Used needles, syringes, and lancets—also called sharps—must be handled with care. If not disposed of properly, they can injure people and spread disease.

Safe Disposal in Carver County

Carver County residents can bring used sharps to the Environmental Center. Follow the steps below to stay safe:

1. Use a Red Sharps Container

• Place all sharps in a red, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved container with a screw-on lid.
• Free 1-quart sharps containers are available at the Environmental Center.
• Do not use plastic bottles, coffee cans, or other household containers.
• Do not put unused medication in your container (such as unused EpiPens or prefilled injectors).

2. Fill and Seal Properly

• Place sharps in the container point-first.
• Fill the container only ¾ full.
• Keep the lid closed and tightly sealed at all times.

3. Drop Off at the Environmental Center

• Bring proof that you live in Carver County (such as a driver’s license).
• Tell staff you are dropping off sharps.
• Staff will direct you to the disposal area.
• You will place your sealed container in the proper bin.

EpiPens and Auto-Injectors

• Used EpiPens and other auto-injectors can go in your sharps container.
• Bring them to the Environmental Center for disposal.
• Do not bring unused EpiPens or medications to the Environmental Center.
• Take unused EpiPens and medications to a Take It to the Box drop-off location.
• These locations may say “no sharps,” but they accept EpiPens because the needle is enclosed.

Additional Options

• Some clinics and hospitals accept sharps. Call ahead to confirm.
• Needle destruction devices are available for home use. Ask your pharmacist or health care provider.

Questions?

Visit the Environmental Services page or contact us for more information.

Learn more from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency about safe disposal of medications and sharps.