Des Moines

Syringes (Sharps)

There are many safe ways to dispose of sharps generated in the home. Putting sharps into the garbage is a health risk for solid waste workers and can spread disease.  The best ways to dispose of them are through a local pharmacy, mail in program, your doctor or designated drop off location. For more information on these options visit the King County Local Hazardous Waste Management Program website for more information on sharps disposal, or by calling the King County Household Hazards line at 206-296-4692; or by email at haz.waste@kingcounty.gov.

If the options above are not available, syringes can be disposed of in the garbage if placed in puncture resistant container such as a number two (2) PET pop bottle, with a tight fitting or taped lid and labeled "SHARPS, DO NOT RECYCLE."

Contact your local pharmacy and ask about their “sharps” collection services. All Bartell Drugs stores accept and dispose of sharps/needles for a fee. Bartell Drugs stores sell a sharps container that includes a sticker to attach to the container indicating that the disposal fee has been paid. Bartells accepts other similar sharps containers from residents starting at $2.00 for a quart size container. Contact your local Bartell Drugs store for more information.

Source: King County Local Hazardous Waste Management Program

Purchase a postage paid, mail-in container. To find out where to purchase, search for “sharps mail in programs” on your computer, ask your doctor, or contact the following companies:

BioMedical Waste Solutions
www.biomedicalwastesolutions.com
1-877-974-1300

GRP & Associates, Inc
www.sharpsdisposal.com
1-800-207-0976

Medasend
www.medasend.com
1-800-200-3581