Seattle Public Utilities Attempts To Educate On ‘Sharps’ Disposal

Needles, syringes and lancets found on private property must be disposed of safely and properly, and SPU has a video to show how! Photo provided by Seattle.gov

The Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has launched a collection of four videos intended to educate on how the public can safely dispose of hypodermic syringes, needles and lancets – also known as ‘sharps’ – found on private property. See the videos on the SPU’s Sharps Collection Pilot Program website, and learn about reporting and safe disposal of sharps in Seattle.

Unfortunately, needles have become a public nuisance – and major safety hazard – in our city. Contact with sharps poses a significant health risk. Sharps cannot be placed in the general garbage, as they may cause injury to garbage handlers and haulers, yet, they must be collected and disposed of somewhere for the sake of everyone.

In the last few years, SPU has placed six designated disposal boxes in public areas for disposal of needles and syringes, after they are placed inside a ridged, sealable container. One of the designated disposal boxes is located at Fremont Canal Park (199 N Canal St.) The others are:

Intersection of Airport Way S, & S Holgate St
Intersection of 27^th Ave S, & Cheasty Boulevard S
Freeway Park (700 Seneca St)
Mineral Springs Park (1500 N 105^th St)
Roxhill Park (2850 SW Roxbury St)

Sharps, in an approved container, can also be disposed of at the North and South Transfer Stations.

Syringes and needles on public property can be reported as illegal dumping (click here.) On private property, they become the responsibility of the property owner, and property user, and therefore, safe disposal is vital. For this reason, SPU has released videos to educate us about safe methods for handling and disposing of syringes, as well as to raise awareness about the need for caution.

Sharps can be safely picked up using gloves and tongs, and placed in a hard-plastic container with a lid, such as a soda bottle or food dish. Always pick up a hypodermic needle by its plunger or barrel, and after placing it in the container, and sealing it (and labeling it,) wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, even if you used gloves.

Please help spread the word about these videos, and the need for safe disposal practices in regards to sharps litter. It is in all our best interests!