“Sharps” is a medical term for devices with sharp points or edges that can puncture or cut skin, such as needles and/or syringes. They may be used at home, at work, and while traveling in effort for people to manage medical conditions. Sharps are also used for injection drug use. Either way, we want to provide you with safe disposal information and resources. This article provides information on proper syringe disposal and risks involved, as well as safe locations where community members can dispose of their sharps.

Who does this impact?
There are many health conditions that require individuals to use sharps at home. Some of these include diabetes, allergies, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, hepatitis B and HIV. Likewise, this impacts individuals who use substances.

Why is it a problem to throw sharps in the trash?
Improperly disposed sharps can injure people and/or pets by causing accidental needle sticks. Likewise, throwing them in the trash in a public setting can put sanitation workers and others at risk.

What are the dangers?
Anytime there is blood-to-blood contact with infected blood or body fluids, there is potential for transmission of disease or infection. The risk of catching a serious infection as a result of an accidental needle stick injury is very low, because HIV, Hepatitis B and C viruses do not survive for long outside of the body. However, it is still important to safely disposal as it is still a risk. If exposure occurs it can create a lot of anxiety and concern, and can have potential health consequences on individuals who have been exposed.

How can I safely dispose of my sharps?
There are currently two syringe disposal kiosks in Cortland County, location at the Homer Police Department and City Hall in the City of Cortland.

• Village of Homer Police Department: 43 James Street, Homer – outside, on the side of the building
• City Hall: 25 Court Street, Cortland – outside of the entrance

Other resources to dispose of sharps include:

• The Southern Tier AIDS Program (STAP), with locations in downtown Ithaca, Johnson City and Norwich operates a syringe exchange program and accepts community generated syringes. They do serve clients in Cortland County. 
• Although not the recommended method, sharps can be legally disposed of in the household trash by doing the following: Use a sturdy, leak resistant, and puncture proof empty detergent bottle or bottle made of rigid plastic. Mark it to say ‘contains sharps, do not recycle,’ cap it and tape the cap as an extra precaution.

To learn more about prescription drug and syringe disposal in Cortland County, visit the Disposal Page on our website.