This same information below (for residential needle/syringe disposal) is also available in a PDF flyer.

	Residential
1.	Get a safe container, such as: a) Plastic pop bottle b) Plastic cooking oil bottle c) Plastic laundry detergent container d) Any other similar container
2	Put a small hole in the neck of the bottle. This allows air to escape.
3.	Drop syringe, needle first, into the container.
4.	Put the lid on the container.
5,	Continue adding needles to the container until it is 3/4 full.
6.	Once container is 3/4 full, tape the lid closed.
7.	Label the container with a Biohazard sticker or write 'BIOHAZARD WASTE' on the container in bold letters.
8.	Dispose of at a hazardous waste facility or authorized disposal facility OR put the container into your trash can. DO NOT RECYCLE.

For alternate ways to dispose of your sharps, check with your doctor, local pharmacy or a permitted infectious waste transporter.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department regulates all infectious waste generators, transporters, and disposal companies in Pierce County.

Each infectious waste facility must develop a management plan, provide annual training to staff, allow for health department inspections, and pay an annual permit fee.

For more information:

• Call the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department at (253) 798-2940
• E-mail them at ehsolidwaste@tpchd.org
• Visit the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department's infectious waste website to learn more about infectious waste and syringe/needle disposal.

For more information:

• For alternate ways to dispose of syringes/needles (also called 'sharps'), check with your doctor, local pharmacy or a permitted infectious waste transporter.
• Call the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department's Source Protection Program at (253) 798-6047 or their Public Health Information Line at (253) 798-2987.
• If injured by a syringe or needle, call your doctor or a community medical clinic.