Pueblo, CO Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Status
- declared a public nuisance
- Offense class
- Class 2 municipal offense
- Excludes
- licensed healthcare treatment facilities
- Each day
- separate violation after 24 hours
Summary
Pueblo declares the creation, establishment, operation or participation in a needle-exchange 'syringe services program' within city limits a nuisance under its General Offense Code.
The creation, establishment, operation, or participation in a syringe services program within the City of Pueblo. ... Syringe services program means any and all needle and syringe exchange or distribution programs or projects whereby hypodermic needles and/or syringes are exchanged or dispensed such that persons participating in and/or operating such programs are exempted from criminal prosecution for acts related to the possession of needles and/or syringes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 109).
Full Breakdown
Section 11-1-405(b)(7) lists the 'creation, establishment, operation, or participation in a syringe services program within the City of Pueblo' as a specific nuisance. Subsection (a)(3) defines a syringe services program as any needle and syringe exchange or distribution program under which participants or operators are exempted from prosecution for possessing needles or syringes, excluding licensed facilities providing diagnosis, care or treatment of illness. Creating or maintaining this nuisance is a Class 2 municipal offense, and the Mayor or Health Officer may order it abated.
Violations & Fines
Creating, maintaining, permitting or suffering this nuisance to exist is a Class 2 municipal offense under Section 11-1-405(c)(1); each 24-hour continuance is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pueblo allow needle-exchange programs?
What counts as a "syringe services program" under Pueblo's code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pueblo
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