Health Information

Safe Disposal of Sharps

What are Sharps?

Sharps are items that potentially come into contact with blood or body fluids and can cause a cut or puncture in the skin (e.g. syringes, needles, razor blades, broken glass that has come into contact with blood or body fluids, pipes, stems, and lancets). All sharps should be treated as a potential hazard to transport blood-borne diseases.   

Safe sharps collection and disposal helps keep communities safe by preventing needle stick injuries, limiting the number of discarded sharps in the community, and preventing the sharing of needles and other supplies.   

How should I handle my own sharps?  

Sharps should be packaged in a specialized sharps container or a puncture proof, sealable container.  They can be disposed of at one of many locations throughout Lambton:   

I found a sharp in the community. Now what? 

Municipal Property 
All sharps found in municipal facilities (arena, library, etc.), streets, sidewalks, trails or parks will be removed as soon as possible. If you have found one, please call your municipal office during office hours to report the sharp. 
 
If you dispose of the sharp yourself, follow the Steps for Safe Sharps Disposal. 

Private Property 
Sharps that have been found on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. Picking up sharps can be done safely following the Steps for Safe Sharps Disposal.

School Property 
Custodial staff perform regular sweeps of school property. If a sharp is found, they properly remove and discard it using a sharps container. If a sharp is found on school property, please report it to the School Principal in the main office.  

Organization/Business/Apartment/Commercial Buildings  
Businesses and property managers have a duty to keep their properties safe. If a sharp is found it is their responsibility to safely dispose of it following the Steps for Safe Sharps Disposal below or by contacting a private biomedical waste disposal company. 

Sharps Disposal for Businesses.

If you find an improperly disposed of sharp: 

Sharps can be safely disposed of when handled with care. 

  1. Put on gloves to protect yourself from fluid contamination. Note: gloves won’t protect against punctures or cuts. 
  2. Bring a puncture proof, sealable container, and place on a flat surface. Lambton Public Health offers sharps containers. 
  3. Pick up one needle at a time. Using BBQ tongs or tweezers, grab the needle by the middle of the plastic tube with the sharp end facing down. 
  4. Place the needle carefully in the container, sharp end first, and close the container tightly. 
  5. Remove gloves and wash your hands with warm water and soap or use hand sanitizer. 
  6. Bring the container to Lambton Public Health during business hours or to a Community Sharps Disposal Bin location for safe disposal. Community Sharps Bin Locations can be found below. 

Remember: Never try to recap a needle, throw it in the garbage or recycling, or flush a needle down the toilet. If you are accidentally poked, remain calm. Allow the wound to bleed freely, wash with soap and water, and apply a bandage. Seek immediate medical attention at your nearest hospital. 

Community Sharps Disposal Bin Locations 

Lambton Public Health works with community organizations to provide ways for residents to safely dispose of sharps, including drug use equipment. Community Sharps Disposal Bins can be found at 10 different locations throughout Lambton County, with addresses and a map of all disposal locations available below.

Lambton Public Health
160 Exmouth St.
Point Edward, ON N7T 7Z6

Kettle & Stony Point Health Services
6275 Indian Ln
Kettle Point, ON N0N 1J0

Aamjiwnaang First Nation Administration
978 Tashmoo Avenue
Aamjiwnaang First Nation

Bluewater Health
Russell St. Building
89 Norman St.
Sarnia, ON N7T 4W4

Sarnia Library
124 Christina St. S.
Sarnia, ON N7T 8E1

North Lambton Community
Health Centre
59 King St. W.
Forest, ON N0N 1J0

Thedford Fire Station
109 Pearl St.
Thedford, ON N0M 2N0

Bluewater Methadone Clinic
118 Victoria St. N.
Sarnia, ON N7T 5W9

Housing & Homelessness
Resource Centre
837 Exmouth St.
Sarnia, ON N7T 5R1

Mental Health & Wellness Hub
9233 Stoneybrook Dr.
Kettle Point, ON N0N 1J1

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