NEEDLES AND SHARPS DISPOSAL

MANAGING HOUSEHOLD SHARPS
Needles and sharp medical items should never be placed in the trash, recycling, medication drop-off boxes or toilets.  If disposed of inappropriately, waste haulers, landfill operators or recycling facility workers can be injured.  Items flushed down toilets cause problems with plumbing and waste water treatment plants.

The State of Wisconsin requires all citizens to manage needles and sharps safely and failure to do so is illegal.  Sharps must be safely packaged and disposed of at a registered collection facilities.

ACCEPTABLE PACKAGING FOR DISPOSAL

• A red plastic sharps container.
• A used plastic laundry detergent bottle labeled with a “Biohazard” or “sharps” sticker. 
• (Stickers are available free of charge at participating pharmacies or by calling 608-267-2626).
• Do not use plastic milk jugs or soda bottles.

PARTICIPATING PHARMACIES

 Participating Pharmacies and Other Helpful Links

For more information, click here for the DNR’s tips on packaging and disposal.