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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.
  • Only fill to the indicated line on the container.  Do not overfill or cram needles into the sharps container.
  • The containers are puncture-resistant only, not puncture-proof.
  • When the container is 3/4 full, place the included top on the container to permanently close.
  • Leave the sharps container with an authorized employee at one of the collection sites listed below for proper disposal.
  • Obtain a new sharps container from the employee.
  • One sharps container per household limit.

Collection Sites:

Auburndale Health Department
1805 Hobbs Road, Auburndale
8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday
(863) 519-7910

Bartow Fire Department
110 E. Church Street, Bartow
7:00 am to 9:00 pm, daily (please ring bell)
(863) 534-5044

Bartow Environmental Health Unit
Polk County Health Department
2090 E. Clower Street, Bartow
8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday
(863) 519-8330

Haines City Health Department
1700 Baker Avenue E., Haines City
8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday
(863) 519-7910

Lakeland Health Department
3241 Lakeland Hills Boulevard, Lakeland
8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday
(863) 519-7910

 

The Polk County Household Used Sharps Collection Program is sponsored by:

Polk County Waste Resource Management & Polk County Health Department