Disposing of Sharps and Prescription Drugs

Improper disposal of syringes and other sharps poses a health hazard to both the community and sanitation workers.

Found on Public Property (Park or Road)

Contact the Waste Info-line at 905-356-4141 or 1-800-594-5542 if you find a syringe / sharp on public property (e.g. a municipal road or park).

Found on Private Property

Remove the syringe / sharp on private property by following these steps:

  1. Bring a sharps or sealable container to the location of the syringe / sharp

  2. Carefully pick up the syringe / sharp using a retrieval tool such as tongs or pliers

    * Always keep the needle pointed downwards and away from the body to avoid any contact with the needle

  3. Deposit the syringe / sharp into the disposal container needle end first

  4. Close the sharps container securely

  5. Dispose of the sharps container following the guidelines below

Guidelines for Proper Disposal

  1. Place all syringes and sharps in a sealed container

  2. Contact your local pharmacy to see if they offer free sharps container for disposal
  3. If not, bring the container to a:

Prescription Drug Disposal (Free of Charge)

Take medications to a household hazardous waste depot or a local pharmacy for proper disposal, free of charge.

Do not put in the garbage, recycling boxes or pour down the drain.

If not disposed of properly, it can be harmful to people, animals and the environment.

First Aid for Needlestick Injury

  1. Gently wash the injured area with soap and cool water to help promote natural bleeding. Don't use your mouth to suck the blood out or press around the injured area to force bleeding. If soap and water are not available, wash the area with hand sanitizer.
  2. Consult a health care provider as soon as possible for assessment
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