Skip to main content
close

KingCounty.gov is an official government website. Here's how you knowexpand_moreexpand_less

account_balance

Official government websites use .gov

Website addresses ending in .gov belong to official government organizations in the United States.

lock

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Only share sensitive information on official, secure websites.

King County Logo
May
31

Sharps disposal

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

Short URL: kingcounty.gov/sharps

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.

  Need a translation of this site? Use Google Translate at the top of this page to select a language.

¿Necesita una traducción de este sitio? Use Google Translate en la parte superior de esta página para elegir un idioma.

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
      • Click on the appropriate link, then search on their page for "Code Compliance" (called 'Code Enforcement' in some cities) and submit a complaint through the city.
expand_less