Does Denver, CO have its own syringe disposal ordinance?

No. Denver, CO does not appear to have a local syringe disposal ordinance, Colorado state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from C.R.S. 25-1.5-303.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Denver

Denver, CO Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)

Few Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

State authority: C.R.S. 25-1.5-303
Lead program: Denver SHARP
Pickup: 311 to Vector Control
Pharmacy access: C.R.S. 12-280-129

Summary

Colorado C.R.S. 25-1.5-303 authorizes municipal syringe access programs. Denver Public Health operates the SHARP needle exchange providing safe syringe disposal kiosks and harm reduction services. Discarded needles are collected by DDPHE Vector Control teams.

25-1-520. Clean syringe exchange programs - operation - approval - reporting requirements. (1) A county public health agency or district public health agency may request approval from its county board of health or district board of health, referred to in this section as the "board", for a clean syringe exchange program operated by the agency or by a nonprofit organization with which the agency contracts to operate the clean syringe exchange program. Prior to approving or disapproving any such optional program, the board shall consult with the agency and interested stakeholders concerning the establishment and operation of the program.

Source: C.R.S. 25-1.5-303View official code

Full Breakdown

Colorado Revised Statutes 25-1.5-303 authorizes local public health agencies to operate clean syringe access programs (SAPs). Denver Public Health (Denver Health Hospital Authority) and DDPHE jointly run the SHARP (Syringe Health Action Resource Program) providing one-for-one syringe exchange, naloxone distribution, HIV and HCV testing, and overdose prevention education. Discarded sharps in Denver are collected by DDPHE Vector Control teams responding to 311 reports; pedestrians should not handle loose needles. Sharps disposal kiosks are placed in priority neighborhoods, libraries, and parks. Possessing residual-amount paraphernalia under C.R.S. 18-18-428 is decriminalized for SAP participants. Pharmacies may sell syringes without prescription under C.R.S. 12-280-129, supporting safe disposal at home.

Violations & Fines

Improperly discarding sharps in public can violate DRMC chapter 24 nuisance and littering rules with fines up to $999. Possession of residual-only paraphernalia by an SAP participant is exempted from C.R.S. 18-18-428 prosecution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I report a discarded needle in Denver?

Call 311 or use PocketGov. DDPHE Vector Control responds and properly disposes the sharp. Do not handle loose syringes; mark the location and wait for trained staff to retrieve them.

Can I get clean syringes legally in Denver?

Yes. Denver SHARP provides clean syringes at no cost under C.R.S. 25-1.5-303. Pharmacies may also sell syringes without prescription under C.R.S. 12-280-129 for personal medical or harm-reduction use.

Sources & Official References

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