Washington RCW 70.95K bans household syringes from regular trash. Seattle and King County offer free sharps drop-off sites; residents must use rigid, puncture-proof containers. Pharmacies and clinics provide takeback.
Washington RCW 70.95K classifies used hypodermic needles and lancets as biohazardous waste prohibited from household garbage and recycling. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and King County Solid Waste accept household sharps at transfer stations and select pharmacies. Residents must place needles in FDA-approved sharps containers or rigid plastic detergent bottles with screw caps, labeled 'SHARPS.' Curbside collection is not available. Public Health-Seattle King County operates needle exchange programs in conjunction with the People's Harm Reduction Alliance for IV-drug users. Improper disposal in trash, public spaces, or recycling triggers misdemeanor charges. Businesses generating regulated medical waste must contract with a licensed transporter under WAC 173-303.
Improper disposal of sharps: misdemeanor under RCW 70.95K, fines $250-$1,000. Business violations: regulated medical waste penalties up to $10,000 per day under WAC 173-303.
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