Safe Sharps Disposal

What is considered a “Sharp”?

• Syringes – often used for medications like:
  • Insulin, GLP-1s, Glucagon, Dupixent
• Epi-pens
• Infusion Sets
• Lancets

Did you know?

 

Household sharps must never be recycled, placed loosely or directly into the trash, or flushed down the toilet.

 

Why is this important?

• To reduce needle-stick injuries of sanitation workers and community members.

• Needle-stick injuries lead to transmission of bloodborne pathogens including HIV, Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis-C.

• If you had a needle-stick injury or believe you have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens contact your primary doctor or Powhatan Health Department for testing at 804-598-5680.

How to safely dispose?

Place sharps in an FDA-cleared container for home use.

If you don’t have a sharps container:

• Use an empty, heavy-duty opaque container (bleach/detergent bottle)
• Seal to prevent leakage
• Label “HOUSEHOLD SHARPS – DO NOT RECYCLE”
• Dispose with regular trash or take to a community drop-box.

Community Drop-Box Locations:

• Powhatan Health Department
• Huguenot Volunteer Fire Department
• Deep Creek Volunteer Fire Department

To find disposal locations, visit safeneedledisposal.org

Where can I get a free sharps container?

In the white boxes beside the red drop-box.

Powhatan Health Department

Call: 804-598-5680

Goochland-Powhatan Community Services Mobile Outreach Team

Call or Text: 804-372-7933

Find us in the community.