Improper management of discarded needles and other sharps can pose a health risk to the public and waste workers. For example, discarded needles may expose waste workers to potential needle stick injuries and potential infection when containers break open inside garbage trucks or needles are mistakenly sent to recycling facilities. Used needles can transmit serious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis.

SafeNeedleDisposal.org is an information resource for safe disposal of needles, syringes and other home-generated medical sharps, listing state guidelines and community disposal programs.

In general, the Frederick County recommends one of the following approaches for the safe disposal of sharps as outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:

• Drop Box or Supervised Collection Sites
  Check with a doctor's office, hospital, or pharmacy for available collection sites.
• Mail-Back Programs
  Users place used sharps in special containers and return the container by mail to a collection site for proper disposal. This service usually requires a fee. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for programs.
• At-Home Needle Destruction Devices
  Several manufacturers offer products that allow users to destroy used needles at home. These devices sever, burn, or melt the needle, rendering it safe for disposal. Check with a pharmacist.
• At-Home Disposal
  In Virginia, a legal but less safe method exists whereby users may place sharps into sturdy plastic containers such as laundry detergent bottles, coffee containers or even glass jars. Lids must be securely tightened and the container placed in the trash, never the recycling bins where recycling workers may be injured! Never use a red biohazard container or bag. The local landfill cannot accept material in these containers for disposal.