You can drop discarded sharps at free 24-hour sharps collection boxes located around the Portland Metro area. To find a box near you, go to Metro's interactive map.
- If you have questions about medical waste disposal, or find an illegal dump on public property, call: 503-234-3000.
- If you find discarded syringes in Portland’s city center and don’t feel comfortable picking them up, call: 503-388-3888.
There are safe ways to dispose of syringes you find on the ground.
Below you'll find information on how to pick them up and where to drop them off.
How do I safely dispose of a syringe?
Follow this step-by-step guide on how to safely pick up and dispose of syringes
Step 1: Pick it up
Some people use a tissue or napkin to pick up a discarded syringe, while others feel more comfortable wearing gloves, like gardening or kitchen gloves. Some people also use tongs, pliers or a trash grabber. That’s a good idea for anyone who is going to pick up a lot of syringes or who is going on a community clean-up.
Step 2: Drop it in
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Use an approved sharps container or a hard plastic container that cannot be punctured easily, such as an empty laundry detergent bottle.
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Set the container on the ground
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Drop the syringes in, one at a time, needle point down.
Step 3: Seal it up
- Close the container tight.
- If you have a piece of tape you can seal the top
- Write on the outside, “SHARPS. DO NOT RECYCLE.”
Step 4: Drop it off
It's against the law to throw syringes in the garbage, even if they are in a secure plastic container. Instead, drop the container in one of these sharps collection boxes or Metro Facilities.
For more disposal options, or if you have questions about medical waste disposal, or find an illegal dump on public property, contact Metro at 503-234-3000.
Can I throw syringes in the trash?
No. It's against the law to throw syringes in the garbage, even if they are in a secure plastic container. Instead, drop the container in one of these sharps collection boxes or Metro Facilities. For more disposal options, contact Metro at 503-234-3000.
What if I see a sharps collection box is full or has been damaged?
For maintenance and repair issues, please Metro’s RID Patrol at 503-234-3000.
Where do I dispose of diabetic syringes or other medical sharps?
Do not dispose of household medical sharps or other waste in syringe disposal boxes intended for community disposal. For households where syringes are used, place syringes in a sharps container and take them to a hazardous waste center:
Free sharps disposal is not available for businesses. Group homes, residential care facilities and other commercial or business customers should contact Metro at 503-234-3000.
Want to help? Find neighborhood cleanup events.
Come to a city-organized clean-up event. Contact the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability at 503-823-7202 for dates and locations. Neighborhood coalitions also schedule cleanup events.
Organize a clean-up event for your neighborhood. Talk to your local city government or neighborhood association about organizing an event near you. Portland residents can learn more about their neighborhood association from City of Portland's Office of Community & Civic Life. 503-823-4519.
Volunteer on a cleanup (or organize your own) with SOLVE or Hands On Greater Portland.