Throwing sharps in the garbage is dangerous. If “sharps” are mixed with garbage, there is a real risk to all the people who handle that garbage — family members, waste collection drivers, employees at the transfer station, landfill and recycling centers. NEVER place sharps directly into any garbage receptacle.
It is illegal to dispose of sharps as trash. There are several Humboldt County collection locations that provide free sharps disposal during open hours. Follow these directions and know that your sharps are being disposed of safely and responsibly.
SAFE DISPOSAL OF SHARPS:
Put your sharps in a a red biohazard sharps container, available at local pharmacies and medical supply outlets for $6-$10, secure the lid, and keep it out of reach of childrenWhen the container is full take it to a collection location during business hours. Make sure to hand the container to an employee.
For More Information call:
• Humboldt Waste Management Authority (707) 268-8030 x 0
• Household Hazardous Waste Hotline (707) 441-2005
Only home-generated sharps accepted (no nursing facility or hospital generated sharps).
Businesses can safely dispose of sharps and syringes through Med Tec at (707) 839-5544
You can safely dispose of Sharps and Syringes at these locations: