Santa Ana, CA Public Health Rules: Syringe Disposal (2026)

Article XV of Chapter 18 was added by Ord. No. NS-2996 in October 2020. Section 18-653 states the article's purpose is to prohibit Syringe Exchange Programs 'in order to protect the public from the health and safety risks associated with such programs and with the improper disposal of syringes, needles, and related waste,' defining a covered program as one authorized by Orange County or the California Department of Public Health that dispenses or collects hypodermic needles and syringes under Health and Safety Code Division 105, Part 4, Chapter 18, the same authorization that shields participants from state criminal prosecution.

1 or a successor statute. Section 18-655 sets the penalty as a misdemeanor, a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day of operation a separate offense, while also allowing the city, its police department, or code enforcement to pursue administrative citations and fines under Chapter 1 instead, with a right to appeal and an administrative hearing. Section 18-656 caps the article by directing that it be read consistent with state and federal law and will not apply where doing so would violate such law, which matters because the California Department of Public Health approved a syringe delivery service for Santa Ana in 2023 over the city's objection under its own state authorization.