Does Fargo, ND have its own syringe disposal ordinance?

No. Fargo, ND does not appear to have a local syringe disposal ordinance, North Dakota state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from North Dakota Century Code.

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

Fargo, ND Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)

Few Restrictions

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

Key Facts

State law: NDCC 23-01-46 SSP authority
Drop-off: FCPH and hospitals
Container: Rigid puncture-resistant
Found syringe: Call FCPH, do not touch

Summary

Fargo residents should never place loose syringes in household trash or recycling; FCPH and Sanford Health offer sharps disposal options, and a state-authorized syringe services program operates in the region.

23-01-44. Syringe or needle exchange program - Authorization. 1. As used in this section: a. 'Program' means a syringe exchange program established and operated under this section. b. 'Qualified entity' means: (1) A local health department; (2) A city that operates a program within the boundaries of the city; or (3) An organization that has been authorized to operate a program by the department of health and human services, the board of county commissioners, or the governing body... c. 'Supplies' include needles, syringes, sterile disposal preparation spoons, cotton, sterile filters, alcohol wipes, sterile water, saline, tourniquets, disposal containers, wound care, testing strips, naloxone, and other items recognized as supporting safe drug use. 2. The department of health and human services shall design and administer a syringe exchange program.

Source: North Dakota Century CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Improperly discarded syringes in Fargo trash carts pose a needlestick risk to sanitation workers. North Dakota authorized syringe services programs (SSPs) under NDCC §23-01-46 in 2017, allowing harm reduction agencies to distribute and collect sharps. In Fargo, FCPH and partner health systems including Sanford and Essentia accept used sharps in approved containers. Residents are asked to use rigid, puncture-resistant containers and never place loose needles in curbside bins. Discarded syringes found in parks or on sidewalks should be reported to FCPH or Fargo police rather than handled directly.

Violations & Fines

Knowingly discarding sharps as ordinary refuse can violate solid waste rules in Chapter 35 and create civil liability if a worker is injured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw needles in my Fargo trash cart?

No. Use a rigid sharps container and drop it at FCPH or a participating pharmacy or hospital. Loose syringes endanger sanitation workers.

Are syringe services programs legal in North Dakota?

Yes. NDCC 23-01-46 authorized syringe services programs in 2017, and harm reduction operates legally in Fargo through state-approved providers.

Sources & Official References

[1]NDCC 23-01-46
[2]Fargo Cass Public Health

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All Fargo rules

Compare Fargo to another location·View the North Dakota public health rules overview

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