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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Needles & Sharps Disposal

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What services are available?

The Household Sharps Collection Program is a free, voluntary program for individuals in Polk County who need to dispose of their used needles or sharps.

Some people use needles, syringes, and lancets at home to care for their health. These needles, syringes, and lancets are called “sharps.”

Used sharps must be disposed of properly and should never be thrown away with household garbage or placed in dumpsters.

This program is for private individuals only. Healthcare professionals and businesses are regulated by other agencies and are not eligible to participate.

How can I participate in this program?

  • Visit any collection site listed below.
  • Request a sharps container from the receptionist.
  • Take the container home and place it out of reach of children.
  • Place used syringes and/or lancets into the sharps container immediately after use.
  • The containers are puncture-resistant only. They are not puncture-proof.
  • When the container is three-quarters full, place the included top on the container to permanently close it.
  • Only fill to the indicated line on the container. Do not overfill or cram needles into the sharps container.
  • Return the sharps container to one of the collection sites listed below for proper disposal.
  • Ensure the cap is securely snapped in place.
  • Obtain a new sharps container from the employee.
  • A limit on sharps containers issued per household may apply.

Collection Sites:

  • Auburndale Health Department 1805 Hobbs Road, Auburndale, FL. Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 863-519-7910.
  • Bartow Fire Department ,110 E. Church St., Bartow, FL. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (please ring bell). 863-534-5044.
  • Bartow Environmental Health Unit Polk County Health Department, 2090 E. Clower St., Bartow, FL. Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 863-519-8330.
  • Haines City Health Department, 1700 Baker Ave. E., Haines City, FL. Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 863-519-7910.
  • Lakeland Health Department, 3241 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL. Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 863-519-7910.

The Polk County Household Used Sharps Collection Program is sponsored by Polk County Waste Resource Management and the Florida Department of Health in Polk County.