Safe Syringe Disposal: NJ Department of Health

Consumer, Environmental & Occupational Health Service

PO Box 369

Trenton, NJ 08625

(609) 826-4941

http://www.nj.gov/health

https://www.nj.gov/health/

Safe Syringe Disposal

New Jersey NJSA 2C:36-6 et seq, permits persons aged 18 years and older (with valid photo ID) to legally possess up to ten hypodermic needles and syringes without a prescription from licensed pharmacies. The statute also requires safe deposal of the needles and syringes to avoid injury or disease transmission.

Improper disposal of needles and syringes may cause risks to others. Used needles and syringes can transmit HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and other diseases. Loose needles, syringes and other medical sharps should be collected in heavy duty plastic containers. Never flush them down the toilet, place in recycling bins or in household garbage. This can be a source of disease transmission to both humans and animals.

Disposing of Syringes and Needles Safely

Used needles and injecting equipment are dangerous to other people and pets if not disposed of safely. They can injure people and spread infection.

To dispose of used syringes and needles safely:

1. Place used syringes and needles into a FDA-approved sharps container or into a heavy-duty plastic container, such as a laundry detergent or bleach bottle. The bottle should be sturdy, puncture-resistant and should not leak.
2. Close the screw on lid tightly and label the sealed container as “Do not Recycle-Container Sharps”.
3. Don’t use coffee cans as plastic lids can come off easily. Don’t use glass bottles which may break.

DO NOT put a plastic container with used needles and syringes out with the recyclables.

DO NOT try to remove, bend, break or recap needles used by another person. This can lead to accidental needle sticks, which may cause serios infections.

Pet owners who use needles to give medication to their pets should follow the same disposal guidelines used for humans.

Check with your local health, sanitation or public works department or trash collector before you dispose of used needles and syringes in your household trash.

The New Jersey Safe Syringe Disposal Guide provides information for individuals who use syringes, needles or other equipment about proper disposal of these items. To get a copy of The Guide call the NJ Department of Health’s Public Health Sanitation and Safety Program at (609) 826-4941 or go to http://www.nj.gov/health/phss.

Many hospitals accept used needles and syringes when put in containers using the steps listed. Refer to the Safe Syringe Disposal Guide for specific locations and contact information.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) website has more information for the safe disposal of needles, syringes and other medical sharps at:

http://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safely-using-sharps-needles-and-syringes-home-work-and-travel/sharps-disposal-containers

New Jersey Resources:

New Jersey Addictions hotline:

*1-800-238-2333 or 211

*Hotline is available 24/7

*Trained telephone specialists educate, assist, interview and/or refer individuals and families battling addicitions.

*Calls are free and confidential.

*www.nj.gov/humanservices/das/home/index.html

*www.nj211.org

New Jersey Safe Syringe Disposal Guide

*www.nj.gov/health/phss

New Jersey HIV/AIDS hotline

*1-800-624-2377

*Information about HIV/AIDS and other related information including syringe access programs

*www.nj/gov/health/aids/index.shtml

*Disclaimer: This information was taken from the NJ Department of Health pamphlet on Safe Syringe Disposal, and I give them full credit for the information. IF you need any additional information, please check out their website.