Cape Breton Regional Municipality

Safe Sharps Disposal

Used needles, syringes, lancets, auto injectors and infusion sets must not be disposed of in garbage bags, blue bags or your green cart.

Used sharps must be handled properly. Needles, syringes, lancets, auto injectors, infusion sets & connection needles/sets must be disposed of safely in a Safe Sharps Container available for free at any local pharmacy.

Used sharps containing medications may be disposed of in the sharps containers. There are no exclusions for medication type.

Please DO NOT do the following with sharps:

 DO NOT put used sharps in garbage bags.
 DO NOT put used sharps in blue bags.
 DO NOT put used sharps in green cart.
 DO NOT put used sharps in plastic bottles or jugs for disposal.
 DO NOT flush sharps down the toilet
 DO NOT try to remove, bend or recap needles used by another person.
 DO NOT put anything but sharps in the sharps containers.

Sharps can seriously harm people who are handling these bags or sorting your recyclables.　 Needle stick injuries from used sharps may cause infections or diseases. If you are stuck, seek immediate medical attention.

Please dispose of your Sharps safely.　

For your safety and the safety of others sharps should only be placed in a Safe Sharps Container.

Here's how to get a free safe sharps container:

• Pick up a FREE Safe Sharps container at your local community pharmacy.
• Place your used sharps into the Safe Sharps container.
• When the container is almost full, seal the lid.
• Return the sealed container to your community pharmacy.
• If required,  ask for another empty safe sharps cpntainer.

The Safe Sharps program is funded by Nova Scotia's pharmacies, sharps manufacturers and medication distributors.  For more information visit:  https://pans.ns.ca/public/programs/safe-sharps

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

The Safe Sharps program does not include used sharps from any commercial business includingmedical, dental, or veterinary clinics, home care professionals, assisted living facilities, group homes, nursing homes, long-term facilities or farms.  If your business has needles to dispose of, please contact your respective professional association.

FREE Safe Sharps Drop-Off at the North Sydney Volunteer Fire Department: Monday, October 7, 2024 

CBRM Solid Waste is hosting a Free Used Safe Sharps Drop-Off at the North Sydney Volunteer Fire Department on 17 Pierce Street.  The Free Used Safe Sharps Drop-Off takes place on Monday, October 7 from 10am to 2pm. Rain or Shine

Remember, used needles, lancets and other sharps DO NOT get disposed of in the garbage, blue bags or green cart for disposal.  If you do not have a way to dispose of needles, please give the hotline a call at 902-567-1337.

Be safe with your Used Sharps and Dispose of them Properly!

 This event will take place RAIN OR SHINE

Needles Do Not Get Placed in the Garbage, Blue Bags or Green Cart

The presence of needles, lancets and other safe sharps materials is a hazard for waste handlers. Needles do not get placed in the Garbage, Blue Bags or Green Cart for disposal.  Workers can accidently get pricked while removing your materials from the curb or when sorting the materials at the Recycling Facility. 

Needles, lancets, and other safe sharps need to be properly disposed of in a Safe Sharps container available for free at your local pharmacy. When filled, the container can be returned to your local community pharmacy. 

For more information on the Safe Sharps Program visit https://pans.ns.ca/public/programs/safe-sharps