New York State Directory of Community Sharps Collection Sites

Purpose of the Directory

The New York State Directory of Community Sharps Collection Sites is intended to be a resource to provide options for the safe disposal of used “sharps” — syringes, needles and lancets — to reduce the transmission of blood borne diseases. This directory identifies sharps collection sites in communities across New York State. Service providers may use this information to educate clients and to refer them to convenient places in the community where they may safely dispose of their household sharps.

Background

There are many individuals with serious health conditions who manage their care at home and use syringes. For example, people with diabetes use syringes to inject their own insulin and lancets to test their blood glucose every day. In addition, injection drug users also utilize syringes and needles. Safe disposal of sharps is critically important to optimize health, safety and protection of the environment. The best way to ensure that people are protected from potential injury or disease transmission due to needlesticks is to follow established guidelines for the proper containment of sharps and other safer disposal practices.

An ideal option for disposal is to utilize hospitals and nursing homes that are mandated to accept home-generated sharps as a free community service through their sharps collection programs. These facilities, along with the location and hours of operation of their sharps collection sites, are listed in this directory. In addition, other sites such as pharmacies and community-based organizations are listed and offer syringe collection drop boxes (or "kiosks") to help facilitate the collection of used sharps. Today, there are more than 80 collection sites in a wide variety of settings. These sites are also listed in a separate directory (PDF, 333 KB, 8pg.).

How to Use the Directory

Although every attempt was made to be thorough, service information may have changed since data were collected. We suggest that you call the phone number listed in this directory for the collection site you are interested in to confirm program information before visiting the location. Information posted on this website will be updated regularly as new information becomes available.

How to Update Information in this Directory

Facilities wishing to update information about their community sharps collection sites should email their updated information to: ESAP@health.state.ny.us, fax their update to (518) 402-6813 or mail to:

New York State Department of Health
AIDS Institute
5th Floor
Riverview Plaza
Menands, New York 12204

New York State Directory of Community Sharps Collection Sites