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 container. These are available to purchase through pharmacies and online.
- If an approved sharps container is not available, use an alternative container with a well-secured lid (preferably a screw top). Rigid plastic containers are best – for example: plastic bleach or laundry detergent bottles. Do not use glass, aluminum, or thin plastic containers.
- Always label your containers with: 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.
- Never put sharps in the garbage or recycling.
Where to take sharps in Clark County (free for residents)
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 564-397-7352.
