Broward County Health Department: To promote and protect the health and safety of all persons in Broward County through the delivery of quality public health services
Environmental Health
Sharps Disposal

What should you do with used syringes?

Infectious diseases such as HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted by improperly discarding sharps (needles, syringes, and lancets). To keep our communities safe, it is important to properly dispose of your used sharps.

 Never leave a SHARPS container unattended

Sharps container Home Disposal Hazard
Drop-off Locations
Bio-waste Transporters
Contact Information
Other SHARPS Information

 

Problems Sharps can cause:

Preventing needle sticks:
  • They clog sewers and lift stations
  • They end up at recycling centers
  • They puncture solid waste containers and place workers along collection routes, and at the landfill, at risk of injury and/or disease
  • They threaten public safety
  • They may be contaminated with hepatitis, HIV (the virus that can cause AIDS) and other serious or fatal diseases
  • Never throw sharps directly into the garbage
  • Never flush, bury, or burn sharps
  • Never use a container that is not rigid and puncture-resistant
  • Never use clear plastic or glass containers
  • Never mix sharps with recyclable items
  • Never leave sharps accessible to others

If someone in your home has an accidental needle stick,
CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL IMMEDIATELY.


Questions or Comments, Contact:
Broward County Health Department Florida Health Department
Division of Environmental Health

SHARPS
2421 SW 6th Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315
Phone: (954) 467-4823

 Division of Environmental Health

Bureau of Facility Program/HSEF
4052 Bald Cypress Way, BIN A08
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1710
Phone: (850) 245-4277