Disposing of Sharps
Household generated "SHARPS" are accepted at the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility (HWF) FREE of charge from residents who treat themselves for medical conditions such as diabetes.
Business generated "SHARPS" are NOT accepted.
Only the following are accepted:
- Needles
- Syringes
- Lancets
- Test Strips
NO mercury-bearing waste (thermometers, button/hearing aid batteries), chemotherapy waste, solid waste, hazardous waste or other regulated medical waste should be included in the sharps container. If you have questions about potential sharps waste that aren't on the above list, call 507-328-7070.
Procedure:
- Place the "SHARPS" in puncture resistant containers (preferably plastic opaque detergent containers or pharmaceutical sharps containers—no milk jugs/containers).
- Label the container "SHARPS" and secure the twist cap. (Containers will not be accepted if they are not properly packaged or contain any waste other than the above-mentioned "SHARPS" material). Bring the “Sharps” container to the Hazardous Waste Facility (HWF). The facility is located at 305 Energy Parkway NE, Rochester, MN 55906. It is open Tuesday - Saturday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (except for holiday closings).
- Your container will be rejected if it contains batteries, electronic devices, or other unacceptable materials.
- Your "Sharps" container will be placed into a red "bio-infectious" waste bag and placed in the facility sharps collection container.
Household generated "SHARPS" can be brought to the Olmsted County Hazardous Waste Facility at 305 Energy Parkway NE in Rochester during normal facility hours, Tuesday - Saturday from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Call 507-328-7070 if you have questions.