NYC DOHMH funds Syringe Service Programs, often called the Syringe Exchange Program, that distribute and collect used syringes free of charge. New York Public Health Law §3381 protects syringe possession when obtained through SSP or pharmacy ESAP, and proper disposal in red biohazard sharps containers is required.
DOHMH partners with community-based organizations across the five boroughs, such as Washington Heights CORNER Project, BOOM!Health, and OnPoint NYC, to operate Syringe Service Programs offering free needle exchange, naloxone, and harm-reduction services. New York Public Health Law §3381 and the Expanded Syringe Access Program (ESAP) authorize possession of syringes obtained from registered SSPs or pharmacies. Used syringes must go into red FDA-cleared sharps containers, never loose trash, recycling, or storm drains. SSPs accept full sharps containers for incineration. DOHMH also funds public sharps kiosks in higher-risk neighborhoods. Pharmacies registered under ESAP can sell up to ten syringes without a prescription.
Improper sharps disposal in regular trash or recycling can bring DSNY summonses and DOHMH biomedical-waste enforcement. Possession of syringes outside the SSP or ESAP framework can trigger NYS Penal Law issues, though decriminalization reforms have narrowed enforcement.
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