Sharps Disposal

Some medical conditions require the use of hypodermic needles, syringes, lancets, and scalpel blades. Learn more about your options for disposing of medical waste safely in Allen County. 

For questions, contact 260-449-4433.

To ensure safety, sharps will ONLY be accepted when residents have followed the guidelines below:

  • SyringesAllen County residents can dispose of sharps at Tox-Away Events. This service is for residential sharps only. 
  • Only FDA-Approved sharps containers are accepted. Containers can be purchased at many pharmacies. Sharps containers are now available for purchase at Tox-Tuesdays. 1qt = $5, 1gal = $10.Containers purchased from ACDEM will be accepted at no cost.
  • FDA-Approved containers from outside sources, like many pharmacies, will have fees for disposal. Containers purchased from ACDEM will be accepted at no cost. Outside containers brought to the HHW Facility will be weighed for a $1 per pound.

Guidelines

  • Fill containers only to 3/4 full. Do not overfill. Once 3/4 full, close and securely tape lid, then bring a container to a Tox-Away Events. Driver must have sharps container within arm's reach. Driver will place the container in a designated receptacle. ACDEM staff can not handle sharps containers at any time.
  • Do not mix sharps with any other items, including HHW or paint.
  • Only cash and check are accepted for fees & container purchases.

Other Options

  1. sharps containerAsk your pharmacist for information about a safe syringe disposal program in your area or visit your local pharmacy for more information on needle disposal  products and take-back programs.
  2. You can contact Stericycle at 866-783-7422 or visit the Stericycle website.
  3. Place all items with sharp edges in a strong plastic container with a lid (such as a laundry detergent bottle) or a coffee can with a lid. Write "Not Recyclable" on the container to make sure it does not accidentally get put into your recycling bin. When the container is about 3/4 full, put the lid on and seal it tightly with strong tape. This container can then be placed in your garbage bin for pick up. DO NOT place it in your recycling bin.

Improper disposal of these items may result in the injury of trash haulers and recyclers. Improper disposal can also contaminate and potentially jeopardize recycling programs locally.


DO NOT RECYCLE OR PLACE NEEDLES LOOSELY IN THE TRASH.

Residents with a large stockpile of sharps should call 260-449-4433 to discuss options.