Revised Policy for Disposal of In-Home Medical Waste 

In-home medical waste can no longer be placed in trash, regardless in what container. Medical waste can be infectious and, when thrown in the trash, can pose a risk to the public at curbside where containers are accessible, trash haulers and waste facility operators who handle the material as well as the waste facility itself. Potentially hazardous items include but are not limited to: "sharps" - needles, syringes and lancets - soiled bandages, disposable sheets and medical gloves.

 

For the safe management of "sharps," the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority will provide county residents with a free "safe clip." This device clips a needle off and safely stores it in an attached receptacle. This receptacle holds up to 1,000 needles. The Authority can mail this item to you or you may pick one up at their main office: 1299 Harrisburg Pike. When ready for disposal, the clip must be returned to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility and disposed of, free of charge.

 

For other medical waste materials, the Autority will provide a red medical bucket free of charge. The buckets can be picked up at their main office and returned there for free disposal.

 

If you have substantial quantity of medical waste to dispose of, the safest disposal option is to hire one of several companies that collect such materials in Lancaster County. To get a list of these companies please call (717) 397-9968.