Syringe and Drug-related Litter
Improperly discarded syringes and other drug use equipment raise the risk of needlestick-related injury and disease transmission.
The best way to avoid syringe litter is proper disposal:
- To put them out with the regular garbage, place used syringes in a sharps container. You can also use a leak-proof, puncture-resistant plastic container with a lid, such as a laundry detergent bottle, labeled “Home SHARPS.”
- Search the NYC Health Map for a syringe service program where you can drop off used syringes.
- Search the Sanitation Department’s Pharmaceutical and Sharps Drop-Off map for hospitals and pharmacies that accept used syringes near you.
- Bring the sharps to one of the Community Syringe Redemption Program events listed below.
Call 311 to report syringe litter in a public place, or file a report online. Keep children away from the litter.
If you must dispose of syringe litter yourself:
- Use gloves and tongs or a dustpan to secure loose syringes
- Put the syringes in a leak-proof, puncture-resistant container marked “SHARPS” to throw in the garbage or take them to a disposal site
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after disposing of the syringe litter.
Community Syringe Redemption Program
The NYC Health Department's Community Syringe Redemption Program offers payment for the collection of used syringes. Participants can earn 20 cents per syringe and can return a minimum of five syringes and a maximum of 50 for up to $10 per day.
For questions about the syringe redemption program, email harmreductionunit@health.nyc.gov.
Program Enrollment
Prospective participants will complete enrollment forms in person at any of the syringe redemption locations listed below during the stated time window.
Program participants will be trained on program goals, rules, and redemption rates and details. They will also receive training on safe syringe handling, how to report injuries, and administering naloxone.
Redemption Sites and Times
Prospective and active program participants should look for a white van Saturday through Tuesday at these locations and times:
- Rufus King Park, Queens
Rufus King Park
5 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday - Borinquen Place, Brooklyn
Near Borinquen Overpass, under the BQE
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday - Highbridge Park, Manhattan
West 180th Street and Amsterdam Avenue
Near the SHOW van on weekdays
Monday: 5 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Thursday and Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. - St. Mary's Park, Bronx
Trinity Avenue and East 147th Street
8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Monday, Saturday, Sunday - Echo Park, Bronx
321 East Tremont Avenue
Front of shelter by hydrant
5 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Thursday, Friday - The Hub, Bronx
517 Courtlandt Avenue
Near hydrant on East 148th Street
5 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Saturday, Sunday - Walter Gladwin Park, Bronx
Along the Cross Bronx Expressway
Near the Dunkin' Donuts
12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday, Saturday, Monday - Kingsbridge Underpass, Bronx
2510 Valentine Avenue
Near the closed El Mundo Discount Department Store
12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Friday, Sunday
Additional Resources
- Syringe Litter: Know the Risks and Prevent Injury (PDF)
Other Languages: Español - Syringe Litter Safety for Kids (PDF)