San Bernardino, CA Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SBMC § 8.24.120(E)(1)
- Banned items
- Exposed needles, poisons, caustic acids, explosives
- Proper disposal route
- City's sharps collection program
- Enforcement
- Notice of violation plus administrative fine
Summary
San Bernardino Municipal Code § 8.24.120(E)(1) bars anyone from putting unbroken, exposed hypodermic needles or other dangerous substances in a garbage, recycling or organics container, and points residents to the city's sharps collection program for proper disposal instead.
(1) No person shall place or deposit in any garbage, recyclable materials, organic waste container for collection pursuant to the provisions of this chapter any unbroken and exposed hypodermic needles, medicines, pills, poisons, caustic acids, explosives or similar dangerous substances which may cause human injury or harm. Customers may contact the city for information regarding the city’s sharps collection program.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026).
Full Breakdown
24. The same subsection tells customers they may contact the city for information about its sharps collection program rather than bagging needles with household trash, protecting sanitation workers who handle curbside and hauler-collected containers from needle-stick injuries. 120(E)(2) pairs this with a related ban on discarding bedding, clothing or other articles from a home where an infectious or contagious disease has prevailed; anyone in that situation must instead notify the county health officer and dispose of the items as directed. 130, which lets the City Manager issue notices of violation, administrative fines and, where warranted, refer a case for misdemeanor or infraction prosecution through the City Attorney.
Violations & Fines
Depositing exposed sharps or other dangerous substances in a collection container violates § 8.24.120(E)(1) and is enforced the same way as other Chapter 8.24 violations under § 8.24.130: a notice of violation, administrative fines set by City Council resolution, and, at the City Attorney's discretion, prosecution as an infraction or misdemeanor for repeat or serious cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I throw used needles in my regular trash can in San Bernardino?
What other dangerous items can't go in my trash bin?
Where can I safely get rid of sharps in San Bernardino?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino
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Syringe Disposal in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle syringe disposal.