How to recycle/dispose of syringes

Curbside collection: No
County facilities accepting syringes:
None

US EPA information on disposing of Medical Sharps

There are two paths to pursue -- using your own containers, and using special "sharps" containers.

One disposal method is to place the used syringes into a rigid container, such as a plastic bottle or a milk carton. Then, tape the container securely shut, and tuck it into the middle of your household trash.

However, the most ideal method is to keep sharps out of the regular waste stream altogether, using special disposal programs such as these:

• Holy Cross Hospital Syringe Disposal Program
  (service of Materials Management Program)
  1500 Forest Glen Road
  Silver Spring, MD 20910
  301-754-7121
  • Program participants are asked to complete an information form.
  • Bring full sharps container and receive a new one in exchange.
  • No charge.
• Montgomery General Hospital Diabetes Center
  Physicians' Office Building
  18109 Prince Philip Drive, #324
  Olney, MD 20832
  301-774-8727
  • offers a "Free Safe Syringe Disposal Program" for persons with diabetes who use lancets, syringes and needles
  • Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Participants are given a sterile and durable container, large enough to hold over one month's worth of sharps. When the container is full, participants return it to the Diabetes Center for a new container.

"How to recycle/dispose of..." Index

This information last updated 8/5/2008.