Sharps Care and Disposal

How to Deal with Discarded Syringes and Sharps

Syringes, needles, lancets and other sharp items used to treat diabetes, allergies and other medical conditions are called sharps. Syringes and needles are also used to inject drugs of abuse. Sharps can be found where you don’t expect them – in a house, in a park, or on the street.

Why should I care about sharps?
Diseases like hepatitis B & C and HIV can be spread by being stuck with a sharp that was used by someone else.

What do I do if I find a sharp in public (on the street)?

If you are not trained to handle sharps:
Please contact the Amesbury Police Department for collection and disposal, (978) 388-1212. Do not handle sharps with bare hands, and do not throw sharps into a trash can or toilet. 

If you are trained to handle sharps (nurse, doctor):
Please put the sharp into an approved container and bring it to the Amesbury Police Station for proper disposal.

Parents, please teach your children about what they should do if they see needles or other sharp objects in public spaces! Tell them not to touch the needles and have them alert a nearby adult.

What should I do if I get stuck by a sharp?

1. Stop what you are doing.
2. Let the wound bleed.
3. Wash with soap and running water.
4. Apply antiseptic and/or bandage.
5. Note the time of the injury, the needle’s location and what it looked like. Was it dirty? Go to an emergency room or urgent care center right away. You may need a blood test or vaccine

How should I get rid of my sharps?
You may have sharps due to a personal disease, or may have a family member pass away and be left with sharps to dispose of. 

• Use a heavy-duty laundry detergent or bleach container with a screw top, or a container specially made for sharps. Look for the mark #2 HDPE on the bottom to make sure the plastic container you use is strong enough. DO NOT use soda or water bottles.
  • DO NOT disconnect the needle from the syringe. 
  • Wear heavy-duty gloves, or use a tool like tongs or pliers to pick up the sharp and put it into a heavy-duty plastic container.
  • Put the whole thing, needle end down, into the container.
  • Do not fill the container fully, leave a couple inches of space at the top. 
  • Make sure to store the disposal bottle out of reach of children and pets. 

DO NOT throw sharps into the trash or the toilet.