Home-generated medical sharps include needles, syringes, and lancets, used to administer home health care to residents and their pets.

What is the Problem?

Improper disposal of used sharps an injure children, home healthcare providers, sanitation workers, and pets through accidental "sticks". Needles can be contaminated with hepatitis, HIV or other communicable infections. City of San Bernardino Municipal Code 8.24.060 and 8.24.230 expressly prohibits the disposal of hypodermic needles and syringes in refuse and recycling containers.

How should I discard my home-generated sharps?

Home-generated sharps can be safely and legally disposed by participating in a program offered by the City of San Bernardino Public Works Department. Home-generated sharps should be placed in a rigid-plastic BIOHAZARD sharps containers provided by the City. Do not collect sharps in any other type of container, including milk jugs and coffee cans.

Do not throw sharps in the trash or flush down the toilette

How can I get a collection container?

Free sharps collection containers are available to City of San Bernardino residents. Get a free container from the Water Department Customer Service on the 5th floor in City Hall. Proof of residency will be required. Please provide a California ID, and a Municipal Water Department bill if your ID shows an out-of-town address. Home-bound residents may call 909.384.5095 to have collection containers delivered.

How should I dispose of my container?

When your sharps container is 3/4 full, exchange it for a new one at the County of San Bernardino Fire Department, Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility adjacent to the San Bernardino International Airport at 2824 East W Street. The Collection Facility is open Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Sharps will ONLY be accepted in a rigid-plastic BIOHAZARD sharps container.

Please Click here for information about medicines and prescription drugs

DO NOT BRING SHARPS OR FULL COLLECTION CONTAINERS TO CITY HALL FOR DISPOSAL