Translate
Sharps disposal
Sharps can carry hepatitis, HIV, and other germs that cause disease, and safe disposal is important. Putting them in the trash or flushing them down the toilet can pose health risks for others.
Need a translation of this site? Use Google Translate at the top of this page to select a language.
¿Necesita una traducción de este sitio? Use Google Translate en la parte superior de esta página para elegir un idioma.
How to handle used or found sharps
Learn how, and where, to safely and legally dispose of syringes, needles, and lancets (sharps).
Personal sharps disposal
Learn how, and where, to safely and legally dispose of syringes, needles, and lancets (sharps) that you use or find.
Business sharps disposal
Learn how to dispose of sharps used by a business.
Sharps found on public and private property
Sharps found on private property are the property owners' responsibility. Please follow the safe handling and disposal guidelines on our personal sharps disposal webpage to dispose of sharps found on your property.
City of Seattle:
- If you find a needle or syringe on public property within Seattle city limits, follow the instructions on the Seattle Public Utilities' Sharps Collection website.
- If you find sharps on private property, you can file a complaint through the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections.
Unincorporated King County (outside of city limits):
- If you find sharps on public or private property in unincorporated King County, call the Illegal Dumping Hotline at 206-296-7483.
In King County (outside the city limits of Seattle):
- If you find sharps on private property that the property owner has not cleaned up, call the Illegal Dumping Hotline at 206-296-7483.
- If you find sharps on public property:
- See list of city and town websites
- Click on the appropriate link, then search on their page for "Code Compliance" (called 'Code Enforcement' in some cities) and submit a complaint through the city.
- See list of city and town websites