Needle & Syringe Disposal

Used needles and syringes, if not disposed of safely, can cause injury to people and pets, and spread infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. 

Disposal Drop Boxes

You can deposit your used needles and syringes into sharps disposal drop boxes at the location below:

Reading Police Department 15 Union St, Reading, MA 01867

You can anonymously deposit needles and syringes, as well as unused medications, at any time in the appropriate drop boxes in the lobby. Medication drop-off is on the right side when you walk in, and Sharps on the left. Please DO NOT dump unused medications in the sharps drop box or sharps in the unused medication drop box.

If you are a resident who uses needles or sharps to manage a medical condition at home, proper disposal of these items is paramount to personal and public safety. Employing safe sharps use and disposal practices will prevent used needles and other sharps from injuring people or pets, and prohibit the spread of life-threatening diseases. Never put used needles and sharps in household trash, public trash, or in with the recyclables, and do not flush them down the toilet.

The improper disposal of sharps in a household or public trash can is a violation of State law (105 CMR 480.000) and is punishable by a fine. Store sharps in an approved sharps container after use, and do not place them into other plastic containers such as empty milk cartons or laundry detergent bottles.