Used Needle and Syringe Disposal (Sharps)

People with diabetes and other medical conditions must use syringes, needles and lancets every day to control their condition and stay healthy. Also, individuals who own pets or reside on farms or ranches vaccinate and treat their animals to keep them free from illness. After the syringes, needles and lancets (sharps) are used, they need to be disposed of properly. Improper disposal of used sharps can injure children, sanitation workers and pets through accidental “sticks”. These sharps can be contaminated with hepatitis, HIV and other infectious diseases. The spread of these diseases can be lessened by ensuring that sharps are disposed of properly and do not end up in places like streets, parks or playgrounds.

Dispose of syringes, needles and lancets (sharps) at our Household Hazardous Waste Collection events. These services are available to Riverside County residents only. Place sharps in a rigid–plastic bio-hazardous sharps container provided by the County or purchased at a pharmacy. When your sharps container is ¾ full, exchange it for a new one at one of our Household Hazardous Waste Collection events. Sharps containers are available to Riverside County residents at these events at no charge, while supplies last.

The City of Moreno Valley and the Riverside County Waste Management Department host Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Events at the City Maintenance Yard located at 15670 Perris Blvd. in Moreno Valley. These Events are held in February, March, June and October and are free to all Riverside County residents. Learn more about hazardous waste collection events...

Sharps collection safety tips

If you have any questions regarding the disposal of syringes and needles, please contact the Riverside County Waste Management Department at 800.304.2226. Here are some simple safety tips:

• Do not use glass containers to collect sharps (they can break).
• Do not put sharps containers in your trash or recycling bin.
• Do not throw loose needles or lancets into the trash or recycling bin.
• Do not flush needles or lancets down the toilet.

For more information on sharps disposal, see these resources:

• Riverside County Waste Management Department
  800.304.2226