Town Offers Tips on Safe Disposal of Needles and Syringes

The Town Of Reading would like residents to be aware of a service that it provides for the safe disposal of sharps (needles) and syringes.

As of July 1, 2012 medical waste regulations do not allow the disposal of needles in household garbage. A sharps (needles) collection center is an identified site within a community that is established for the sole purpose of collecting home sharps (needles) pursuant to Massachusetts law.

The following information is provided by the Mass Department of Public Health and The Town of Reading Board of Health:

DO NOT: Put sharps in the household trash. Throw sharps in the garbage or a recycling bin. Flush sharps down the toilet or drop into storm drains. Clip, bend, or recap needles.

USE A SHARPS (NEEDLES) CONTAINER: Sharps containers can be purchased at your local pharmacy, a medical supply store or they may be ordered through the mail. If you do not have a sharps container you may use a puncture resistant container such as a rigid plastic bottle or a coffee can with a secure cap. You may use duct tape to adequately secure contents.

These containers must be properly disposed of at a designated drop off site or through a mail back service.

The designated drop off site for residents of the Town of Reading is at the Reading Police Department, 15 Union St. Please note the kiosk at this location will only accept containers that are less than one (1) gallon in size. Residents may also use the following mail back services to return needles: Medasend: 1-800- 200-3581 or Stericycle: 1-800-355-8773.

Reading reminds residents to be careful and aware when dealing with sharps.