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).