Alameda County, CA Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Alameda County Code § 6.54.020
- Coverage
- Countywide, including incorporated cities
- Civil penalty
- Up to $1,000 per day
- Misdemeanor fine
- $50 to $500 per day
Summary
Chapter 6.54 makes pharmaceutical manufacturers fund a take-back program for used needles, syringes, and lancets across all of Alameda County, incorporated cities included, so residents have a lawful sharps container or drop-off site instead of the trash.
This chapter may be cited as the "Alameda County Safe Consumer-Generated Sharps Disposal Ordinance." This chapter shall apply to all of Alameda County including unincorporated areas, except for those charter cities where the city council has authorized its own local health officer or environmental health director to administer and enforce the provisions of California Health and Safety Code Section 117800. This chapter shall be administered and implemented by the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health.
(Ord. No. 2015-53, § 1, 11-17-15)
Full Breakdown
The Safe Consumer-Generated Sharps Disposal Ordinance requires every pharmaceutical producer selling injectable medication in the county to operate or join a product stewardship plan approved by the Department of Environmental Health, funding sharps containers, drop-off sites at pharmacies and law enforcement agencies, and free mail-back service for disabled or homebound residents. Unlike most county ordinances, Section 6.54.020 applies to all of Alameda County, including its incorporated cities, unless a charter city has authorized its own local health officer to enforce state sharps law (Health & Safety Code § 117800) instead. State law separately bars residents from tossing loose sharps in household trash.
Violations & Fines
A producer that ignores an administrative citation faces civil penalties up to $1,000 per day, and knowing, willful noncompliance is a misdemeanor punishable by a $50–$500 fine per day, jail up to six months, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I take used needles in Alameda County?
Does the sharps ordinance apply in Oakland or Berkeley?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alameda County
California rules heatmap·Compare Alameda County to another location·View the California public health rules overview
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