It is illegal to dispose of syringes and lancets (sharps) in the trash or recycling containers. These items pose a hazard to waste disposal workers. All sharps should be brought to a collection center or to an Orange County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center in a heavy-duty puncture-resistant container with a tight-fitting lid. Examples of appropriate containers are empty plastic bottles such as detergent, liquid fabric softener, or bleach bottles.
For Fountain Valley residents, sharps can be brought to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center located at Gate No. 6 at Republic Services, 17121 Nichols Street, Huntington Beach. The Collection Center hours are from 9 AM - 3 PM, Tuesday through Saturday, closed on major holidays and rainy days. Other options include asking your health care provider or pharmacist if they take back used sharps, or consider using a "Mail-Back" service for proper disposal (fees apply). You may also purchase the mail-back containers online.