Needle and Syringe Safety
We are committed to keeping communities safe and healthy by removing needles and syringes and sharing safe disposal information.
We take concerns about syringe and needlesticks seriously. Understanding what to do if you come across a syringe or needle can help you feel confident and secure, and keep everyone safe.
Report found syringes and needles
If you find an improperly discarded syringe or needle, call 3-1-1 or 617-635-4500, or use the mobile app. Tell us the location of the needle or needles with as much detail as possible. Our Mobile Sharps Team will find and collect the needle. The median collection time is 45 minutes. You can also file a needle pickup request below.
Safety Tips
What you can do to stay safe:
- Avoid reaching into places you can’t see clearly (such as piles of leaves, overgrown bushes, and similar areas).
- Wear shoes with soles to reduce risk of injury.
- Teach children to never touch or pick up syringes/needles.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations, especially for hepatitis B.
If someone has a needlestick injury:
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Wash the area immediately with soap and water.
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Call a health care provider right away or go to an emergency room for guidance.
Risks of Infection from Discarded Needles
- In the U.S., there have been no known cases of HIV transmission from a needlestick injury caused by discarded needles.
- There have been very rare cases of hepatitis B and C transmission in these situations.
Syringe Drop-Off Locations
You can safely and conveniently dispose of either used or unused sharps, including most medications that come in syringes (like EpiPens and GLP1 medications), at no cost at locations across the city of Boston.
