Used needles and syringes go straight into a puncture-proof sharps container, never into household garbage or recycling. When the container is about three-quarters full, seal it and take it back.
- Most Canadian pharmacies accept sealed sharps containers, often for free.
- Provincial and municipal programs and harm reduction sites also take them.
- Never recap, bend or break a used needle.
Disposing of sharps properly protects the people who handle your garbage, your family and your pets. A needle stick from a used needle can spread hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, and sanitation workers in Canada report needle injuries every year from sharps thrown in household bins. Getting this right is simple and usually free.
Step 1: Get a proper sharps container
A sharps container is a rigid, puncture-resistant plastic box with a lid that locks. Pharmacies across Canada sell them, and many give them out free, especially with a prescription for injectable medicine. Harm reduction programs also hand them out at no cost.
If you cannot get one right away, a heavy plastic bottle with a screw cap, such as a laundry detergent bottle, works as a temporary container. Label it clearly “SHARPS, DO NOT RECYCLE.” Check with your local program first, because some only accept approved containers.
Step 2: Use it correctly
- Drop the needle and syringe in straight after injecting, needle first. Do not recap it.
- Do not bend, break or cut needles. That is how most needle-stick injuries happen.
- Keep the container upright, closed and out of reach of children and pets.
- Stop filling it at about three-quarters full and lock the lid.
Empty vials and ampoules can usually go into the same container. Alcohol swabs and wrappers can go in regular garbage.
Step 3: Take it back
Pharmacies
Most community pharmacies in Canada accept sealed sharps containers, including large chains like Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, London Drugs, Jean Coutu and Uniprix, and many independent pharmacies. Call ahead, as policies differ by store and province. Ontario’s Health Steward program, for example, lets residents return sharps and unused medications to participating pharmacies at no charge.
Municipal programs
Many cities accept sharps at household hazardous waste depots, and some offer drop boxes in public places. Search your city’s website for “sharps disposal.”
Harm reduction sites
Provincial harm reduction programs, community health centres and needle distribution sites accept used sharps and provide free sterile supplies, including needles and syringes for steroid injection. They do not judge or ask questions, and their staff can advise on safer injecting.
What not to do
Province-by-province pointers
Programs change, so treat these as starting points and confirm locally:
- Ontario: the Health Steward program lets you return sealed sharps and unused medicines to participating pharmacies free of charge.
- British Columbia: many pharmacies accept sharps, and regional health authorities run harm reduction sites that take them.
- Alberta: pharmacies and Alberta Health Services harm reduction programs accept sharps; some municipalities run eco-stations.
- Quebec: most pharmacies, including Jean Coutu, Uniprix and Pharmaprix, take back sharps containers, and CLSCs can direct you to local options.
- Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Atlantic Canada: ask your pharmacy first, then your regional health authority or municipal hazardous waste depot.
Rural areas sometimes have fewer options. In that case a pharmacy is still your best bet, even if it needs a day or two’s notice.
Travelling with sharps
If you travel with prescribed injectable medicine, bring a small travel sharps container. Airports in Canada allow needles for medical use in carry-on bags when accompanied by the medication, and many airports have sharps bins in washrooms.
If you get a needle-stick injury
- Let the wound bleed freely; do not squeeze or suck it.
- Wash it with soap and water.
- Go to an emergency department or call Telehealth 811 right away. Treatment to prevent HIV works best within a few hours and must start within 72 hours, and hepatitis B can be prevented with vaccination or immune globulin.
Reduce your own risk
Use a new needle and syringe every time and never share any equipment, including vials. That alone prevents almost all infections linked to injecting. Free testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV is available through your doctor or a sexual health clinic. For safe technique, read our step-by-step guide on drawing and injecting safely, and our harm reduction guide for the bigger picture. If you need syringes, SteroidsCanada sells 25G 3 ml syringes in packs of 10.
Frequently asked questions
Can I throw needles in the garbage in Canada?
No. Loose needles in household garbage or recycling put workers at risk. Use a sharps container and return it to a pharmacy or local program.
Do pharmacies take sharps containers for free?
Many do, especially chains and pharmacies in provinces with take-back programs, but policies vary. Call your pharmacy first.
What can I use if I don’t have a sharps container?
A heavy plastic bottle with a screw cap, clearly labelled, works temporarily. Check that your local program accepts it.
Photo: Direct Media, StockSnap (public domain).
General health and safety information. Local disposal rules vary; check with your pharmacy or municipality.
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