• Put used needles and syringes in a “sharps” container or a puncture-resistant plastic bottle. Bleach or laundry detergent bottles are good choices.
• Close the screw-on top tightly. You may want to tape it as well. Label the bottle: “Contains Sharps.”
• Do not put sharps in soda cans, milk cartons, glass bottles, or any container that is not puncture resistant. Coffee cans are not recommended because the lids come off too easily.
To dispose of your sharps container:
• In New York State, all hospitals and nursing homes must have a place and
• In several regions in New York State, sharps may be disposed of in collection kiosks located in pharmacies and health care clinics. Call (518) 473-7542 to
• Ask your pharmacist about the best methods and locations for safely
• In many areas, including New York City, it is legal to put your sealed sharps