Medical ruling

Can needles and syringes go down the drain?

NO

Absolutely not. The plumbing is not a sharps container.

×
Sink or drainNo
×
Garbage disposalNo
×
ToiletNo
×
Septic systemNo

01

Why the pipe objects

Loose sharps create a serious needlestick hazard and should never enter toilets, sinks or household recycling.

02

Do this instead

Immediately place used sharps in an FDA-cleared sharps container and use a community collection or mail-back option.

03

Already did it?

Do not reach into a drain or disposal to retrieve it. Keep people away from the fixture and contact a plumber or local wastewater authority for safe removal guidance.