Home-Generated Sharps Waste

As of September 1, 2008, it is illegal to dispose of home-generated sharps waste in your regular trash containers. Home-generated sharps waste includes hypodermic needles, pen needles, intravenous needles, lancets, and other instruments that are use to penetrate your skin to deliver medications.

Safe Disposal

The safe and convenient way for you to dispose of your home-generated sharps waste is to place them in a state-approved sharps container. These are available free of charge at select distribution sites. Free mail-back containers are available to seniors and disabled persons. For information on where to pick up your sharps container and where to dispose of those containers, visit L.A. County. For more information on the new sharps law, visit the state's website.

Unused Medication

For unused prescription medication, visit L.A. County's website. You can also go to Dispose My Meds to find a pharmacy that may accept the drugs.