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Sharps disposal

Learn how to safely and legally dispose of syringes, needles, and lancets (sharps) that have been used for business or personal reasons.

Sharps can carry hepatitis, HIV, and other germs that cause disease, and safe disposal is important. Putting them in the trash or flushing them down the toilet can pose health risks for others.

Short URL: kingcounty.gov/sharps

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How to handle used or found sharps

Learn how, and where, to safely and legally dispose of syringes, needles, and lancets (sharps).

Personal sharps disposal

Learn how, and where, to safely and legally dispose of syringes, needles, and lancets (sharps) that you use or find.

Business sharps disposal

Learn how to dispose of sharps used by a business.

Sharps found on public and private property

Sharps found on private property are the property owners' responsibility. Please follow the safe handling and disposal guidelines on our personal sharps disposal webpage to dispose of sharps found on your property.

City of Seattle

Unincorporated King County (outside of city limits)

In King County (outside the city limits of Seattle)

  • If you find sharps on private property that the property owner has not cleaned up, call the Illegal Dumping Hotline at 206-296-7483.
  • If you find sharps on public property, see list of city and town websites then click on the appropriate link and search on their page for "Code Compliance" (called 'Code Enforcement' in some cities) and submit a complaint through the city.

Poked by a needle?

If you are poked by a discarded or used needle, you should wash the area right away and seek medical attention. Use warm soapy water to wash the injury and wash any areas where the water splashes.

If you are at work, alert your supervisor and seek immediate medical attention. You need guidance from a doctor, even if the injury is very minor.