Nashville, TN Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Metropolitan Code of Laws § 10.20.240(B)(2)
- Needle handling
- Break needle off at hub after use
- Storage
- Sealed bags in labeled, locked metal containers
- Applies to
- Clinics, dental offices, blood banks, labs
- Penalty
- Up to $50 per day (§ 10.20.090)
Summary
Metro Nashville requires physician's clinics, dental offices, blood banks and medical labs to separate needles from syringes, breaking them off at the hub, and seal pathological waste in labeled, restricted-access containers before collection.
All pathological waste from physician's clinics, dental clinics, blood banks and medical or microbiological laboratories shall be separated from other waste and placed in durable disposable bags that can be tied and sealed when full. The bags shall be stored in metal containers with tight-fitting lids while in the process of being filled. Containers shall be adequately labeled and kept in places restricted from access by the public. Needles shall be separated from disposable syringes by breaking them off at the hub immediately after use. These materials shall only be placed at the collection point on the day they are to be collected. Storage, collection and disposal of pathological waste shall be in accordance with regulations of the metropolitan health department and the state department of environment and conservation. (Ord. BL2010-718 § 1, 2010)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
Metropolitan Code of Laws § 10.20.240(B)(2) requires physician's clinics, dental clinics, blood banks and medical or microbiological laboratories to separate pathological waste from other waste, place it in durable sealed bags stored in labeled metal containers with tight-fitting lids, and keep those containers restricted from public access. Needles must be broken off at the hub immediately after use to separate them from disposable syringes. The rule governs facility generators across Davidson County, it isn't limited to the Urban Services District, and is enforced under the same chapter's general penalty provision, Metropolitan Code § 10.20.090.
Violations & Fines
Violating this waste chapter, including improper sharps separation or storage, is punishable by a fine of up to $50 for each day the violation continues, enforced by Metro's environmental enforcement officers under § 10.20.090.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nashville residents just throw used needles in the trash?
What must a Nashville medical clinic do with used needles?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
Compare Nashville to another location·View the Tennessee public health rules overview
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