Household Sharps Disposal

To reduce public health risks such as accidental needle sticks, Wisconsin law requires all residents to dispose of sharps (examples: needles, syringes and lancets) properly. It is illegal to put sharps in the trash or with recyclables. Follow proper collection of needles guidelines(PDF, 2MB) for both used and unused needles. Return sharps to a registered sharps disposal site.

View a list of registered disposal sites.

Workers in hospitals and other healthcare facilities are not allowed to recap patient's needles. Patients may recap their own needles at home as they are not at risk to themselves.

Sharps at Home

Various acceptable sharps containers can be purchased or found at home.

  • Appropriate bottles at home should be rigid and puncture-resistant with a secure lid or cap such as laundry detergent or bleach bottles with screw tops.
  • Do not use coffee cans, plastic milk jugs, plastic bags, soda cans or soda bottles. (Do not add bleach to the container).
  • Clearly label the sharps container with the words "bio-hazard", "infection waste" or "sharps". It is also acceptable to label detergent or bleach bottles with the words "Do Not Recycle" so it is not accidentally included with recyclables.
  • You can also print this label(PDF, 75KB) and tape it to your collection container.
  • When the container is almost full, seal it and take it to a registered sharps disposal site.

Proper Disposal Options

Take the container to a registered sharps disposal site. Access the DNR website for locations.

Many healthcare facilities also accept sharps but are not required to register with the DNR. Ask your healthcare provider, clinic or local hospital if you can bring sharps to their location for disposal.

Sharps mail-back programs are available online. The company may provide containers and packaging that meet U.S. postal regulations. Charges may apply.

What are the dangers of sharps?

Sharps can harm workers when they are thrown in the trash or recycling, brought to medication collections, or flushed down the toilet. Children and pets are also at risk for needle-stick injuries when sharps are not disposed of properly. Anyone accidentally stuck with a needle will need expensive medical testing. Potential diseases such as Hepatitis or HIV are a concern. Needle-stick injuries are a preventable health risk.

Image of sharps disposal brochure
Back to top