Use the following options for safe disposal of used needles, lancets and syringes: 

• Check with your clinic or hospital for collection programs. Do not bring used needles and syringes to your health care provider if they are unable to accept them.
• Destroy your needles at home. Purchase and use destruction devices that bend, break or incinerate (destroy by high heat) or sheer needles. Search the Internet on Needle Destruction Devices or ask your heath care provider or pharmacist for more information. 
• Mail-back programs allow residents to mail used sharps to licensed disposal facilities (fees apply). Search the Internet for Sharps Mailback or check with your heath care provider or pharmacist for more information.  

It is legal to put used sharps in the garbage. Because of safety and health risks to solid waste workers, the options listed above are preferred. Follow these steps for safe garbage disposal:

• Place sharps into a container such as plastic laundry detergent bottle with the lid taped shut.
• Label the container "Do not recycle: household sharps."
• Put sharps in point-first.
• Dispose of containers in the garbage when they are half-full.
• Never place loose needles in the garbage and never place sharps (in containers or loose) in the recycling bin.

For more information, see the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Safe Disposal Options for Needles and Syringes or contact your county.