Toxic materials poured down the drain can affect the efficiency of wastewater treatment and eventually reach our local waterways. Hazardous materials in garbage can leach into groundwater from landfills. Help protect the health of people and the environment; use safe disposal services for hazardous waste.
The Household Hazardous Waste Facility provides FREE disposal for residents:
See the WLSSD Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Guide for comprehensive tips on proper disposal of these “tricky” wastes.
It is illegal to dispose of sharps in household garbage within the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (Duluth, Cloquet & surrounding communities). Instead, use WLSSD’s free disposal service for residents at Household Hazardous Waste (HHW).
Select a rigid plastic container with a screw-on lid. Laundry detergent jugs work best for storing used sharps. Avoid thin plastics like milk jugs or pop bottles.
Label the container “Household Medical Sharps” (free stickers available at WLSSD).
Place needles, syringes, and lancets in the container immediately after use. When the container is full, secure the lid with heavy-duty tape.
Bring the container to the WLSSD HHW facility during normal hours of operation for free disposal.
Using care and common sense, residents can properly dispose of sharps to keep our neighborhoods clean and safe. Simple precautions such as wearing gloves, carefully picking up the sharp from the safe plunger end; avoiding the needle at any time; disposing of the needle in a thick plastic container such as a laundry detergent jug; and washing your hands with warm soapy water immediately after disposal are vital for safety.
Anyone who discovers sharps and are not comfortable handling them can call the SHARPS HOTLINE at 218-730-4001. Calls will be answered 24/7 and a volunteer will respond to the location.