Disposal of Home-Generated Sharps (Needles, Syringes and Lancets)
Home-generated sharps waste is defined as hypodermic needles, pen needles, intravenous needles, acupuncture needles, lancets, and other devices that are used to penetrate skin for the delivery of medication or conduct a blood test derived from a household. As of September 1, 2008, California State Law prohibits the disposal of home-generated sharps into any container used for the trash, recycling, or green waste. Disposal Options for Home-Generated Sharps
Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if they take back used sharps.
Consider using a mail-back program for proper disposal (fees may apply). For a list of mail-back service companies, visit California Department of Public Health.
City of San Diego residents can dispose of home-generated sharps at the following collection drop box locations. Sharps must be in either a:
Closed red sharps container less than 1 gallon (4 quarts) or
Heavy-duty, rigid plastic container less than 1 gallon (4 quarts) or has measurements less than 14”H x 8”W x 8”D with a secure, tight-fitting lid such as bleach or laundry detergent containers.
All sharps drop boxes are located inside the main lobby. Business-generated sharps waste will not be accepted at these locations.
City of San Diego Mid-City Police Station Address: 4310 Landis Street, San Diego, CA 92105 619-516-3000 Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
City of San Diego Southeastern Police Station Address: 7222 Skyline Drive, San Diego, CA 92114 619-527-3500 Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
City of San Diego Southern Police Station Address: 1120 27th Street, San Diego, CA 92154 619-424-0400 Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
NOTE: Police station hours are subject to change without prior notice. Please call ahead to confirm police station is open.
City of San Diego residents can call 858-694-7000 to make an appointment to drop off their home-generated sharps at the Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility. Sharps must be in either closed red sharps containers or heavy-duty, rigid plastic containers with a secure, tight-fitting lid such as bleach or detergent containers and labeled "sharps".
For more information, feel free to reach out to San Diego Medical Waste Services, LLC 619-990-4604 or info@sdmedwaste.com