Sharp Disposal

Laws & Regulations

Beginning on September 1, 2008, State law (Section 118286 of the California Health and Safety Code) makes it illegal to dispose of sharps waste in trash or recycling containers and requires that all sharps waste be transported to a collection center in an approved sharps container. 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 a household.

Collection Centers & Household Hazardous

Waste Events

Beginning September 2, 2008, La Habra Residents may take their used sharps to any of the four Orange County Hazardous Waste Collection Centers at no charge. Sharps are also accepted at all City Household Hazardous Waste Events which are held twice per year.

Sharps Container Requirements

Residents need to bring their sharps in a heavy-duty puncture-resistant container with a tight-fitting lid. Examples include a plastic detergent or liquid fabric softener bottle, an empty bleach bottle, or a store-purchased sharps container. For other options, ask your medical provider or pharmacy if they take back used sharps for disposal, or consider using a mail-back service for disposal. Mail-back containers may be purchased at your local pharmacy. Some fees may apply.

For More Information

For more information, please contact the La Habra Public Works Department at 562-383-4170 or visit the Orange County Landfills website.