There are currently no regulations for residents disposing of sharps/needles at home. However, as a possible option, the Lake County Health Department recommends placing "sharps" (even clipped needles) in a designated medical sharps disposal container or in a hard plastic bottle marked "Do Not Recycle" that is capped when full and placed in the garbage for disposal.


Knowingly mixing household sharps and other medical needles or syringes can cause serious injuries to other residents, drivers, waste hauler employees, etc. Bandages/dressings should be put in a plastic bag prior to placing them in the garbage.
Additional disposal options and information can be found at the following links:

• Sharps Compliance, Inc.
  
• Complete Needle Collection Disposal System
• SafeNeedleDisposal.org
  
• Shred Nations - Sharps Disposal Program
• Stericycle Disposal Solutions
• Waste Management Sharps Disposal by Mail Service
• IEPA Home Needle Disposal Sheet (PDF)
• Additional information can be found on the FDA Website

Check with your medical provider or pharmacy

While many medical providers and/pharmacies still push the cost of sharp disposal onto patients, there are opportunities emerging to combat this growing concern within our county and state. Please do not hesitate to ask about sharps disposal options during your next visit.