Sharps & Unwanted Medicine Disposal

On July 1, 2012, a Massachusetts law went into effect banning the disposal of medical sharps in household waste. It is now illegal to dispose of needles, syringes or lancets in the regular trash. Instead, you are required to take any sharps to a special facility for disposal, such as the Hingham Transfer Station.

Sharp Disposal

There are a variety of ways to safely dispose of used sharps:

• At the Hingham Transfer Station - Sharps in secure containers may be safely disposed of in the universal waste section of the baler building.
• The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection provides guidance about safe syringe disposal, or they may be reached at 617-292-5500.
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health: 617-624-6000
• Safe Needle Disposal provides information on proper storage and disposal of sharps

Medication Disposal

Unwanted medications may be safely disposed of:

• In Hingham's Household Waste section of the Transfer Station. The trash is taken to the SEAMASS waste-to energy facility in Wareham, Massachusetts where it is burned.
• The Hingham Police Station. 

Note: Do not dispose of unwanted medications down a drain or toilet.