Carson, CA Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Covers
- pharmacists, doctors, vets, clinics, hospitals
- Bans
- loose sharps in open trash
- Requires
- crushed or sealed containment
- Adopted by
- Ord. 70-127
Summary
Doctors, dentists, vets, clinics, and hospitals in Carson may not toss unused or used syringes, needles, and drugs into open trash unless the items are crushed or sealed against access.
It shall be unlawful for any pharmacist, physician, surgeon, dentist, podiatrist, veterinarian, nurse, nurse's aid or helper, or any other person engaged in a similar profession or occupation, or the agent or employee of any such person, or for any clinic or hospital or any agent or employee of any such clinic or hospital, or for any other person or custodian responsible for the disposal of such material to dispose of any unused, used or partly used hypodermic syringes, hypodermic needles, drugs, drug containers or bottles, medicines, medicine containers or bottles, medical supplies or other similar items, including bandages or dressings, customarily used by any such person, clinic or hospital, by placing any such item in any open garbage or refuse receptacle, unless such item or items are so treated, crushed, or securely packaged or contained as to prevent direct access thereto. (Ord. 70-127 § 1)
Full Breakdown
Carson Municipal Code § 4135 makes it unlawful for pharmacists, physicians, dentists, veterinarians, nurses, clinics, hospitals, or whoever else is responsible for disposal to place unused or used hypodermic syringes, needles, drugs, medicine containers, or similar medical supplies, including bandages, into an open garbage or refuse receptacle, unless the material is first treated, crushed, or securely packaged so no one can reach it directly. The Section targets professional and institutional generators of sharps waste rather than household disposal, and dates to a 1970 ordinance still in force.
Violations & Fines
No specific fine is written into § 4135 itself; violations are enforced as a general Municipal Code infraction or misdemeanor under Carson's standard penalty provisions in Article 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Carson regulate home sharps disposal?
Does Carson have a needle-exchange ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carson
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