The City does not collect medical trash, except for syringes used in a residence.
Sharps Disposal
You can bring properly packaged and labeled used syringes and lancets (also known as "sharps") to any hospital or nursing home in New York State. NY hospitals and nursing homes are required by law to act as collection centers. You should contact the hospital or nursing home first for specific drop-off days and times.
Many local pharmacies and healthcare providers who provide sharps also participate in the voluntary sharps collection program.
View a map of pharmaceutical and sharps drop-off locations.
You can also drop off sharps at a SAFE Disposal Event.
If you aren't using a sharps disposal program:
- Place the sharps in a leak-proof, puncture-resistant container.
- When the container is full, seal the lid securely, tape it closed, and label the container “Home Sharps - not for recycling."
- Place the container with trash for regular trash collection.
Don't put syringes or lancets or sharps containers with recycling.
Learn more about used syringe and lancet disposal.
Other Medical Waste
Learn how to dispose of medical waste other than syringes and needles.
You can also hire a licensed carter.
Get a list of licensed and registered carting companies.
Medicine
Printed materials that come with prescription medication should be referred to for specific disposal instructions.
Most prescription drugs should be mixed with an undesirable substance (such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter) and put in impermeable, non-descript containers (such as empty cans or sealable bags) before throwing them out in the trash.
COVID-19 Test Kits
Throw out COVID-19 test kits with your regular trash. These test kits are not considered medical waste.
