How to collect your used sharps
All syringes and lancets should immediately be placed into a sharps container. Keep the container out of reach of children and pets.
FREE sharps containers are available at ACHD for pick up during business hours.
If you do not have a sharps container, use a sturdy plastic container with a lid.
Place the entire syringe and needle into the container. Ensure the lid is secure.
Once the container is 3/4 of the way full, dispose of the container.
If you are using a needle clipper you can dispose of the syringe once the needle has been safely removed using the needle clipper. Dispose of the needle clipper once it is full.
*DO NOT throw the needle directly into the trash or flush down the toilet.
*DO NOT attempt to break off or cut off the needle with anything other than a needle clipper.
*DO NOT use a glass container to store sharps.
*DO NOT recap the needle unless you are unable to place the needle into your disposal container right away. There is potential for an accidental needle stick when recapping.
Disposal of Sharps
Option 1: Bring your used sharps to Asotin County Health District each Thursday 2pm-5:30pm. You will be offered a free sharps container to replace the one you turning in. If you do not have a sharps container, you can turn in your sharps in a sturdy plastic container.
Option 2: In Washington (except King and Snohomish counties), you can use a hard plastic container with a lid if you are unable to bring your used sharps to a syringe collection site. Examples of an appropriate container include laundry detergent bottles or plastic cat litter containers.
- Place the entire syringe and needle into the container.
- Once the container is 3/4 of the way full, duct tape the lid onto the container securely. If using a needle clipper, place the entire clipper into a hard plastic container with a lid and duct tape the lid.
- Clearly label the container “do not recycle”.
- Place the container into its own trash bag and dispose of with your trash. Do not recycle the container.
What to do if you experience a needle stick
If you are stuck with a needle that is not your own, wash with soap and water as soon as possible.
Go to urgent care or contact your health care provider. Based on the circumstances of the accidental needle stick, your doctor may recommend you receive certain vaccinations or taking a short course of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Proper disposal of sharps can prevent others from experiencing the stress and medical care associated with an unknown needle stick.