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Home-Generated Sharps Waste Management Program |
What is home-generated sharps waste?
"Home-generated sharps waste" means hypodermic needles, pen needles, intravenous needles, lancets, and other devices that are used to penetrate the skin for the delivery of medications derived from a household including a multifamily residence or household.
Can I throw my sharps in the trash?
No, it is illegal. If you self-inject at home, State law prohibits diposal of your sharps in the trash.
Where do I place my sharps once they have been used?
You must place your sharps in a proper container. You can pick one up for free at County designated distribution sites. Another alternative is to place your sharps waste in a container that does not leak, break, or puncture. It must be taped, sealed and labeled "SHARPS".
Once filled, how can I dispose of my sharps container?
When your sharps container is about 3/4 full, seal it tightly (per the instructions on the container) and take it to any of the County's free Household Hazardous Waste Collection events, the Antelope Valley Environmental Collection Center (AVECC), the City of Los Angeles' S.A.F.E. Centers, or a designated Department of Public Health clinic.
What happens when sharps are not properly disposed?
Sanitation and landfill workers or anyone that handles your trash can be injured. Also, leakage may occur from leftover liquid in the sharps and contaminate groundwater, rivers, and the ocean.
To learn more about how you can manage your sharps waste, pick up a sharps container and drop off your sharps waste, click here.
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Sponsored by the County of Los Angeles