New types of sharp containers now accepted at HHW collection facilities

Beginning July 1, San Bernardino County residents can safely dispose of their used sharps by creating their own container. This is an alternative to plastic bio-hazard sharps containers.

These containers must be 2-gallon or smaller non-food and sealable with a screw lid that can’t be punctured. Containers must also be heavy-duty plastic that is leak resistant like a bleach bottle. You can put needles, lancets and syringes that are completely spent, no liquid remaining in these containers. This means EpiPens as well.

For safe disposal, once a container is ¾ full, you can’t put any more in. Seal the lid and tape container closed. There should be an approved biohazardous waste label placed on both sides of the container. If you need labels for your container, visit www.sbcfire.org/greensb or go to any HHW facilities during regular operation hours. Full containers can be taken to the San Bernardino County HHW Collection facility for proper disposal.

Please remember there are unapproved containers like metal cans, water bottles, glass containers and Milk jugs.

To know more, please contact the HHW Collection facility from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at (909) 382-5401, 1(800) Oily Cat or visit www.sbcfire.org/greensb.