  • Place the secured bottle in the trash for collection
  • Do not put loose needles, syringes and lancets in trash cans
  • Do not put needles, syringes or lancets in glass jars, coffee cans, aluminum cans or clear or thin plastic containers

This disposal method is only for sharps used in the household. Clinics, hospitals and other commercial users must follow Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations.

Additional Information