Needle and Sharps Disposal Guidelines
How to handle, store and throw away used needles and syringes safely.
Every injection leaves behind a used needle, and how you handle it matters for you, your household and the people who collect your trash. This section explains how to use an FDA cleared sharps container, what to do when it is full, and how to find a drop off location or mail back program in your area.
Disposal is the last step of a routine that starts with the right supplies. Our CJC-1295 supplies checklist covers what to keep on hand, and the subcutaneous injection technique guide walks through each step from preparing the site to capping the needle. If you are still learning your schedule, the CJC-1295 dosage guide explains how often injections are typically given, which also tells you how quickly a container fills.
Never put loose needles in household trash or recycling, and never recap a needle by hand once it has been used. When in doubt, ask your pharmacy or local health department how sharps are collected where you live.
