Houston, TX Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- TX H&S Code §728.002
- Container
- FDA-cleared sharps container
- Houston drop-off
- Six depository recycling sites
- Curbside pickup
- Not accepted by Houston
- Commercial waste
- Registered medical hauler
Summary
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 728 prohibits placing used needles and sharps in regular trash. Houston Solid Waste accepts properly contained household sharps at neighborhood depository sites and through limited collection events.
Sec. 481.125. OFFENSE: POSSESSION OR DELIVERY OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. (a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly or intentionally uses or possesses with intent to use drug paraphernalia to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, repack, store, contain, or conceal a controlled substance in violation of this chapter or to inject, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce into the human body a controlled substance in violation of this chapter.
Full Breakdown
Texas Health and Safety Code §728.002 makes it an offense to dispose of used hypodermic needles or other sharps as regular municipal solid waste. Sharps must be placed in FDA-cleared sharps containers or sturdy puncture-resistant plastic containers (such as a labeled detergent bottle) before disposal. Houston Solid Waste Management Department accepts properly sealed household sharps at its six neighborhood depository and recycling sites; it does not collect sharps curbside. Pharmacies and clinics may also accept small quantities. Commercial generators must use a registered medical waste transporter under Texas Commission on Environmental Quality rules. Improper disposal can result in fines and exposes sanitation workers to needlestick injuries.
Violations & Fines
Discarding sharps in residential trash or recycling violates TX H&S §728 and Houston Solid Waste rules; misdemeanor charges and fines apply, plus civil liability for any worker stuck by an improperly disposed needle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I drop off used insulin needles in Houston?
Can I use an empty laundry detergent bottle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas public health rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.