Beginning on September 1, 2008, state law (Section 118286 of the California Health and Safety Code) makes it illegal to dispose of home-generated sharps waste in the trash or recycling containers, and requires that all sharps waste be transported to a collection center in a sharps container approved by the local enforcement agency.
Home generated sharps must be placed in an approved container and brought to a Sharps Kiosk or Household Hazardous Waste Collection facility or event for FREE disposal, or disposed of at an alternative approved location. Residents can use a store bought biohazard container with a secured lid or make their own approved container using the instructions to the right.
Section 117671 of the California Health and Safety code defines “home-generated sharps waste” as hypodermic needles, pen needles, intravenous needles, lancets, and other devices that are used to penetrate the skin for the delivery of medications derived from a household, including a multifamily residence or household.