How do I dispose of medical sharps?

Diabetic needles, syringes, and other medical sharps are very hazardous to garbage and recycling haulers as well as landfill workers.

Some healthcare providers offer sharps containers for individuals to take home and return when filled. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacy for more information on disposing of medical sharps. Most do NOT accept medical sharps from businesses

Local providers:

  • MercyOne Waterloo Pharmacy (2710 St. Francis Drive – Suite 101, Waterloo): Needles and sharps are accepted from patients and must be in a sealed sharps container. Call 319-272-5700 for details.
  • UnityPoint Health – Home Medical Equipment Services Department (3733 University Avenue, Waterloo): Needles and sharps are accepted from patients and must be in a sealed sharps container. Call 319-235-5285 for instructions and off-site drop-off location details prior to disposal.

To dispose of medical sharps in the landfill, place needles in hard plastic containers such as laundry detergent bottles (do not use milk jugs). 

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1. When is large item collection available?
2. What are the automated cart sizes and the monthly rates associated with each size?
3. What are the hours that the automated carts may be placed out for pickup?
4. Is there a penalty for having my cart out too early or leaving it out later than 8:00 pm?
5. How may a Christmas tree be disposed of by a citizen?
6. What should I do with my automated garbage can on days that it has snowed and plows may be coming by?
7. How do I dispose of medical sharps?