Portland, OR Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)

Oregon law (ORS 433.045) explicitly authorizes syringe exchange and pharmacy syringe sales without prescription as a public health measure, and ORS 475.525 exempts hypodermic syringes from drug paraphernalia laws when obtained from a registered exchange. Multnomah County's Harm Reduction Clinic, located at 12425 NE Glisan Street (Menlo Park Plaza), operates a fixed-site exchange and a mobile van that visits multiple sites across the county each week. Services include one-for-one (and sometimes one-for-many) sterile syringe distribution, free sharps containers, naloxone (Narcan) overdose rescue kits, wound and abscess care, HIV and hepatitis C testing, and direct referrals to treatment. There are no fees and no ID requirement; participation is confidential. For the general public, Multnomah County maintains permanent steel needle drop boxes at locations including Holladay Park, Old Town, and selected transit stops; bins were first installed in 2016 and have been expanded. Household sharps can also be dropped at Metro hazardous-waste facilities (Metro Central, Metro South) at no charge. State law does not prohibit possession of used syringes obtained from an exchange program. Improper disposal in trash, recycling, or public spaces is discouraged; commercial generators must use a licensed medical-waste hauler under OAR 333-056.