Trash Talk: Sharps

Here’s how to safely dispose of “sharps,” a medical term for devices with points or edges that can puncture or cut skin, such as needles or syringes. Loose sharps are bad for the environment and dangerous to people because they can cause accidental needlestick injuries that may require, at a minimum, testing for HIV and hepatitis.
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  1. If you are comfortable picking them up, please secure them in a strong plastic “biohazards” container or an alternative strong plastic bottle (like Gatorade bottles or detergent bottles) with a secured cap.  You can buy a sharps container from a pharmacy or other source, or use a rigid, puncture-proof container with a lid. Typical water and soda bottles have thinner, weaker plastic and can be penetrated by needles.
  2. Do not hold the container when putting a needle into it, as you could risk piercing your hand. Rather, set the container on the ground, away from your feet. See the video below.
  3. In Santa Fe, sharps can be dropped off at these locations, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.
  4. Alternatively, you can drop the container into your household trash can, NOT recycling. Just make sure that the container is clearly labeled “Sharps” or “Needles” and ensure the cap is securely closed.
  5. If you are not comfortable picking sharps up, you can contact Southwest Care at 505-490-1147 to report the location and they will collect them.
For more information on proper sharps disposal, visit: https://www.sfswma.org/hazardous-waste/medical-waste/

In May 2024, we teamed up with Southwest Care’s Max Avery for a workshop on the proper collection and disposal of needles and other biohazards. Check out this video of Max on how we can reduce the risk of cuts or punctures from throwing away loose sharps.

You should never:

  • Place loose or protruding needles in the garbage
  • Flush needles down the toilet
  • Put the container in the recycling bin
  • Put sharps in aluminum cans, milk cartons, or any other containers that are not puncture-proof
  • Handle needles with bare hands
  • Attempt to snap, remove, or bend needles, or put the cap back on
  • Allow children to handle needles