Sharps (Hypodermic Needles, Syringes and Lancets)
Used needles and lancets are dangerous because they can injure people and spread germs/disease. Victims of sharps-related injuries face the cost of post-injury testing, disease prevention measures, and counseling, even if no infection or disease was spread.Safe disposal options for sharps
- Use an approved sharps containers. If an approved container is not available, use one with a well-secured lid, preferably a screw top. Rigid plastic containers are best – for example: plastic milk, juice or soft drink bottles. Avoid glass or aluminum. If using a non-approved rigid sharps container, such as an empty 2-liter bottle, please label it: WARNING SHARPS – DO NOT RECYCLE.
- Never overfill a sharps disposal container. No materials should be sticking out of the top.
- Never force materials into a sharps container.
Where to dispose of sharps
- Drop-off Collection Sites – Sharps users can take their filled sharps containers to any one of three transfer stations in Clark County. There is no cost for this service.
- Special Waste Pickup Services – Self-injectors can place their used sharps in a special container, similar to a recycler container, and put it outside their home for collection by trained special waste handlers. Some programs require customers to call for pickup, while others offer regular pickup schedules. There is a cost for this service. Visit www.safeneedledisposal.org for further information.
- Mail Back Programs – Used Sharps are placed in special containers which are mailed to a collection site for proper disposal. Visit www.safeneedledisposal.org for further information. There is a cost for this service.
Where to take sharps in Clark County
Central Transfer and Recycling Center
11034 NE 117th Avenue, Vancouver 360-256-8482
Monday – Friday, 6am – 6pm
Saturday & Sunday, 8am – 4pm
West Van Materials Recovery Center
6601 NW Old Lower River Road, Vancouver 360-737-1727
Monday – Friday, 6am – 6pm
Saturday, 8am – 4pm
Washougal Transfer Station
4020 S Grant Street, Washougal 360-835-2500
Monday – Friday, 7am – 5pm
Saturday, 8am – 4pm
Unwanted Medication Collection Events are held twice each year throughout Clark County. For more information call 360-397-2121 ext 4352.
